BYD Seagull formally enters PH EV market, starting price at P898k

MANILA: BYD Philippines has launched the Seagull, a compact hatchback poised to democratize electric vehicles (EV) in the country.

In addition, the Ayala-led brand noted that the newly introduced nameplate is expected to be a volume contributor and a brand amplifier — further bolstering the marque’s presence and authority as a leading name in sustainable mobility.

Dimensions, exterior

The BYD Seagull measures 3,780 millimeter (mm) long, 1,715 mm wide, and 1,580 mm tall. On that note, it is slightly larger than some of the more popular models in the compact hatchback segment (equipped with an internal combustion engine) as well as other vehicles in the mini electric hatchback category.

It has a wheelbase of 2,500 mm and clears the ground by 150 mm.

Outside, the BYD Seagull boasts sporty and aggressive lines, potentially attracting a wide range of car buyers and EV adopters.

At the fore are sharp-looking headlamps with a grille at the fascia’s lower portion that has horizontal slats. Angles that serve as indentations on the car’s cheeks give it a somewhat fiery character.

The side profile of the BYD Seagull is highlighted by strong bodylines complementing its blacked-out wheel arches, door claddings (with “Blade Battery” markings), and pillars. Its side mirrors — which also has an NFC sensor — get a dash of black while a similar dark-colored accent on the rear-end of its flanks create the illusion of a floating roof.

It rides on a set of 16-inch wheels with a geometric design.

And while we’re on the topic of the BYD Seagull’s roof, it has a roof-integrated spoiler with a built-in brake lamp. Below it is a decent-sized rear glass, a pair of striking taillamps connected by a long horizontal light bar, two reflectors, and a chunky bumper — also fitted with a reflector.

Some chrome is applied to the compact electric car and can be seen on the “BYD” emblems, front and back; the “EV” badge, and the “Seagull” nameplate.

The BYD Seagull is available in three colors, which we have listed below:

• Apricity White
• Sprout Green
• Delan Black

Interior, tech

Inside, the BYD Seagull looks and feels modern.

The driver is greeted by a three-spoke, multi-functional steering wheel wrapped in leather.

It has chrome trims and wears the brand’s logo right at the center. Past it is a digital instrument cluster that displays relevant driving information such as the following:

• Estimated range
• Lighting
• Seatbelt reminder
• Speed
• Driving mode
• Selected gear
• Time
• Trip computer
• Battery level

Complementing the aforementioned instrument panel is a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with Apple Carplay and wireless Android Auto. Here, the driver — as well as the BYD Seagull’s passengers — can select helpful applications such as navigation and music.

Here, the occupants can also control the air conditioning system. What’s good about it is that it shares the same gesture control functionality as its bigger brother — the BYD Atto 3. During our review of the electric compact sport utility vehicle’s capability to perform real-world tasks, we found out that swiping one’s three fingers left or right changes the fan speed while using the same gesture but with an up or down motion changes the temperature.

The same can be done with the BYD Seagull’s infotainment screen, which sits in a dashboard with a textured surface.

And pretty much like the one used for the BYD Atto 3, the display fitted on the Seagull also rotates to suit one’s needs.

Below the said infotainment system is an array of switches and buttons. Notably, the gear selector — which may require some getting used to — can be located in this cluster of controls.

Further down are two air conditioning vents and a pad to wirelessly charge one’s smartphone.

The seats of the BYD Seagull are also finished in soft leather-like material. They are built with decent bolstering and resemble sporty bucket seats found on performance-oriented cars. The rear bench also gets a similar upholstery.

Customers who will choose the BYD Seagull in Apricity White and Delan Black will get a Black and Dark Blue interior. Meanwhile, those picking the zesty Sprout Green hue will get a Black and Light Blue cabin.

You may also refer to the table below:

Exterior Color	Interior Color
Sprout Green	Black and Light Blue
Apricity White	Black and Dark Blue
Delan Black

Electric powertrain

Propelling the BYD Seagull is an electric motor paired with a 30 kilowatt-hour battery. The said setup generates as much as 73 horsepower with 135 Newton-meters of torque. It can zoom from a standstill to 50 kilometers per hour in under five seconds.

Equipped with the BYD Blade battery, it is able to provide would-be owners with up to 300 kilometers of emissions-free driving in a single charge.

Speaking of charging, the BYD Seagull both has AC and DC ports that broadens the electric hatchback’s charging options, which includes Ayala’s growing EV charging network.

Safety

In terms of safety, the BYD Seagull gets a handful of features. Below are the said technologies:

• Cruise control
• Rear parking sensors
• Backup camera
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Anti-lock braking system
• Electronic brake-force distribution
• Electronic stability control
• Hydraulic brake assist
• Traction control system
• Ramp start control

Pricing, variants

The BYD Seagull is offered in the Philippines in a sole variant. It has an introductory price of P898,000.

Also read:

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BYD PH to unveil Atto 3 in PEVS 2023

Confirmed: BYD Seagull to enter PH market