As the BYD Seagull looks to arrive in the UK in 2025, we interviewed an owner to find out if it’s worthy of the hype.
Manufacturers have been caught sleeping at the wheel when it comes to offering a bargain, and Chinese automaker BYD is making an incredible undercut. BYD – standing for Build Your Dreams – has been turning heads overseas for being a class above typical Chinese cars and closer to manufacturers we’ve come to know in the UK. The tiny Seagull is already available in China and has become enough of a success to warrant a UK release in 2025. BYD has also managed to stand out with its naming convention – if you’ve ever wanted to drive a car named after marine wildlife, BYD is here to provide.
There are plenty of predators in the animal kingdom, but the BYD Seagull does not yet have a direct competitor outside of the Dacia Spring, and its ultra-low price point is scaring the competition. But does the Seagull still bring quality to the table despite its unbelievable price? We interviewed a BYD Seagull owner – an expat living in China who wishes to remain anonymous – to find out.
Thanks for taking the time to speak with us. Can you start by telling us what drew you to the BYD Seagull?
Well, to start with, it’s that aggressive and robotic exterior design. You see, most mini EVs in China have this cute, bubbly vibe, but the Seagull? It stands out like a fighter jet amongst toy planes.
That’s quite an image! What’s it like owning and driving the highest-spec model?
Oh, it’s a blast. It can do about 200 miles on a single charge, which is more than enough for my daily jaunts and then some. And the fast charging is a godsend – from 20% to 80% in about half an hour. It’s like having a pit stop for an F1 car, really.
How do you find the boot space? Is it practical for your needs?
For its size, the boot space is quite passable. I don’t take up golf, so no worries about fitting clubs in there. It’s perfect for the average trip to the supermarket, though. Gets the job done without fuss.
I hear the Seagull’s interior comes in a variety of colours. What did you go for?
Mine’s black and blue. The blue streaks over the dashboard and onto the seats and door trim, giving it this cool, futuristic look.
Speaking of the interior, how do you find it?
It’s quite the mix – futuristic yet classic, sort of like a Fiat 500. There’s a roll of buttons on the centre console, a circular steering wheel with buttons, and the central infotainment system is the big draw. The volume control is a satisfying roller, and the transmission setting is like flicking a light switch.
What about the infotainment system? Does it serve you well?
Absolutely. It’s big enough to read while driving without being a distraction, and you can rotate it to resemble an iPad. It’s got all the apps you’d need – navigation, music and some local Chinese apps I’m still getting used to.
How does the material quality inside hold up?
I mean, it’s not a Maybach! The materials are a bit plastic-y, but I expected that. The bucket seats, though, have a nice softness to them. They’ve got this deceptive roominess. When I first sat in the driver’s seat, I thought I was in a hatchback, not a mini EV. The rear seats are the same – my passengers always comment on how comfy it is back there.
When it comes to Chinese vehicles, safety is something of a concern that holds people back. How does the Seagull fare?
Yeah, in China, safety can be a bit of a minefield, but the Seagull has it covered. Front and side airbags, airbags for all passengers, collision warning, lane assistance, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. It’s reassuring, to say the least.
And what about the driving experience itself?
It’s so much fun. Sometimes I take the back roads from work just to throw it around corners. It’s agile and squeals in the corners – reminds me of my youth when I had a Vauxhall Corsa. It’s rapid off the line at the traffic lights, thanks to that electric motor in the front. It really does give you that youthful, spirited feeling.
It sounds like you’ve found quite the gem with the Seagull. Any final thoughts?
Just that it’s a brilliant mix of practicality, fun, and futuristic design. It’s not perfect, but for what it is, the Seagull punches well above its weight. I’ve got no regrets.
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