BYD entry-level hatchbacks, Seagull and Dolphin, will feature LiDAR sensors in China, according to the latest regulator’s filing. This high-precision sensor will enhance their perception capabilities and expand the functionality of assisted driving.
The BYD Seagull and the BYD Dolphin are two Ocean-series hatchbacks that sell globally. It is worth noting that the Seagull is also known as Dolphin Mini, Dolphin Surf, and Atto 1. In early 2025, these cars got the DiPilot 100 (God’s Eye C) assisted driving systems with 12 cameras, 5 mm-wave radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. Now, BYD is ready to boost their perception system with a new sensor.
BYD Seagull & Dolphin with LiDAR
The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) revealed that the BYD Seagull and Dolphin will be optionally equipped with LiDAR sensors during the domestic homologation process. The regulator shared photos of such sensors sitting on the roofline of the mentioned models.
The addition of this sensor means the Seagull and the Dolphin could be equipped with the DiPilot 300 assisted driving system. Its domestic name is God’s Eye B. Only high-end BYD-branded cars and Denza models previously adopted such a system. The DiPilot 300 utilizes a single LiDAR sensor manufactured by Robosense, featuring a 350-meter detection range.
Another benefit of the DiPilot 300 system is the Nvidia Drive Orin chip, which boasts a peak computing power of 254 TOPS. It allows the car to perform the Navigate On Autopilot (NOA) function on urban roads and highways.
The use of a high-precision sensor and a powerful processor on entry-level models is rare. Last year, the Leapmotor B10 became the first model in a 120,000-yuan (17,180 USD) range to have a LiDAR on board. It appears that BYD wants to force competition on other manufacturers, consolidating its gradually weakening leadership in the segment.
Briefly about the BYD Seagull & Dolphin
The BYD Seagull is a small hatchback with dimensions of 3780/1715/1550 mm and a wheelbase of 2,500 mm. Its curb weight lies between 1,150 and 1,240 kg, depending on the trim level. The car rides on 15 or 16-inch wheels and has a top speed of 130 km/h. The BYD Seagull adopts a single electric motor with a peak power of 60 kW (80 hp).
The BYD Dolphin is a bigger car with the length, width, and height reaching 4280, 1770, and 1570 mm. Its wheelbase is 2,700 mm. The car’s curb weight is 1,445 – 1,550 kg. It adopts 16 or 17-inch rims and provides a top speed of 160 km/h. The entry-level Dolphin has a 100 kW (134 hp) e-motor on board. A more powerful variant boasts a peak power of 120 kW (161 hp).
The current variant of the BYD Seagull costs 69,800 – 85,800 yuan (10,000 – 12,285 USD) in China. The bigger Dolphin is priced between 99,800 and 129,800 yuan (14,290 – 18,585 USD).
