BYD has revealed the first official images of the second generation of its small Seagull electric car, which is sold outside China as the Dolphin Surf or Dolphin Mini. The images, presented as design sketches and cabin images, show a vehicle that is larger and more advanced than the current model, with its launch in China scheduled to begin before the end of 2026.
The Seagull sits at the bottom of BYD's lineup in terms of price, starting at 69,900 yuan in China, or approximately $10,000. In Europe, the Dolphin Surf starts at approximately €22,900. According to the data cited in the report, the model, counting both its Dolphin Surf and Dolphin Mini versions, ranked sixth among the world's best-selling electric cars during the first half of 2026, with more than 27,500 units.
A Larger Car and a More Powerful Motor
Data from a regulatory filing with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reveals that the new car, which is expected to be called the Great Seagull, will measure 4,205 millimeters in length, 1,810 millimeters in width, and 1,570 millimeters in height, with a 2,650-millimeter wheelbase. By comparison, the current Seagull measures 3,780 millimeters in length, indicating a significant increase in dimensions and interior space.
The electric motor's output will also increase to 95 kilowatts, or 127 horsepower, compared with 55 kilowatts, or 75 horsepower, in the current model. BYD has not yet disclosed the remaining official specifications, including battery capacity, range, and final prices.
Changes to the Design and Cabin
The sketches show three-pronged front and rear lights, along with an exterior whose lines have been redesigned while retaining the Seagull's basic identity. The cabin includes a new two-spoke steering wheel, an infotainment screen that appears larger, and a row of physical buttons beneath the central air-conditioning vents.
A traditional instrument panel does not appear in the images, while the car retains a wireless phone charger and two cupholders between the driver and front passenger. The cabin has a simple design, but the images alone are insufficient to judge the quality of the materials or the final equipment level.
What Changes in Practical Terms?
The transition from a small city car to a larger and more powerful model represents BYD's attempt to broaden the Seagull's scope without abandoning its low-cost position. The increased dimensions may improve space and usability, while the more powerful motor is expected to enhance performance, but these gains could affect price, weight, and range—points that have not been resolved by the available information.
Reports and spy images indicate that the car could be equipped with second-generation Blade batteries and Flash Charging fast-charging technology, in addition to an advanced driver-assistance system that may rely on the God's Eye B system and a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor. However, BYD has not confirmed this equipment in the referenced official announcement.
Will It Reach Overseas Markets?
BYD has not yet confirmed the launch of the second generation in Europe or the United Kingdom. If it reaches overseas markets, it will likely be marketed as the second-generation Dolphin Surf. Given the current version's price in Europe, the new model is expected to be more expensive, with the possibility that it will remain below €30,000, but this remains an unofficial estimate until the company announces prices and availability dates.