BYD revealed last week that BYD Seagull, its cheapest car, will enter international markets as Dolphin Mini. The vehicle already hit the market in several South American nations – the deliveries in Uruguay started, and sales in Brazil will begin by the end of the month.
BYD Seagull is an all-electric 5-door hatchback launched in April last year for 73,800 – 89,800 yuan (10,200 – 12,500 USD) at the Shanghai Auto Show. Since then, it has become BYD’s best-seller, delivering 280,217 units in 2023 in China.
It has two options: the base model has a 30.08 kWh battery good for a 305 km CLTC range, and the top trim level has a 38.88 kWh LFP battery suitable for a 405 km CLTC range. Both variants have the same 55 kW (74 hp) motor in front with a peak torque of 135 Nm, providing a top speed of 135 km/h. The 0-50 km/h acceleration is in 4.9 seconds, and the 0-100km/h acceleration is yes.
The EV’s dimensions are (L/W/H) 3780/1715/1540 mm, respectively, and the wheelbase is 2500 mm. Seagull is a five-door, four-seater that drives on 165/65 R15 wheels.
BYD brought both battery variants (30 kWh and 38 kWh) of Seagull to Uruguay, named Dolphin Mini EV300 and Dolphin Mini EV400. The EV300 variant has a 300 km NEDC range and price of 21,990 USD, and the EV400 has a 380 km NEDC range for 23,990 USD. Interestingly, the Uruguay website still shows the old name of BYD Seagull, but the promotional pictures already feature the Dolphin Mini nameplate.
Brazilian media InsideevsBR also brought the information that BYD Dolphin Mini will be launched in the country by the end of February, and the testing cars have already hit local dealers as reviews of Dolphin Mini on Brazilian roads popped up. The Dolphin Mini will start at 99,800 reals (20,100 USD) for a smaller battery version and 114,800 reals (23,200 USD) for a bigger battery.
Only nine months after China’s launch, BYD Seagull arrived in overseas markets, which might be a new record for BYD. The Shenzhen-based automaker hasn’t yet announced if they plan a European launch, where their cheapest car is currently BYD Dolphin. We will keep an eye on it.
Why is the price in South America double the price in China? With all the fires, breakdowns and safety issues, why would anyone buy a BYD EV?
With all the fires and crash, why would anyone buy Tesla EV?
BYD sale is skyrocketing in China. This Deng Li behaviour is very suspicious
We have a 100% import tax in Brazil, unfortunately… even so Brazilians are amazed with Chinese electric car brands: beautiful cars, excellent quality, good prices.
This guy is dumb, there is no import 100% tax, it’s 10%
Sorry, but it seems most of your comments here on CNC lack knowledge. Please read up on relevant and correct information. Don’t waste your time – or other readers time spreading bullxx. Thank you.
Hi Khnut, thanks for being part of our community and always being voice of reason.
BYD Please name it Seagull! It’s a good name, along with Dolphin and Seal a new brand identity with cute names is being created!