BYD’s $10,000 EV Survives Tire Blowout at Nearly 90 Mph
The second-generation Seagull includes a high-speed stability system as standard equipment, allowing it to maintain lane control after a blowout.
BYD has launched the second-generation Seagull, its entry-level electric hatchback, featuring a new high-speed tire blowout stability system that maintains vehicle control at nearly 90 mph. The update positions the sub-$10,000 EV with safety features typically reserved for higher-priced segments.
What Happened
BYD introduced the second-generation Seagull last week in China, with regular prices starting at 65,900 yuan (approximately $9,900). This represents a price reduction from the first-generation model, which started at 69,900 yuan ($10,500) without incentives. A limited-time Super Trade-In incentive brings the starting price down to 62,900 yuan (about $9,500). The new model is significantly larger, measuring 4,205 mm in length with a 2,650 mm wheelbase, allowing for five passengers compared to the previous four-seat configuration.
The vehicle includes a standard "140 km/h high-speed tire blowout stability system." In a demonstration shared by Zhang Zhuo, BYD’s general manager of the Ocean Series, the Seagull survived a tire blowout at 140 km/h (approximately 87 mph) and remained in its lane until coming to a complete stop. The second-generation Seagull also features a 15.6-inch infotainment screen with DiLink 150, an optional roof-mounted LiDAR for the DiPilot 300 driving assistance system, and premium interior upgrades including heated and ventilated front seats.
Why It Matters
The inclusion of a high-speed stability system as standard equipment in a vehicle priced under $10,000 challenges industry norms, where such active safety features are often optional or limited to premium trims. For buyers in the entry-level EV segment, this represents a significant upgrade in safety infrastructure without a corresponding increase in base price. The move also highlights BYD’s strategy of packing advanced technology, such as Blade Batteries 2.0 and Flash Charging, into its most affordable models to differentiate itself in a competitive global market.
Technically, the new Seagull offers improved performance and charging capabilities. It uses LFP battery packs of 30.1 kWh and 39.2 kWh, providing CLTC ranges of 320 km (199 miles) and 420 km (261 miles), respectively. The vehicle supports charging from 10% to 70% in five minutes and from 10% to 97% in nine minutes. Powertrain output has increased to 85 kW (114 hp) or 95 kW (127 hp), up from 55 kW (75 hp) in the previous generation, paired with an upgraded multi-link independent rear suspension for better handling.
The Bottom Line
BYD’s second-generation Seagull is priced between 65,900 and 99,900 yuan ($9,900 to $15,000) in China. While currently available only in the Chinese market, BYD is expected to introduce the updated version overseas, where it will likely be sold as the second-generation Dolphin Surf in Europe and the UK, and as the Dolphin Mini in other global markets.
