Second-generation BYD Seagull shown in China with its new rear-wheel-drive layout and redesigned exterior. Credit: Autohome Understand China EV’s Market Real-time notifications when critical EV data is released All important data in one place 2,000,000+ data points Become a member The second-generation BYD Seagull (also known as the Great Seagull) has been shown in China, revealing a major change beneath the redesigned electric hatchback: the motor has moved to the rear axle, switching the Seagull from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive. The new layout also frees space beneath the front hood for a front trunk. The vehicle reveal, first reported by Chinese outlet Autohome, follows regulatory filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and earlier exterior design sketches. Previously reported cabin sketches showed that the five-seater drops its traditional instrument cluster. At the same time, the newly revealed car provides a closer look at its revised chassis, drivetrain and cabin hardware. Recent spy shots showing the car at a promotional photoshoot also prompted speculation that higher-trim versions could support BYD’s second-generation Blade Battery and Flash Charging. However, BYD has not announced official charging rates or times. Rear-drive powertrain and independent suspension The first-generation Seagull used a front-mounted 55 kW motor driving the front wheels. For the second generation, Autohome reports that the drive unit moves to the rear axle. MIIT regulatory data identifies the motor as model TZ164XYB, manufactured by Zhengzhou BYD Auto Co., Ltd., and rated at 95 kW (127 hp). The higher output raises the Seagull’s listed top speed to 150 km/h. Chassis hardware has also changed. The original rear torsion beam has been replaced by an independent multi-link suspension setup. The car also adopts wider 205/60 R16 tyres on 16-inch dual four-spoke alloy wheels, up from the 165 mm and 175 mm tyres used on the outgoing model. Front trunk and cabin hardware Relocating the drive assembly to the rear leaves space in the forward compartment for a front trunk. Dedicated frunks remain uncommon in China’s sub-100,000 yuan (14,895 USD) small EV segment, although BYD has not yet released the compartment’s official volumetric capacity. Inside, the Seagull features a shaped flat-bottom two-spoke multifunction steering wheel alongside a floating central touchscreen. The redesigned console houses physical toggle switches beneath the air vents, a wireless phone charger and vertically arranged dual cupholders. Outside, semi-hidden mechanical door handles replace flush pop-out units, while the rear features split taillights beneath a large roof spoiler and an integrated lower diffuser. As seen on engineering test mules spotted in China, an optional roof-mounted LiDAR pod supports BYD’s DiPilot 300 (God’s Eye B) Level 2 driving-assistance package. How the new Seagull compares with the Geely EX2 The redesign gives the Seagull several key hardware similarities with the Geely EX2 (sold as Xingyuan in China). Both models feature rear-wheel drive, independent rear suspension, front trunks and identical 2,650 mm wheelbases, while the 4,205 mm Seagull is 70 mm longer overall. The changes arrive as competition in China’s small EV segment intensifies. In August, domestic retail registrations for the outgoing Seagull reached 10,103 units, while the Geely Xingyuan recorded 39,651 retail registrations and 60,955 wholesale deliveries, according to China EV DataTracker. Official pricing and market launch timing for the new Seagull have not yet been announced. The redesigned Seagull cabin features a floating touchscreen, physical toggle switches and a flat-bottom two-spoke steering wheel. Most important news in your inbox. Recaps · scheduled All you need, in one email. Instant alerts · real-time Ping me when an article goes live. 0 of 27 topics selected Bundle into one email per day — instead of one email per article No spam · Unsubscribe with one click · Change settings anytime