BYD (HKEX: 1211) has opened pre-orders for the second-generation Seagull in China, moving toward the launch of a larger, more powerful successor as the small battery-electric vehicle's year-to-date sales remain under pressure.

Zhang Zhuo, general manager of BYD's Ocean lineup sales division, announced the move on Weibo on Friday, and unveiled 6 exterior color options.

Zhang did not disclose pre-order prices for the second-generation Seagull. Such reservations, known as blind pre-orders, are a common marketing practice among Chinese automakers. They may be followed by pre-sales with indicative pricing or proceed directly to an official launch.

The announcement did not specify a launch date. Zhang said in an interview in August that the new model would launch this year.

A significantly larger body is among the second-generation Seagull's main changes. The car measures 4,205 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width and 1,570 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,650 mm, according to earlier filings with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

Compared with its predecessor, the new model is 425 mm longer and has a 150 mm longer wheelbase. Seating capacity increases from 4 to 5, bringing its dimensions closer to those of the BYD Dolphin.

Both variants in the earlier filings feature a permanent-magnet synchronous motor with a maximum output of 95 kW (127 hp), up from the previous generation's 55 kW, and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.

Of the 2 variants, 1 offers optional LiDAR and additional radar hardware. BYD introduced a LiDAR option on the 2026 Seagull launched in May this year.

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