With its new five-door offering, the BYD Seagull, the Chinese carmaker is poised to dominate the Chinese automotive market. One of the most significant EVs for China, this one is upsetting the market. Reservations have started. In just one day after the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, BYD received 10,000 orders.
For starters, figures like a top speed of 130 km/h, a motor with up to 70 kW (94 bhp), and a battery with a capacity of up to 38 kWh for a 405 km range are impressive. Even more impressive is the price, which ranges from CNY 78,800 (roughly Rs. 9.4 lakh) for the base variant to CNY 83,800 (roughly Rs. 10 lakh) for the mid-range variant and CNY 95,800 (roughly Rs. 11.43 lakh) for the top variant.
The BYD Seagull belongs to the company’s Ocean Series, which also includes the Sea Lion SUV, Dolphin, and Seal sedan.
BYD Seagull will be positioned beneath the 4070 mm-long Dolphin in this lineup. The Seagull has a wheelbase of 2500 mm and measures 3780 mm in length, 1715 mm in width, and 1540 mm in height.
Consider the Tiago EV dimensions. A cute 5-door hatchback, it has projector “Ice-breaking eyes” headlights, a stylish side and rear profile, and connecting LED taillights. The BYD Seagull was constructed to keep costs within the sweet CNY 78,800 official starting range. Similar to a Nano, it has a single windscreen wiper, pull-up door handles and, most likely, steel wheels with stylized covers.
Interiors are much more luxurious than exteriors, with a powered driver’s seat, a wireless charging pad that is neatly integrated, a couple of cup holders, a 12.8-inch infotainment screen, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a layered dashboard. The primary rival of BYD Seagull is the SAIC-GM-Wuling JV-produced Wuling Bingo.
Due to its bigger battery, Bingo is bigger and provides a little bit more range than Seagull. In relation to batteries, the Seagull skateboard is based on BYD’s e-platform 3.0 model. There are two battery options: a 30 kWh battery with a 305 km range and a 38 kWh battery with a 405 km range.
In lower configurations of the BYD Seagull, there is a choice between a 55 kW (73 bhp) motor and a 70 kW (94 bhp) motor. The maximum speed for an EV in this class is impressive at 130 km/h.
Currently, BYD has released the e6 and Atto 3, but its flagship model for India is likely to be the Seal sedan. With the Seagull, BYD demonstrates how it can offer competitive pricing by utilising its strengths in manufacturing. This is probably going to produce more volumes than e6, Atto 3, and Seal.
Currently, BYD is working on exporting the Seagull’s bigger sibling, the Dolphin EV, which will probably be sold in Europe and the UK. Both Dolphin and Seagull are not confirmed by BYD for India. We sincerely hope BYD will launch Seagull in India. The Indian EV market is currently dominated by Tata Motors. The most affordable electric vehicle is the Tiago EV. The price ranges from Rs. 8.69 lakh to Rs. 11.99 lakh (ex-sh). BYD Seagull’s 405 km range and aggressive starting price will undoubtedly cause a stir in the Indian EV market if it is introduced here.
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