China is the place for small EVs. But that does not mean five-door EVs are going out of fashion. We are aware of BYD making some big moves. It is all set to enter the Chinese automotive market with Seagull. This is a new five-door offering. This product is being dubbed as the most important EV for China.
Bookings Open For BYD Seagull
As it stands, bookings are currently underway. After its launch at the 2023 Shanghai Auto Show, the carmaker has received over 10,000 orders in just 24 hours. For the uninitiated, Seagull achieves 130 km/h top speed. The motor is 70 kW (94 bhp) with a battery pack of up to 38 kWh. This comes with a claimed mileage of 405 km range, quite impressive. Crazy how Seagull also retails with a competitive price tag of CNY 78,800. This translates to approx INR 9.4 lakh, for the base variant. As we know BYD’s Ocean Series consists of Sea Lion SUV, Dolphin and Seal sedan. Thus in this lineup, Seagull will position itself below Dolphin.
How Does It Look?
As for the design, it is a cute-looking 5-door hatchback. The highlighting feature is its “Ice-breaking eyes” headlights with projectors. It also benefits from an attractive side and rear profile equipped with connecting LED tail lights. The EV gets a single windshield wiper like on a Kwid. Other highlights include, pull-up style door handles and steel wheels with stylized covers are likely.
Features On Offer
BYD Seagull Electric also features good-looking interiors. We see a 5″ instrument console, a 12.8″ infotainment screen, a flat-bottom steering wheel, a powered driver’s seat, a layered dashboard, a wireless charging pad and a couple of cup holders. The main rival for BYD Seagull currently is the Wuling Bingo.
Battery Choices
Seagull uses BYD’s e-platform 3.0 skateboard. Battery choices for the EV include a 30 kWh with a range of 305 km and a 38 kWh option with a claimed range of 405 km. Customers have the choice for BYD Seagull between a 55 kW (73 bhp) motor in lower configurations and a 70 kW (94 bhp) motor in higher configurations.
India Launch Timeline
As it stands, BYD has launched the e6 and Atto 3, so it is likely to introduce the Seal sedan as its flagship offering in India. And If launched in the Indian market with an aggressive starting price, BYD Seagull with its 405 km range will surely grab the attention.
Also Read: BYD Atto 3 deliveries begin in India, price starts at INR 33.99 lakh
