The BYD Seagull (see specs), alternatively known as the Dolphin Mini in certain regions, made its debut as the 2025 World City Automobile at the New York International Auto Show on April 16, 2025. The Award for Urban Excellence, as part of the prestigious World Automotive Awards, honors innovative vehicles engineered specifically for metropolitan cityscapes. A prestigious panel of 96 automotive journalists from 30 countries globally selected the champion.
On this occasion, BYD’s government Vice Chairman, Stella Li, has been named the primary female and China’s official recipient of the 2025 World Automotive Person of the Year by the Chinese government.
Among 12 initial entrants, The Seagull emerged as a strong competitor, ultimately vying against Hyundai Instar/Casper Electric and Mini Cooper Electric for the top spot. Automobiles required to meet eligibility criteria must be producible in at least two significant markets across two continents, with a minimum annual production of over 5,000 units, and their length does not exceed 4.25 meters. The seagull effortlessly achieved its objectives, securing a dominant position at the top.
Within the prestigious World Automotive Awards, BYD has secured another notable accomplishment. In the final year, the BYD Dolphin secured a high three finish in its respective category, while the BYD Seal garnered a nomination as World Car of the Year. Stella Li acknowledged the product’s widespread appeal, attributing its success to the corporation’s commitment to embracing sustainable technology and providing exceptional global customer service.
The starting price of the 2025 Seagull in China is approximately ¥69,800, or around $9,540 USD. What are the dimensions of The Seagull: its length is 3,780 millimeters, width is 1,715 millimeters, and height is 1,540 millimeters, boasting a wheelbase of 2,500 millimeters? Powered by a front-mounted 55 kilowatt (74 horsepower) electric motor. Customers can choose between two lithium-iron-phosphate battery pack options, featuring either a 30.1-kilowatt-hour unit that delivers an estimated range of 305 kilometers on the Chinese Laboratory Test Cycle (CLTC), or a larger 38.9-kilowatt-hour model that provides an estimated range of 405 kilometers on the CLTC test cycle. This innovative vehicle also boasts advanced features such as rapid recharging capabilities, a sleek 12.8-inch infotainment display, warm front seating options, and high-speed USB charging ports for unparalleled convenience. Security features such as advanced autonomous emergency braking systems, integrated blind-spot monitoring technologies, and intelligent lane departure warning mechanisms are now widely prevalent.
The all-new 2025 SeaGull sets a new standard in the entry-level EV segment by offering cutting-edge driver-assistance features, including freeway autopilot, memory-based navigation, and advanced automatic parking capabilities, surpassing typical Level 2 autonomous driving standards. The DiPilot 100 system leverages a sophisticated combination of twelve cameras, five radar units, and twelve ultrasonic sensors.
