The smallest car in BYD’s expanding portfolio (for now, a Kei car is in the works) might also be its most surprising. We headed to Shenzhen for a spin in the BYD Seagull—an urban EV that’s compact in dimensions, light on price, and unexpectedly refined.
It’s also a car that could be headed our way. BYD New Zealand is actively gauging interest from media and the public to decide whether to bring the Seagull to local showrooms. Slotting into the $20,000 to high-$30,000 bracket depending on spec, it would undercut every new EV on sale here—including BYD’s own Dolphin.
Tiny footprint, big character
At just 3,780mm long and 1,715mm wide, the Seagull is nearly 20cm in every direction smaller than a modern MINI. It rides on a 2,500mm wheelbase and weighs between 1,160kg and 1,240kg depending on battery specification. But it makes efficient use of every millimetre. Despite its diminutive size, four adults can fit inside without much complaint. Even this large reviewer managed to find driving and rear seat comfort, with ample headroom and legroom—though the rear bench is a one-piece fold and shoulder rubbing with your rear-seat passenger is inevitable.
The bluff front gives it a slightly angry expression—divisive, but undeniably distinctive, complete with LED lighting and a full suite of sensors. , complete with LED lighting and a full suite of sensors.
Even at the affordable end of the spectrum, it’s packed with tech. Front and rear cameras, parking sensors, a rotatable 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 5-inch digital instrument cluster, and BYD’s “God’s Eye” driver-assistance suite (in China) are all present.
The cabin is finished in a two-tone colour scheme – we saw pink and grey or black and blue options, both work. Up front, the dash design echoes other BYD models, but feels more playful—there’s an open tray below the centre console, flanked by cupholders, a wireless charging pad, and easily accessible power outlets. The 10.1-inch infotainment screen rotates from portrait to landscape as usual with the brand, a feature that could have easily been cut in the pursuit of price. While there’s no central storage box between the seats, a deep glove compartment and smart use of surfaces keep things functional.
Rear passengers don’t get USB ports but will appreciate the surprisingly generous legroom, especially given how short the car is overall. Headroom is solid too, even for taller passengers, and there’s airflow coming up from the floor—useful on hot days. Despite being a four-seater, it doesn’t feel overly compromised for urban use.
The boot isn’t bad either. At 300 litres, it’s on par with other city hatchbacks, and while the one-piece rear seat doesn’t offer the versatility of a 60/40 split, folding it down expands capacity to 900 litres. That’s enough for a modest grocery run, a few overnight bags, or even some flat-pack furniture if you don’t mind stacking it high.
Safety kit includes six airbags, rear disc brakes, an electronic parking brake, and electronic stability control—not bad for a small car.
Battery choices and range
Buyers in China get two battery choices—either a 30.08kWh pack offering a claimed 305km range, or a 38.88kWh unit good for 405km—both using BYD’s signature LFP blade battery. Those figures are CLTC rated, so expect a real-world range closer to 220–250km for the larger battery.
DC fast charging is available at 30kW or 40kW depending on battery size, and BYD says a 30–80% top-up takes around 30 minutes. AC charging caps out at 6.6kW. That’s all reasonable for a city runabout where overnight top-ups will be the norm.
For New Zealand, the larger 38.88kWh battery feels like the only realistic choice given our range expectations and infrastructure.The 38.8kWh unit would have to be the only choice surely?
What is it like?
We took the Seagull around a private test track and came away grinning. With 55kW and 135Nm sent to the front wheels, acceleration is modest—0–100km/h takes around 14 seconds, 0–50km/h just 6—but around town and up to 75km/h it feels perky and responsive. Ride quality on the relatively smooth test circuit was firm but composed, and the little hatch darted through corners with a light, direct steering feel. There’s some body roll, but that just adds to the fun.
More surprising is how mature the Seagull feels. Build quality is solid, with soft-touch materials in key places and minimal cabin noise. It does not feel cheap in any way.
Should it come to New Zealand?
That’s the big question—and one we hope to see answered soon. If demand is there, BYD may soon offer Kiwi buyers a cheap, cheerful and genuinely capable EV option that redefines what you get for your money.
