BYD Opens Pre-Orders for 2nd-Gen Seagull, Adding LiDAR and RWD to $10K EV

BYD has officially opened blind pre-orders for the second-generation Seagull in China, aggressively overhauling the world's sixth-best-selling EV ahead of a late 2026 launch. The new model stretches to 4,205 mm in length—a 425 mm increase over its predecessor—while swapping its 55 kW front-mounted motor for a more powerful 95 kW rear-mounted setup. Regulatory filings reveal the addition of roof-mounted LiDAR to support BYD's God’s Eye B intelligent driving system. The redesigned interior completely drops the traditional instrument cluster for a central infotainment screen. It introduces premium hardware rarely seen in this segment, including massaging front seats and ambient lighting. The current-generation Seagull starts at roughly $10,000 (69,900 yuan) in China and has sold over 212,000 units through August, acting as BYD's primary entry-level weapon in overseas markets like Europe and Brazil.