BYD’s most popular model, the Seagull electric hatchback, is to be getting an upgrade in both looks and overall size, as it aims to enter multiple markets.
Regulatory approval documents submitted to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), and shared by CNC, confirm that BYD’s smallest model is seeing an increase in length to 4.2 metres, up from 3.78 metres previously.
Information in the regulatory framework shows that the model, known as the Atto 1 in Australia, will be available in a single-motor powertrain, with a 95 kW front-wheel drive configuration and a top speed of 150 km/h.
The new model will weight 1,255 kg with a gross vehicle mass of 1,650 kg. That should provide reasonable efficiency, given the improvements BYD has made with its latest powertrain.
Battery pack details were not shared in the latest filing, but it’s expected to be similar or bigger than the 38.8 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack found in the current Seagull.
On the styling front, the car includes cameras for autonomous driving functionality, but appears not to have a LiDAR at the front, as seen in other models with BYD’s Gods Eye autonomous driving tech.
There are also 16-inch black alloy wheels and the overall body appears to be slightly rounder than the more aggressive-looking Seagull hatchback we have today.
On the previous generation model, in May it confirmed that it will be offering LiDAR sensors for autonomous driving in the Seagull in its home market.
These additional features will be packed into that version of the Seagull without an increase in price from the current model, with the brand hinting at a starting price in China at the equivalent of less than $A14,250.
The latest model could possibly be a separate new model altogether, given how close the two announcements are, but that’s to be clarified when more information comes to hand.
In Australia, the Atto 1 is a slightly longer car than China’s Seagull.
Pre-orders opened in November last year, with prices starting under $24,000 confirmed in December and so far has achieved 3,256 sales in 2026, according to The Driven’s month by month data.
The Atto 1 is available in two variants, the base level Essentials with a 30 kWh battery, as well as a top-spec Premium variant with a 43.2 kWh battery.
The small battery delivers around 220 km of WLTP range, while the larger 43.2 kWh battery pack delivers 310 km of WLTP range.
See The Driven’s detailed EV sales data here: Australian electric vehicle sales by month in 2026; by model and by brand.
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