BYD is preparing a much larger Seagull electric hatchback, with Chinese regulatory filings showing a longer body and 73% more motor power than the current car.
CarNewsChina, citing documents published by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), reported that the revised Seagull measures 4,205mm long, 1,810mm wide and 1,570mm tall. Its wheelbase stretches to 2,650mm.
That makes it 425mm longer and gives it an extra 150mm between the axles compared with the existing Seagull. The growth moves the car closer in size to BYD’s Dolphin, although it retains a five-door hatchback body.
Power comes from a permanent-magnet synchronous motor rated at 95kW (129PS), up from 55kW in the current model. The filing lists a top speed of 150kph.
The documents identify lithium iron phosphate battery cells supplied by BYD subsidiary FinDreams Battery, but do not disclose battery capacity, driving range or charging performance.
Two kerb weights appear in the filings: 1,180kg and 1,255kg, depending on specification. Gross vehicle weight is listed at either 1,555kg or 1,630kg. All versions use 205/60 R16 tyres and have five seats.
Exterior options include different wheel designs, side trim and model badging. One version can also be fitted with a camera near the high-mounted brake light, which could support a more advanced driver-assistance package.
The Seagull is also under pressure at home.
CarNewsChina said it recorded 9,825 Chinese retail sales in June, compared with 33,359 for Geely’s Xingyuan, sold as the EX2 in some markets.
BYD has not announced the car’s launch date, prices or export plans.
Outside China, the current Seagull is sold under several names. Some markets retain the Seagull badge, while others call it the Dolphin Mini, Dolphin Surf or Atto 1.
The filing did not confirm whether BYD considers the enlarged car a new generation or a major update.
