Second-gen BYD Seagull cabin revealed as EV grows into a 4.2-meter five-seat hatchback

BYD has revealed official cabin sketches of the second-generation Seagull, showing a floating central display, revised physical switchgear, and a two-spoke steering wheel.

The interior reveal follows regulatory filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and earlier exterior design sketches. Often referred to in Chinese media as the “Great Seagull” because of its expanded dimensions, the new model measures 4,205 mm long and seats five. Meanwhile, the original 3.78-meter Seagull is sold outside China as the Atto 1, Dolphin Mini, and Dolphin Surf.

Redesigned cabin drops instrument cluster.

The official sketches show the dashboard without a separate driver-facing instrument display, with driving information presented through the elevated central touchscreen. The flatter upper dashboard creates a more open area ahead of the driver.

BYD has also reworked the centre console. An earlier cabin spy shot showed the gear selector moved to a steering-column stalk behind the two-spoke wheel, while the new layout uses a horizontal row of physical buttons below the central air vents. A raised bridge houses two cupholders and a wireless charging pad, with open storage underneath, while conventional grab handles replace the original wing-shaped door pulls.

From city EV to larger five-seat hatchback

MIIT filing data lists the second-generation Seagull at 4,205 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, and 1,570 mm tall, with a 2,650 mm wheelbase.

The 425 mm increase in length and 150 mm wheelbase extension make the new Seagull substantially longer than the current BYD Dolphin, although its wheelbase remains 50 mm shorter. The Dolphin measures 4,125–4,150 mm depending on version, while its 2,700 mm wheelbase is 50 mm longer than the new Seagull’s.

More power, range and available LiDAR

Power comes from a permanent-magnet synchronous motor identified in the filing as TZ164XYB and produced by Zhengzhou BYD Auto Co., Ltd. Both filed variants use 95 kW (127 hp) motors and lithium iron phosphate batteries produced by FinDreams.

The two battery options are listed at 30 kWh and 39.2 kWh, corresponding to 320 km and 420 km of CLTC range, respectively. Current reporting gives approximate WLTP equivalents of 259 km and 340 km.

The filing also lists a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor as an optional configuration for one variant, with front, rear, and side radar hardware, as seen on engineering test mules spotted in real life. The LiDAR-equipped configuration is associated with BYD’s DiPilot 300 driver-assistance system, marketed in China as God’s Eye B. Current reporting identifies navigation-assisted driving functions. However, exact equipment and functions remain configuration-dependent.

A larger body in the small-EV market

According to China EV DataTracker, BYD delivered 10,103 Seagulls domestically in August 2026, up 13.8% from July. The August figure remained close to the 10,000-unit level seen in several recent months.

The current Seagull is priced from 69,900 to 85,900 yuan (approx. 10,415 to 12,800 USD), while the Dolphin starts at 99,800 yuan (approx. 14,870 USD). Chinese media often refer to the enlarged model as the Great Seagull, while BYD has not formally confirmed whether it will be sold alongside the current car or replace it. Pricing for the new model has not been announced yet.

The Geely Xingyuan (sold overseas as the EX2) provides a direct market comparison for the new Seagull, measuring 4,135 mm long on the same 2,650 mm wheelbase. In August 2026, the Xingyuan recorded 39,651 domestic sales, according to China EV DataTracker.

BYD has said the new Seagull will enter the Chinese market this year, but has not announced a specific launch date.