BYD Seagull Review (2025–2026): The Electric “Seagull” for the City
The BYD Seagull is a subcompact electric vehicle changing the rules of the urban EV segment due to its affordability and technology.
1. Concept and Positioning
The BYD Seagull is a key model in the company’s “Ocean” series, positioned as an affordable yet technologically advanced urban hatchback. The car was first presented at the Auto Shanghai exhibition in April 2023 and quickly gained popularity thanks to its vibrant design and low operating costs.
The Seagull is built for heavy urban traffic, where maneuverability, ease of parking, and efficiency play an essential role. It offers a basic but sufficient set of features for comfortable daily use, making electric mobility accessible to a wide range of consumers.
2. Dimensions and Design: Compactness with Personality
Despite its subcompact class, the Seagull boasts a bold and modern design that distinguishes it from many utilitarian competitors. Its appearance aligns with BYD’s overall “marine” styling but features sharper, more angular lines, lending it a sporty feel.
| Key Dimensions of BYD Seagull | |
|---|---|
| **Length** | 3780 mm |
| **Width** | 1715 mm |
| **Height** | 1540 mm |
| **Wheelbase** | 2500 mm |
Thanks to this compactness, the Seagull demonstrates excellent maneuverability. Short overhangs and a small wheelbase ensure a minimal turning radius, which is critically important for parking in cramped city conditions. Although the car is small, the well-thought-out interior layout allows for maximum efficient use of internal space.
3. Interior and Technology: The Digital Heart
The Seagull’s interior, despite its budget positioning, does not look Spartan. It is designed in a modern style, with the main focus on digital technology. The central element of the cabin is BYD’s signature rotating touchscreen display.
- **Central Display:** 10.1 inches (in basic versions) or 12.8 inches (in Smart Driving trims). The screen operates on the proprietary **DiLink system**.
- **DiLink System:** Provides access to voice control, navigation, as well as cloud services and applications, making the car part of the owner’s digital ecosystem.
- **Materials:** Seats are upholstered in **eco-leather**, giving the interior a more premium look and ensuring easy care.
- **Trunk:** With the rear seatback folded down, the luggage compartment volume reaches **930 liters**, an impressive figure for a subcompact, allowing for the transportation of bulky items.
4. Performance and Features: Sufficient Power
The Seagull is equipped with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that drives the front wheels. Although its power is not record-breaking, it is optimal for the urban driving cycle, where a quick start from a standstill is often more important than a high top speed.
| Parameter | Indicator |
|---|---|
| **Electric Motor Power** | 55 kW (75 hp) |
| **Torque** | 135 N·m |
| **Acceleration 0-50 km/h** | 4.9 seconds (excellent for city starts) |
| **Maximum Speed** | 130 km/h |
Acceleration to 50 km/h in 4.9 seconds ensures that the “Seagull” will feel confident in traffic. The maximum speed of 130 km/h confirms its urban specialization; this figure may be insufficient for regular long-distance trips on highways.
5. Battery and Range: The Energy Choice
BYD offers two main battery configurations, allowing buyers to choose the optimal balance between price and range, based on their daily needs.
- **Standard Battery:** Capacity **30.08 kWh**, provides a range of up to **305 km** according to the CLTC cycle.
- **Extended Battery:** Capacity **38.88 kWh**, provides a range of up to **405 km** according to the CLTC cycle.
- **Battery Type:** Utilizes BYD’s proprietary Blade Battery technology, known for its safety and energy density.
The Issue of Winter Operation
Owner reviews point to an expected issue for all electric vehicles: **a significant reduction in range during cold weather**. At temperatures around -20°C, the real-world range can drop to 150–180 km. Residents of regions with harsh winters must consider this fact when planning regular trips.
6. Trim Levels and Owner Reviews
The BYD Seagull is available in five trim levels (Vitality, Freedom, Flying, Smart Driving 305km Vitality, and Smart Driving 305km Free), allowing the buyer to precisely choose the necessary level of equipment, from basic to versions with advanced intelligent features.
Positive Aspects (According to Reviews)
«Unbeatable **economy** – charging costs 5–10 times less than refueling with gasoline. Ideal **compactness** and maneuverability, making parking in the city center a pleasure, not a struggle.»
Criticism and Disadvantages (According to Reviews)
«It struggles **on the highway** — 75 hp is not enough for overtaking. The main disadvantage: **rigid suspension**, which transmits bumps and potholes too strongly into the cabin. And, of course, **reduced range in winter**.»
BYD Seagull Review Rewrite: The Economic Champion with Minor Compromises
BYD Seagull (2025–2026): Justified Affordability in the Electric World
The BYD Seagull confidently occupies a niche that has long been vacant: a subcompact, affordable, and, most importantly, desirable electric vehicle. It is not just a means of transport, but a statement of intent to make “green” mobility mass-market. The Seagull does not aim to compete with flagships in power or luxury, but its efficiency and thoughtful design for the urban environment make it one of the most significant offerings of 2025–2026.
Dynamics Sufficient for Stoplights
The synchronous motor with 75 hp and 135 Nm of torque may seem modest, but it is more than enough for the city. Acceleration from 0 to 50 km/h in 4.9 seconds ensures an instantaneous response, allowing it to easily pull ahead from a start. Yes, the maximum speed of 130 km/h and limited capabilities on the highway are a compromise, but they directly indicate its purpose: **home — work — store — parking**.
Unexpected Technology for the Budget Class
The Seagull’s interior exceeds the expectations set by its price segment. The use of eco-leather and the presence of a large 10.1 or 12.8-inch touchscreen with the DiLink system raise it a step above utilitarian competitors. BYD’s proprietary system with voice control integrates the car into digital life, and the ability to expand the trunk up to 930 liters with the seats folded down transforms the “Seagull” into a surprisingly spacious helper.
The Key Dilemma: Winter Operation
The main choice for the Seagull buyer comes down to battery capacity (305 km or 405 km CLTC). This is a critical point, especially for regions with cold climates. Owners rightly note that at extremely low temperatures, the real-world range can drop by half, down to 150–180 km. Therefore, choosing the larger battery (405 km) becomes not a luxury but a necessity to ensure comfortable range even in harsh weather. This fact offsets some of its price advantage but increases practicality.
The Suspension Compromise
Another noted drawback is the **suspension stiffness**. This is a common feature of compact cars, dictated by the need to maintain stability with small dimensions. In the Seagull, this results in the driver and passengers feeling road bumps more strongly than desired, which is an inevitable price for maneuverability and affordability.
Verdict: The Ideal Second Car
The BYD Seagull is a nearly ideal solution for the role of a second, city car in the family or the main vehicle for those who do not take long trips. Its **phenomenal economy** (charging is many times cheaper than gasoline), compactness, and modern technology easily outweigh drawbacks such as stiff suspension and reduced winter range. The Seagull is not just an electric vehicle; it is a catalyst that accelerates the transition to electric mobility due to its price attractiveness and functionality. For 2025–2026, it is one of the most important and promising cars in the subcompact EV segment.