Chinese manufacturer BYD is introducing advanced LiDAR detection technology into the redesigned Seagull model, known here as the Dolphin Surf, which European premium manufacturers are currently abandoning due to high costs.
BYD has refreshed its compact electric model Seagull for the 2026 model year, measuring 3.780 mm in length and known as the Dolphin Surf in most European markets. Despite the visual updates, which include new Mango Orange and Mint Green colors, 16-inch Starlight wheels and updated LED taillights, the powertrain remains unchanged. The vehicle continues to be powered by a 55 kW (75 hp) electric motor, which, combined with low weight, ensures efficient city driving while maintaining its status as one of the most affordable electric cars in the world.
The main novelty of the update is the availability of the advanced assistance system DiPilot 300, which uses a LiDAR sensor to accurately detect the surrounding area. This represents a significant milestone in the industry, as German manufacturers BMW and Mercedes-Benz recently withdrew this technology from their most prestigious models, the 7 Series and S-Class, due to high costs. Although the system in the Seagull still belongs to the 2nd level of autonomy, LiDAR allows it to significantly better navigate in complex city centers, recognize traffic lights and safely navigate between unlit objects, which is not always possible with cameras alone.
The entry-level Seagull Vitality Edition with a 30,1 kWh battery and a range of 305 kilometers is available on the Chinese market for around EUR 9.500. The Flying Edition with a larger battery (38,9 kWh) and a range of 405 kilometers costs around EUR 11.600, while the price for the best-equipped model with the DiPilot 300 package rises to around EUR 13.300. Although the LiDAR surcharge represents a significant portion of the total cost of the car, BYD is demonstrating with this move that cutting-edge safety technology is becoming accessible to a wider range of customers, which could have a major impact on equipment standards in the small city car segment in the future.