BYD Seagull first drive: Could a baby EV work in NZ?

Sometimes a car surprises you not because of what it is—but what it isn’t. The BYD Seagull is a case in point. It looks like a budget commuter box. It’s priced like one. But it doesn’t feel like one.

We headed to Shenzhen to try the Seagull for ourselves, and came away wondering: could this be the car that makes EV ownership genuinely affordable for everyday Kiwis?

Small in size, not in ambition

You don’t need a tape measure to tell the Seagull is small. But for the record, it’s just 3,780mm long and 1,715mm wide—about 20cm smaller in both directions than a modern Mini. It rides on a 2,500mm wheelbase and weighs between 1,160kg and 1,240kg depending on battery size. Despite that compact footprint, there’s space for four adults, and even this 6-foot-plus motoring writer found enough leg- and headroom to be comfortable in the back.

Boot space is surprisingly decent too—300 litres with the seats up, expanding to 900 litres when folded. The rear bench is a single piece, but it folds flat easily, making this tiny EV more versatile than you might expect.

Surprisingly grown up

Under the stubby bonnet sits a 55kW motor driving the front wheels. It doesn’t sound like much, and on paper the 0–100km/h time is nearly 15 seconds. But in practice, it’s quick off the mark up to urban speeds. Around 0–50km/h, it feels eager—perfect for darting through traffic or making a quick getaway from the lights.

We ran the Seagull through a tight handling course and a bumpier section of BYD’s test track, and came away smiling. Steering is light but direct, and while there’s body roll, it’s all part of the charm. There’s even a touch of lift-off oversteer if you’re silly enough to provoke it.

Built to a price—but doesn’t feel it

Two battery options are available in China—a 30kWh unit with a 305km CLTC range, and a 38.88kWh pack offering 405km. In the real world, expect around 220–250km from the bigger pack. It’s paired with DC fast charging up to 40kW, or 6.6kW AC. Not rapid, but reasonable for overnight top-ups.

Inside, it’s anything but cheap-feeling. A rotatable 10.1-inch infotainment screen and 5-inch digital cluster headline the tech, and the two-tone “wing” dashboard design feels fresh. Safety spec is equally impressive for a budget EV, with six airbags, rear disc brakes, electronic stability control and an electric parking brake.

Rear-seat passengers don’t get USB ports but enjoy surprising comfort, good legroom, and air coming from the floor. There’s also generous headroom for such a compact car. The only notable omission is a centre console box, though storage elsewhere is cleverly handled.

So… will it come here?

BYD New Zealand hasn’t confirmed anything yet, but they are actively canvassing feedback from media and prospective buyers. Would Kiwis buy a stylish, city-focused EV that undercuts the Dolphin by 10 grand or more?

If the answer is yes, we reckon BYD would be mad not to bring it. This isn’t just a cheap EV. It’s a cleverly packaged, fun-to-drive, surprisingly refined one. And that makes it more than just a city car—it makes it a statement.

We will have an expanded first drive in the July edition.

BYD Seagull Specs (Chinese market)

Powertrain
• Motor: 55kW permanent magnet synchronous
• Torque: 135Nm
• Drive: Front-wheel
• Transmission: Single-speed auto

Battery Options
• 30.08kWh LFP – 305km (CLTC)
• 38.88kWh LFP – 405km (CLTC)
• Estimated real-world: 220–250km (larger pack)

Charging
• AC: 6.6kW
• DC: 30kW (base) / 40kW (extended)
• 30–80% charge: ~30 mins (DC)

Performance
• 0–50km/h: ~6 sec
• 0–100km/h: ~14.9 sec
• Top speed: 130km/h

Dimensions
• Length: 3,780mm
• Width: 1,715mm
• Height: 1,540mm
• Wheelbase: 2,500mm
• Kerb weight: 1,160–1,240kg
• Boot: 300L (900L with rear seat folded)

Interior & Safety
• Rotating 10.1-inch touchscreen
• 5-inch digital cluster
• Six airbags
• Rear disc brakes
• ESP + electronic parking brake
• Two-tone dash options (pink/grey, black/blue)