BYD Seagull to Get LiDAR, Boosted Range in 2026 Upgrade

China’s BYD is preparing a major update for its Seagull electric vehicle, adding roof-mounted LiDAR and increasing its range to 505 km (CLTC). This move comes as the Seagull faces increasing competition from rivals like Geely’s Geome Xingyuan, which has taken the lead in sales.

Tech Upgrade: LiDAR and Enhanced ADAS

The 2026 Seagull will incorporate LiDAR technology, likely the God’s Eye B (DiPilot 300) system, which BYD previously reserved for higher-end models. This system is powered by an Nvidia Drive Orin chip with 254 TOPS of computing power, enabling advanced driver-assistance features like automated valet parking and urban express navigation. The upgraded motor, now rated at 60 kW (up from 55 kW), provides additional power to handle the extra weight of the new sensors and larger battery.

Market Pressure and Geely’s Rise

BYD’s decision to equip the Seagull with LiDAR is a direct response to growing competition in the budget EV sector. The Seagull was a top seller in 2025, but registration data shows Geely’s Geome Xingyuan surpassed it in January 2026, selling 29,007 units versus the Seagull’s 5,329. Adding high-level ADAS features is a critical step to regain its competitive edge.

Global Expansion Strategy

BYD is also refining its regional branding strategy to support international expansion:

• Dolphin Mini: Latin America (Brazil, Mexico)
• Dolphin Surf: Europe, South Africa
• Atto 1: Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Nepal

Pricing and Competitive Landscape

The LiDAR upgrade will likely be offered as an optional feature for around 10,000 yuan ($1,455 USD). This pricing is essential to compete in the 100,000 yuan price bracket, where advanced driver-assistance systems are becoming standard. BYD must defend its market share against Geely’s Galaxy brand and Leapmotor’s B-series, both of which are rapidly expanding into key markets.

The Seagull’s update is not just a feature addition; it is a defensive move to prevent further market share loss, as high-level ADAS becomes a baseline expectation for budget EVs.