BYD Seagull to be called Dolphin Surf in UK, Europe

It’s known as the Dolphin Mini in international markets, but for the UK and Europe, the BYD Seagull will adopt the Dolphin Surf name when it launches in Blighty this year, Autocar reports. Our wild guess – to avoid stepping on the toes of a certain iconic British brand?

BYD EVP Stella Li told the publication that the little EV might “not be the cheapest” on sale, but it would “be the best value”. A sub-£20k (RM115k) price tag is expected.

The Myvi-sized tyke’s length, width, height and wheelbase are respectively 3,780, 1,715, 1,540 and 2,500 mm. China gets a single electric motor producing either 74 or 94 hp, and either a 30 or 38 kWh battery that yields CLTC ranges of 305 or 405 km respectively.

Autocar reports that the Dolphin Surf will be launched after the Sealion 7, which was launched in Malaysia in November 2024.

UK country manager Bono Ge told the publication that BYD would go from 62 dealers now to 120 by year-end, towards a long-term 150-170 target to rub shoulders with the likes of Ford and Vauxhall.

What’s perhaps more impressive is that the carmaker is set to surpass its 2024 UK sales of 8,700 units by the end of this month, according to Ge.

If Britain is among the key markets that will help BYD realise its ambition of becoming the world’s biggest carmaker, 100,000 units in annual sales is surely the target – that would earn it a top five spot, Autocar writes. Some way to go then, but we know better than to underestimate them.

The Chinese giant recently unveiled its Super e-Platform – running at 1000V, the new platform can also take up to 1,000A of current, which allows for up to 1,000 kW (or 1MW) of charging power. Full lowdown here.

BYD Seagull/Dolphin Mini official images

BYD Seagull at 2024 Bangkok International Motor Show

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