With up to 405 km claimed range, BYD Seagull might become one of the most popular small electric car
China is currently hot for small EVs. That said, for people craving practicality, the five-door EVs are still fan favourites. BYD is set to storm the Chinese automotive market with Seagull, a new five-door offering. This is one of the most important EVs for China and is causing ruffles across the market.
Bookings have commenced. Since its launch at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, BYD received 10,000 orders in just 24 hours. For starters, numbers like 130 km/h top speed, up to 70 kW (94 bhp) motor, and up to 38 kWh battery good for 405 km range are impressive. Even more impressive is a price tag of CNY 78,800 (approx Rs. 9.4 lakh) for base variant, CNY 83,800 for mid variant (Rs 10 lakh) while top variant is CNY 95,800 (approx Rs. 11.43 lakh).
BYD Seagull Launched – Details Revealed
Seagull is part of BYD’s Ocean Series consisting of Sea Lion SUV, Dolphin and Seal sedan (showcased in India). In this lineup, Seagull will be slotted below Dolphin which is 4070 mm in length. Seagull measures 3780 mm in length, 1715 mm in width, 1540 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2500 mm. Think Tiago EV dimensions.
It is a cute-sy 5-door hatchback featuring “Ice-breaking eyes” headlights with projectors and an attractive side and rear profile with connecting LED tail lights. Seagull is built to a cost to hit that sweet CNY 78,800 official starting price. It has a single windshield wiper like on a Nano, pull-up style door handles like in budget vehicles, and steel wheels with stylized covers are likely.
Features Are Best In Class
Interiors are much more premium than exteriors, revealing a 5″ instrument console, a 12.8″ infotainment screen, a flat-bottom steering wheel, a layered dashboard, powered driver’s seat, a neatly integrated wireless charging pad and a couple of cup holders. The main rival for BYD Seagull is Wuling Bingo, manufactured by SAIC-GM-Wuling JV. Bingo is larger and offers slightly more range than Seagull from its bigger battery.
Speaking of battery, Seagull is based on BYD’s e-platform 3.0 skateboard. Battery choices include a 30 kWh good for 305 km and a 38 kWh option boasting 405 km of range. BYD Seagull details reveal a choice between a 55 kW (73 bhp) motor in lower configs and a 70 kW (94 bhp) motor in higher configurations. Top speed is pegged at 130 km/h, which is impressive for an EV of this class.
Should BYD Launch This In India?
Currently, BYD has launched e6 and Atto 3, but is likely to introduce Seal sedan as its flagship offering in India. With the Seagull, we can see BYD leveraging its manufacturing prowess to offer competitive pricing. This is likely to bring volumes at a greater scale than e6, Atto 3 and Seal.
As of now, BYD working on exporting Seagull’s larger sibling Dolphin EV, which is likely to be offered in Europe and the UK. BYD has not confirmed both Dolphin and Seagull for India. We hope BYD considers launching Seagull here in India.
Tata Motors currently dominates the Indian EV space. Tiago EV is the most affordable electric car. It costs between Rs. 8.69 lakh and 11.99 lakh (ex-sh). If launched here with an aggressive starting price, BYD Seagull with its 405 km range will surely make ruffles in Indian EV space.
