The second-generation BYD Seagull has arrived with some major upgrades, including an 800-volt battery system that the Chinese automaker claims can reach 70% charge in just five minutes. The new model builds on the success of one of China’s former best-selling electric cars, with BYD targeting a price below $15,000.
More Power, Rear-Wheel Drive, and Room for Five
The biggest change is under the skin. BYD has moved the electric motor from the front to the rear axle, giving the new Seagull rear-wheel drive. Power jumps from 73 to 127 horsepower, an impressive 74% increase.
Moving the motor also frees up space under the hood, making room for a front trunk, or frunk, which the previous generation lacked.
The upgrades extend to the suspension. BYD has ditched the old torsion beam setup in favor of a more sophisticated independent multi-link rear suspension, likely a result of switching to rear-wheel drive.
The Seagull has also grown considerably, gaining 425 mm in overall length and 150 mm in its wheelbase. That extra space allows the new model to seat five passengers, compared with the rather cramped four-person cabin of its predecessor.
Inside, there’s a large central infotainment touchscreen, while an available advanced driver assistance system uses LiDAR technology to scan the car’s surroundings with laser pulses.
How Does the New Seagull Charge in Just 5 Minutes?
The new Seagull features an 800-volt electrical architecture paired with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, which is generally cheaper than nickel-based alternatives.
The higher voltage allows faster charging without dramatically increasing electrical current, helping reduce heat buildup. It’s the technology behind BYD’s Flash Charging system.
According to BYD, the battery can reach 70% charge in just five minutes and 97% in nine minutes. However, the company hasn’t revealed the maximum charging power or specified which charger is needed to achieve those figures.
Two battery options are available. The smaller 30 kWh pack delivers a claimed 320 km of range, while the larger 39.2 kWh battery increases that figure to 420 km.
Both figures come from China’s optimistic CLTC testing cycle. Under the stricter American EPA standard, estimated ranges drop to approximately 225 km and 295 km, respectively.
Key Specifications
Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
Length | 4,205 mm |
Width | 1,810 mm |
Height | 1,570 mm |
Wheelbase | 2,650 mm |
Tire Width | 205 mm |
Wheel Size | 16 inches |
Despite its growth, the Seagull remains a small electric car. The longer wheelbase makes room for a fifth passenger, while the wider tires give it a broader stance that complements its upgraded suspension.
New BYD Seagull Price Remains a Mystery
The current Seagull costs approximately $10,000 in China, equivalent to around SAR 37,500. BYD hasn’t announced pricing, trim levels, or a launch date for the second generation, making it impossible to determine how much extra these upgrades will cost.
The original Seagull made its name by combining a low price with a respectable equipment list, although its sales performance in China has cooled recently.
