BYD is set to introduce a new electric hatchback, the Great Seagull (Da Hainiao), to the Chinese market in 2026. The announcement was made by Zhang Zhuo, general manager of BYD’s Ocean network sales division, during the Chengdu Auto Show 2026. Positioned between the current Seagull and the Dolphin, the Great Seagull aims to expand BYD’s Ocean series lineup.
New Model Details Revealed at Chengdu Auto Show
Zhang Zhuo confirmed that the BYD Great Seagull will launch in China later this year. The vehicle was previously seen applying for a sales license in July 2026, and its specifications have now been made public. The Great Seagull will adopt a naming convention similar to other BYD models such as the Da Tang (Great Tang) and Da Han (Great Han).
Specifications and Features
The BYD Great Seagull measures 4,205 mm (~165.6 inches) in length, 1,810 mm (~71.3 inches) in width, and 1,570 mm (~61.8 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm (~104.3 inches). This makes it 425 mm (~16.7 inches) longer than the regular BYD Seagull and 65 mm (~2.6 inches) shorter than the BYD Dolphin. The car rides on 16-inch wheels with 205/60 tires, and its curb weight ranges from 1,180 kg (~2,601 lbs) to 1,255 kg (~2,767 lbs).
Power comes from a single 95 kW (127 hp) electric motor paired with a FinDreams-made LFP battery. Buyers can choose between two battery capacities: 30 kWh and 39.2 kWh, offering a CLTC range of 320–420 km (~199–261 miles). The Great Seagull has a top speed of 150 km/h.
A version of the Great Seagull was recently spotted in China with a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, indicating the presence of BYD’s DiPilot 300 (‘God’s Eye B’) assisted driving system. This system includes Navigate On Autopilot (NOA) functionality for both urban roads and highways. Interior spy photos show a floating screen, a gear shifter behind the wheel, and a sizeable center tunnel.
Market Position and Rivals
The BYD Great Seagull will compete with models such as the Geely Xingyuan (E2 / EX2) and the GAC Aion UT. Compared to the BYD Dolphin, which offers three powertrain variants with outputs of 70 kW (94 hp), 130 kW (174 hp), and 150 kW (201 hp), the Great Seagull is positioned as a distinct alternative within BYD’s Ocean series.
Recent Sales Performance
According to China EV DataTracker, BYD delivered 8,879 Seagull units domestically in July 2026. In the same period, the BYD Dolphin reached 13,910 units delivered in China.
Why this matters
The launch of the BYD Great Seagull expands the company’s Ocean series and provides Chinese consumers with another electric hatchback option. With its range of battery choices and advanced driver assistance features, the Great Seagull is likely to appeal to buyers seeking practicality and technology in an affordable package.
What this means for buyers
Buyers in China looking for a new electric hatchback will soon have another choice with the BYD Great Seagull. Those considering the Dolphin or competing models like the Geely Xingyuan and GAC Aion UT may want to compare specifications and features as more details and pricing become available closer to launch.
Key Specs
- Length: 4,205 mm (~165.6 inches)
- Width: 1,810 mm (~71.3 inches)
- Height: 1,570 mm (~61.8 inches)
- Wheelbase: 2,650 mm (~104.3 inches)
- Curb Weight: 1,180–1,255 kg (~2,601–2,767 lbs)
- Motor Output: 95 kW (127 hp)
- Battery Options: 30 kWh / 39.2 kWh (FinDreams LFP)
- Range (CLTC): 320–420 km (~199–261 miles)
- Top Speed: 150 km/h
Source
Images sourced from: carnewschina.com, autodeal.com.ph, zhytauto.com
