Several countries have planned to phase out the production and sales of vehicles with internal combustion engines by the mid-2030s.
This is because fossil fuel is one of the environmental contaminants that cause health risks. China, the leader in technology, is one of the countries that are already investing in electric cars.
Beginning
BYD is one of the most popular car manufacturers in China. The company has produced passenger cars, buses, trucks, bicycles, and forklifts.
Since 2020, the company has experienced significant growth after transitioning from the production of internal combustion engines to hybrid and electric vehicle systems. Currently, it ranks as the world’s largest plug-in electric vehicle manufacturer after overtaking Tesla.
While Chinese automakers are known for high technology and affordable cars, BYD nailed it in April 2023. The company launched the BYD Seagull, their cheapest battery-electric hatchback.
Overview
The BYD Seagull continues to sell well, and the model released in April 2023 is expected to sell in other countries in 2024. Seagull offers minimal features, but it’s ideal for people looking forward to owning their first electric car or carrying out light tasks.
In this review, you’ll learn all the details about the 2024 BYD Seagull, including the exterior, interior, the technology used, how it feels to drive, the prices of different trims, and its rivals in the market.
What is It?
BYD Seagull is a battery-electric hatchback manufactured by BYD Auto. It was introduced at Auto Shanghai in April 2023 as the smallest vehicle among BYD products. Actually, it’s the latest car introduced in BYD’s range of electric cars.
BYD? Say What?
BYD Seagull is a 5-door hatchback with an excellent design. The vehicle is smaller than the BYD Dolphin, and the company has planned to sell it in Brazil and other Latin American markets in 2024 as the BYD Dolphin Mini.
The BYD Seagull is one of the BYD’s ocean models, a new series launched to add momentum to the market. The Ocean series consists of car models named after ocean creatures with names like the Dolphin and Seagull.
Twenty-four hours after the release in April 2023, the company received over 10,000 orders. By 29 November 2023, 200,000 BYD Seagulls had already been sold.
What About the Looks?
The 2024 BYD Seagull design is fantastic since it’s a five-door hatchback with a length of only 3,780 mm. The exterior design has sharp lines, and the angular-shaped headlamps define the whole car’s beauty.
Additionally, it has a sloping roofline with rear lights connected by a light bar.
The Seagull’s modern design matches the Dolphin. The headlights have the LEDs that make the car modern. Moreover, it has a large windshield with a single wiper, unlike the common two-wiper design.
The car brings a unique style to the door handles. The handles have a pull-up design, and the steel wheels are stylized with covers.
Before we get far, the front bumper looks aggressive, and on the lower part is a stylized small grille. What else? There is also a roof-mounted spoiler that gives the car a sporty look.
In conclusion, the car brings to the market a unique blend of aesthetics and aerodynamic features for efficiency. In terms of compactness and comfort, the BYD Seagull can be positioned just below its sibling, BYD Dolphin.
And to Drive?
The 2024 BYD Seagull is powered by a single electric motor, delivering a total power output of 55kW. That’s around 75 horsepower, and the car achieves a top speed of 130 km/h.
The car can move from 0 to 50 km/h in 4.9 seconds or 0 to 100 km in 13 seconds. Many car enthusiasts would say the car engine is a bit lazy.
The drive is comfortable, and the aerodynamic features help the vehicle achieve a great electric range of up to 405 km. Moreover, the 15 or 16 wheel sizes aren’t bad for such a smaller car.
Do You Think You Will Take It to Heart?
Yes. By just looking at the car, you’ll love it. And once you take the road trip, you’ll develop an even stronger bond with it. The car has the most advanced features like cruise control, rear parking sensors, reverse camera system, and air conditioner, among others.
What’s in a Name?
It’s a BYD Seagull hatchback. The car is produced in three trims for the China market. There is the base model known as Vitality Edition, a higher specification called the Freedom Edition, and a top specification known as the Flying Edition.
All these models have a 55kW motor and a top speed of 130 km/h. But what sets them apart?
The Vitality Edition offers an efficient and eco-friendly driving experience. This model has a 30 kWh LiFePO4 blade battery, providing a range of 305 km.
The Freedom Edition promises an even more exhilarating ride. This model also uses a 30 kWh LiFePO4 blade battery with the same range as the Vitality Edition.
The Flying Edition is the top-spec with a motor and top speed similar to other models. However, it has a larger battery of 38 kWh. The upgrade elevates the model’s range to 405 km.
The engines consume around 10.3kWh per 100km. These models have the most advanced features in the most modern luxurious cars.
You Mention High-Tech?
Yes. Indeed, it’s a small car, but it has the most advanced features and technology. The car has six airbags located in different areas of the cabin to protect the occupants in case of an accident.
Additionally, the hatchback has a single-speed transmission specifically for the electric models.
The BYD Seagull adds safety features on top of the airbags. For instance, it has adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking to avoid accidents. Also, the car has a lane departure warning feature, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed limit alarm, and forward collision warning.
Other features include the 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and keyless start. The car supports AC and DC charging, which can charge the battery from 0 to 100% in around 40 minutes.
The connectivity features also amazed many people upon the launch of the model. The features integrate well with smartphones, providing navigation, entertainment, and hands-free calling access.
The company intends to swap the current battery for a sodium-ion battery, which is lithium and cobalt-free.
What’s the Verdict?
BYD has considered people with a low budget who intend to purchase an electric car. It’s a blend of simplicity, low cost, and advanced systems.
Price and Specs
How Much Does BYD Seagull Cost?
BYD Seagull is available in three trim, each offering unique specs and a different cost. For instance, the Vitality Edition costs around $10,690, while the Freedom Edition costs around $11,400. On the other hand, the full spec model, Flying Edition, costs from $12,400 to $13000.
Specs:
| Price: $12,400 | Engine: Single electric motor |
| 0-100 km/h: 13 seconds | Power: 55 kW |
| Torque: 135 Nm | Range: 405 km |
| Top Speed: 130 km/h | Release Year: 2023 |
Driving
What is It Like to Drive?
The car has a 55kW motor, so you can expect it to slightly drag as you try to take off. While some smaller cars may feel less comfortable to drive for a long distance, the BYD Seagull is different. It has plenty of safety features ready to protect you in an accident.
The 2024 BYD Seagull has standard driver and passenger front airbags. Additionally, it has curtain airbags to protect you on the front and rear.
The top-spec model offers an optional driver assistance package, which includes the forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. These specs keep the Seagull on top of other hatchbacks in its class.
Steering the car feels much more direct and less rubbery, unlike in most smaller cars. The car shares the McPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam with the Bingo.
However, it has a wider front and rear track. This makes it feel more planted and agile, so you can negotiate the corners smoothly.
Finally, you have the infotainment screen and a four-speaker sound system to keep you entertained behind the wheel. The sound system also competes with the tire noise, but you can take it easily if you don’t mind much.
What About the Steering?
The car’s steering wheel has a flat bottom design. This electric steering has several navigation buttons to help you select and engage different features without shifting your focus from the road. Steering the car itself feels much more direct and less rubbery.
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Talk to Me About the Ride
Whichever trim you choose, you’ll have the same power of 55kW. However, some specs may differ, so you’d better choose the top-spec model for a better driving experience. Once you have sat behind the wheel, you’ll feel more comfortable than in the same class of cars.
The acceleration may be slow; remember you’re driving a smaller car. If you need high performance, you’d better choose a model with an engine that will give a good punch.
Well, from 0 to 50 km/h will take 4.9 seconds, and when you aim for 100 km/h, you’ll achieve it in just 13 seconds. It’s just a matter of patience.
The base and the mid trims can offer you a range of 305 km, while the top-spec model with a battery of 38kWh can offer a higher range.
Your ride will be nice since the car has several airbags for protection in an accident. Also, steering the car is pretty nice, and navigating the corners is effortless with the McPherson strut front suspension.
However, if you love driving with your headphones, you can use them for entertainment since the wind and tire noise can distract you. In conclusion, the BYD Seagul is ideal for short and long-distance trips.
And The EV Efficiency?
All the trims have a 55kW electric synchronous motor. The consumption of the cars is around 10.3kWh per 100km. You can get a range of 305 km with the 30kWh battery and 405 km with the 38kWh battery.
What About Steering The BYD Seagull Yourself?
So far, there are no significant glitches or issues with the car. It’s just a perfect car for your daily rides since the technical reliability is top-notch.
The safety features like the airbag system, the cruise control, and the automatic braking will add thrills to your ride.
Is the Range Good?
The base and the Freedom Edition have a 30kWh battery and a 55kW motor that offers a range of 305 km.
On the other hand, the Flying Edition has a 38kWh battery that can power the motor for 405 km on a single charge. This is quite a good range for your daily trips.
Interior
What is It Like on the Inside?
Inside the BYD Seagull, you’ll find a 5-inch instrument cluster displaying essential details like the trip, vehicle mileage, and battery percentage as you drive. Additionally, you’ll have a rotating 12.8-inch infotainment screen for other features.
The Seagull has a sporty steering wheel with a flat bottom and control buttons. The car has a wireless charging pad and two cup holders if you love seeping some drinks on a trip. The interior is spacious and resembles the BYD Atto 3, although the car is Dolphin’s smaller sibling.
Is the BYD Seagull Easy to Use?
Unlike modern cars with advanced features and complicated control procedures, the BYD Seagull has a simple cabin. Most of the controls on the dashboard are physical; therefore, they are easier to control.
But Where’s the Instrument Panel?
The 5-inch instrument panel in the BYD Seagull is fixed just behind the steering wheel and beside the larger infotainment screen. The view is so nice since it’s raised from the dashboard.
Is It Spacious?
BYD Seagul bridges the gap between the subcompact segments and a city car. The car measures 3,780 mm in length, 1,715 mm in width, and 1,540 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,500 mm.
If you’ve seen the Dolphin, you’ll compare the two very well. The Seagull is 345 mm shorter, 55 mm narrower, and 30 mm lower than the Dolphin.
However, the interior is spacious for four people; the boot space is 930L, with the rear seats folded.
How’s the Build Quality?
The 5-door hatchback is based on BYD’s e-platform 3.0. It has a high-strength body structure with up to 61% steel material.
Buying
What Should I Be Paying?
You’ll pay around $10,690 for the base spec, the Vitality Edition. However, if you want a higher spec, Freedom Edition, you’ll pay up to $11,400. You can also choose the Flying Edition, which costs $12,400 to $13000.
What Does Charging Cost?
You can pay 1.5 to 2 CNY per kilowatt hour at public charging stations.
How Long Will Charging Take?
The car battery can charge from 30% to 80% in 30 minutes using a DC fast charger. The fast chargers are categorized as 30 or 40 kW, depending on the model.
What About Rivals?
For markets like India, the BYD Seagull will compete with models like the Tata Tiago EV, Citroen eC3, and the upcoming MG Comet. The driving range makes the Seagull one of the most suitable smaller electric hatchbacks for the Indian market.
In China, the car competes with models like Wuling Bingo. The car has a 50kW electric motor, slightly smaller than the Seagull’s. It also offers a range of 333 kilometers. Bingo costs around $8,300 in China.
