BYD Philippines is making waves this year. Following the launch of the sleek and feature-packed Sealion DM-i plug-in hybrid, the Chinese automaker is now bringing the Seagull into the market – a small, fully electric hatchback that marks BYD’s sixth model in the Philippines. Don’t let its modest size fool you, though. The Seagull promises to offer big value, especially for first-time car buyers or anyone who’s been holding out for an affordable EV. So, does it deliver? Here are my first impressions after spending some time with this tiny electrified bird.
From the outside, the BYD Seagull might not immediately scream “electric vehicle” if you’re expecting something radical or futuristic. It looks very much like your typical small hatchback, reminiscent of cars like the Toyota Wigo or Honda Brio. But while those run on internal combustion, the Seagull takes a greener route with a fully electric powertrain.
In terms of design, it sports full LED lighting, giving it a modern, youthful vibe that fits its target market perfectly. This is a car aimed at younger drivers or those looking for an affordable, no-nonsense EV. It even has a hint of European flair, with its front end resembling the sleek lines you might find on a certain Italian supercar. It’s a bold move, but one that definitely works in its favor.
Measuring 3,780 mm in length, 1,715 mm in width, and 1,580 mm in height, the Seagull is almost a Goldilocks-size hatchback – longer than the Toyota Wigo and Honda Brio, but also a bit wider and taller. The extra width gives it a more planted stance, which is a nice touch for a small EV. It’s nimble and compact, yet still manages to provide decent room inside.
The wheels, however, left me wanting more. While the 16-inch rims look sharp, there’s too much empty space in the wheel wells. A slightly larger set of wheels could fill out the arches better, though I understand the trade-off here – bigger wheels mean less range, which is crucial in an electric vehicle like this.
Around the back, the Seagull has a rear design that’s clean and simple. The full-width LED tailgate strip gives it a modern look, and the extended rear spoiler adds a dash of personality. It might also help with aerodynamic efficiency, but let’s be honest – it just looks cool.
When you step inside, the Seagull offers more than you’d expect from an EV at this price point. The two-tone interior is stylish, and the tech inside is quite impressive. Up front, you get two screens – one for the digital instrument cluster and another rotating 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Yes, that’s right – a rotating screen. It’s a neat gimmick, but it works well, especially since it comes with Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. Plus, there’s a wireless charger to keep things seamless.
The dashboard layout is simple but functional. The gear selector sits in the center stack, and while most controls have gone digital, you’ll still find physical buttons for some key functions, which is always a welcome touch in an age of all-touch interfaces. The HVAC controls, however, are not part of those physical buttons, which might take a little getting used to.
One standout feature that’s hard to ignore is the inclusion of cruise control – a rarity in small hatchbacks, especially at this price range. It’s little details like this that give the Seagull an edge over other budget-friendly models.
Underneath its compact exterior, the Seagull packs a 30 kWh Blade battery that offers an NEDC-rated range of 300 kilometers. While NEDC estimates can sometimes be optimistic, this still gives the Seagull solid range for city driving, which is what most buyers will likely use it for.
The electric motor produces 75 hp and 135 Nm of torque, which might not sound like much, but in a small car like this, it’s plenty. The immediate torque delivery you get from the electric motor makes city driving a breeze. Whether you’re weaving through traffic or making quick lane changes, the Seagull responds with ease. Just don’t expect it to perform like a sports car – high-speed driving isn’t where the Seagull shines, but for daily commutes and city trips, it’s more than capable, though admittedly a longer time with the car is needed for us to give a deeper impression, especially on highway runs.
Driving the BYD Seagull is an enjoyable experience, largely due to how quiet it is inside. Thanks to the electric powertrain, the cabin stays whisper-quiet, and that calm atmosphere pairs well with the car’s soft, supportive seats. Even on less-than-perfect roads, the ride is relatively comfortable, which isn’t always the case with small cars.
Steering is light, which makes maneuvering in tight spaces effortless. With a tight turning radius, the Seagull is particularly well-suited to city driving. Parking is easy, and you won’t struggle to navigate narrow streets or cramped parking garages.
Despite being a budget-friendly EV, the BYD Seagull doesn’t skimp on safety. It comes equipped with four airbags, rear parking sensors with a rear camera, tire pressure monitoring, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, traction control, and hill-start assist (or as BYD calls it, ramp start control). It’s reassuring to know that even an entry-level electric car has your back when it comes to keeping you safe on the road.
One quirky feature I noticed was that the Seagull only has one wiper blade for the front windshield. It’s an odd choice, but during my time with the car (even in heavy rain), it wasn’t an issue. The single blade did its job just fine.
One of the Seagull’s biggest selling points is its affordability. Priced around P900,000, or below P1 million, it’s one of the most accessible electric vehicles on the market today. That’s higher than some gas-powered hatchbacks, but considering you’re getting an EV with modern tech and safety features, it’s an appealing deal.
Charging the Seagull is straightforward. Every purchase includes a portable charger, but BYD also provides a complementary 7 kW home charger for faster top-ups. And if you need to charge on the go, the Seagull supports DC fast-charging via its CCS2 connector, so you can recharge that 30 kWh battery quickly when you’re in a hurry.
The BYD Seagull is shaping up to be a fantastic option for anyone looking to make the switch to electric without breaking the bank. It’s not the flashiest EV out there, but it’s practical, well-equipped, and fun to drive. With solid range, a comfortable interior, and a price tag that makes it one of the most affordable EVs on the market, the Seagull is proof that going electric doesn’t have to mean making compromises. If you’re ready to embrace electric mobility, the Seagull should definitely be on your radar.
