This is the new BYD Seagull and with a price tag starting at just 78,000 yuan ($11,300), it is one of the most compelling new electric vehicles from China launched in quite some time.
Presented at the ongoing Shanghai Auto Show, the BYD Seagull takes the form of a compact hatchback that will be positioned below the Dolphin in the brand’s range. It is just 3,780 mm (148.8 inches) long, 1,715 mm (67.5 inches) wide, and stands 1,540 mm (60.6 inches) tall and sports quite an edgy and aggressive design that should appeal to young consumers throughout China.
The car’s front end is particularly aggressive with angular headlights, pronounced creases, and a blacked-out lower grille. It also has quite a dramatic side profile with black wheels and wheel arches, lines stretching diagonally along the doors, flush handles, and rear side windows that extend upwards towards thick C-pillars with a black accent. Found at the rear of the BYD Seagull are LED taillights and a light bar, as well as a large spoiler stretching out from the roof.
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Underpinning the Seagull is BYD’s latest third-generation EV platform and it will apparently be sold with two different electric motor and battery options in China. The entry-level model will sport a 74 hp motor at the front wheels while the other will increase this to 100 hp. Meanwhile, 30 kWh and 38 kWh battery packs will be offered. Despite the compact sizes of these batteries, the 30 kWh version will apparently have 190 miles (306 km) of range while the 38 kWh version has been rated at 252 miles (405 km). Both models support DC fast charging and can be charged to 80% in just 30 minutes.
A key feature of the 30 kWh battery pack is that it is the first BYD model to use sodium-ion battery chemistry that is cheaper to manufacture.
Given the car’s lower starting price, it hardly comes as a surprise that the interior is quite minimal. However, it does still offer plenty of features, including a 12.8-inch infotainment screen, a 5-inch digital instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad, and two cupholders.
It is unclear if BYD intends on selling the Seagull in any markets outside of China.
