Refreshed BYD Seagull (Europe 'Dolphin Surf') now offers up to 505 km range

BYD used the 2026 Beijing Auto Show to unveil an updated Seagull with up to 505 kilometers of CLTC range and optional LiDAR. (carnewschina.com) (autocar.com.ph) The biggest mechanical change is the top-range jump from 405 kilometers to 505 kilometers under China’s CLTC test cycle. CarNewsChina and Autocar Philippines both report the high-spec version also gets a 60-kilowatt motor, equal to about 80 horsepower. (carnewschina.com) (autocar.com.ph) The new sensor is mounted on the roof, and the LiDAR-equipped version adds cameras on the front fenders and a blue rear light. BYD ties that hardware to its “God’s Eye B” driver-assistance system, according to the show reports. (carnewschina.com) (autocar.com.ph) LiDAR is a laser-based distance sensor that helps a car map the road in three dimensions, like radar with light instead of radio waves. In this case, Autocar Philippines says the system is aimed at highway support, urban navigation, and parking assist. (autocar.com.ph) That matters because the Seagull is BYD’s entry-level city hatchback, sold overseas under different names including Dolphin Mini and Dolphin Surf. In Europe, BYD’s official site lists the Dolphin Surf at up to 507 kilometers of WLTP urban combined range and says ADAS is standard. (carnewschina.com) (byd.com) The Europe car is not a straight copy of the China-market Seagull. InsideEVs reported in 2025 that the Dolphin Surf got Europe-specific bumper, battery, power, and range changes for launch in that market. (insideevs.com) (byd.com) The Beijing show car also picked up smaller visible tweaks, including dual windshield wipers, new 16-inch wheels with 175/55 R16 tires, a new red paint option, simplified steering-wheel buttons, and 50-watt wireless charging with cooling. BYD had not published a full spec sheet at the show, according to CarNewsChina. (carnewschina.com) BYD is making the changes as competition tightens in China’s smallest electric-car classes. CarNewsChina says Seagull sales peaked at 34,005 units in April last year and have faced pressure from Geely’s Xingyuan and newer rivals including the Arcfox T1 and Leapmotor A10. (carnewschina.com) The result is a cheaper BYD hatchback that now borrows more hardware and software from the brand’s pricier models. At the Beijing show, the Seagull was no longer just the budget option; it was the test case for pushing more range and assisted-driving tech downmarket. (autocar.com.ph) (carnewschina.com)