BYD Seagull

Inspired by other premium BYD models, the Seagull also has a wing-themed, two-layer design for the dashboard, with the interior having a dual-tone black and blue colour scheme as standard. Like its stablemates, the BYD Seagull also has a flat-bottom, round-themed multi-functional steering wheel, along with a rectangular 7-inch full-TFT instrument console and a 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen infotainment system at the top of the centre console.

The lower centre here has unique-looking switches for the automatic climate control, which are designed like the controls of an aircraft’s cockpit. Below these controls, there are trapezoidal AC vents, with the Seagull also getting leather upholstery, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, a 4-speaker audio system, LED map lamp,s and a wireless charger. 

With compact dimensions and striking lines all around, the BYD Seagull looks perfectly fine for its purpose—an easy-to-drive, attractive-looking city car. The front fascia of the BYD Seagull looks enticing, with angular trapezoidal headlamps with LED projectors stacked between twin LED DRL bars. The trapezoidal air dam in the middle of the front bumper adds more character to the car's front profile. 

The BYD Seagull's side profile also looks athletic, thanks to the sharp crease flowing from the front wheel arch to the C-pillar, which has a blacked-out design that gives this car a floating roof effect. The wheel arch mouldings and 16-inch alloy wheels further make the car look stylish, as do the set of wraparound trapezoidal LED tail lamps at the back, which are connected by a thin LED light bar. 

The Macpherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear give the BYD Seagull a conventional suspension setup, which is slightly on the stiffer side to make the hatchback feel athletic while driving at city speeds. There are three driving modes on offer too – Economy, Normal and Sport, with the last one being the best to enjoy the spirited nature of the hatchback.  

Powering the BYD Seagull is a front-mounted electric motor, which generates a maximum power output of 75 PS and a maximum torque output of 135 Nm. With this motor, the Seagull can cross the 50 kmph mark from a standstill in 4.9 seconds and has a top speed of 130 kmph.

While the Seagull feels decently quick for city runabouts, this electric hatchback begins to feel out of breath as the speeds rise. The 30kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack of the BYD Seagull delivers a maximum range of 300 km (NEDC-certified), which is decent for short city runabouts. The BYD Seagull also comes with a portable charging cable, a wall-mounted 7kW AC charger, and vehicle-to-load capability. 

The DiPilot driver assistance systems package of the BYD Seagull misses out on ADAS features but gets basics like a rearview camera, reverse parking sensors, and cruise control. The other essential safety features are also there, including front and side airbags, traction control, electronic stability control, ABS with EBD and brake assist, vehicle dynamics control, electronic parking brake, hill start assist, and tyre pressure monitoring system. 

The compact dimensions and stiffer set-up for the suspension system make the BYD Seagull quite enthusiastic to drive, but the restricted performance from the electric motor is a bit of a letdown. Rest assured, it has a lot of youthful appeal in its design inside-out and comes with a decent set of features to make your urban driving experience better.