BYD Refreshes the Seagull with LiDAR Technology

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chinese automotive brand BYD is scheduled to launch the second-generation Seagull, which is said to feature significant changes to its dimensions, electric motor output and LiDAR-based safety technology.

CarNewsChina reported on Thursday that the latest model measures 4,205 millimetres (mm) long, 1,810 mm wide and 1,570 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm.

Its length has increased by 425 mm compared with the previous model, while the wheelbase has been extended by 150 mm.

The changes move the Seagull from the small electric hatchback category into a vehicle with a larger cabin. Passenger capacity has also risen from four to five.

The second-generation Seagull is powered by a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor producing a maximum 95 kilowatts (kW), equivalent to 127 horsepower (hp). This is an increase on the previous generation’s 55 kW output.

One significant update is the addition of a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor on certain variants. The device supports BYD’s intelligent driving assistance system, including DiPilot 300, also known as God’s Eye B, in the Chinese market.

However, LiDAR is not stated to be available across the entire range. The driving assistance features will therefore depend on the configuration offered.

Inside, BYD has redesigned the dashboard, adding a larger central touchscreen and removing the separate conventional instrument panel.

Some physical buttons have been retained, while the centre console includes a wireless charging pad and storage space.

BYD opened pre-orders for the model in China on 9 October, but has yet to announce its official price.

The launch on 20 October is expected to be the occasion for the company to reveal the vehicle’s final specifications and price.