China's $10K Seagull Transforming into the $26K Dolphin Surf for Europe | Carscoops

      BYD has introduced its budget Seagull hatchback in Europe under the name Dolphin Surf.

      This compact electric vehicle is priced between €22,990 and €30,990 and easily outperforms the Dacia Spring.

      A promotional offer running until the end of June reduces the base model's price to just €19,990.

      Seagulls are known for swooping down and stealing food, and BYD's Seagull is targeting Western automakers' share of the budget electric vehicle market. Renamed the Dolphin Surf for its European debut, this compact electric city car is significantly pricier than in China, where it retails for around $10,000. However, it is competitively priced and well-equipped, likely causing headaches for brands like Fiat and Citroen.

      The Dolphin Surf, measuring 3,990 mm (157.1 inches), is currently available in Germany with prices ranging from €22,990 to €30,990 ($26,100 to $35,100). However, due to a launch promotion, the entry-level price is set at €19,990 ($22,700) until June 30, placing it below the €23,300 ($26,400) starting price of the Citroen e-C3.

      Despite its promotional pricing, the BYD is still more expensive than the base Dacia Spring, which is priced at €16,900 ($19,200). However, choosing the more economical option comes with drawbacks; the Romanian model is much slower, lacking a screen, and takes 19.1 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 km/h).

      All three trim levels of the Dolphin Surf – Active, Boost, Comfort – come equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen and heated, electrically adjustable mirrors. Upgrading to the €26,990 ($30,600) Comfort model adds features such as rain-sensing wipers, larger (16-inch) wheels, and a power driver's seat. The top-of-the-line Comfort variant further enhances the offering with a 360-degree camera system, wireless phone charging, heated seats, LED lighting, and electrically folding mirrors.

      Powertrain and Range

      Different trims have varying power outputs, ranges, and charging speeds. The Active and Boost trims are equipped with an 87 hp (88 PS / 65 kW) motor, although the base model has a small 30 kW LFP battery and a maximum charging rate of 65 kW. The Boost trim benefits from a 43.2 kW battery and can charge at 85 kW (both trims take 30 minutes to go from 30% to 80%), with the lighter Active version accelerating to 62 mph in 11.1 seconds, compared to 12.1 seconds for the Boost.

      The Comfort model maintains the same BYD Blade battery and charging speed as the mid-tier Boost, but it pairs this with a more powerful 154 hp (156 PS / 115 kW) motor, achieving the 62 mph sprint in 9.1 seconds. However, its range is reduced, though the exact figures are unclear.

      Furthermore, only WLTP urban figures have been provided for now, rather than the more useful WLTP combined results for comparisons with other EVs. However, UK’s Auto Express estimates that the three models offer ranges of 137, 200, and 193 miles (221, 322, 311 km) in combined driving.

      Initial deliveries will come from China, but BYD plans to manufacture the Dolphin Surf at its new facility in Hungary. Other European automakers, including Stellantis and VW, are also developing more affordable EVs, and, looking at BYD's offering, they cannot afford to make mistakes.