BYD will unveil the second-generation Atto 1 on October 20 at the Zhengzhou International Circuit, according to media invitations published by Chinese outlet IT Home News. The car is called the Seagull in China, where it’s BYD’s cheapest EV. Blind pre-orders opened on October 9, and BYD says pricing will come at the launch.
It grows by 425mm
Filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) list the new car at 4205mm long, 1810mm wide and 1570mm high, on a 2650mm wheelbase. That’s 425mm longer than today’s model, with 150mm more between the axles, and only about 85mm shy of the BYD Dolphin (roughly 4290mm). The extra room finally gets a fifth seat. The current car has four.
Drive moves to the rear
The Seagull has always been front-wheel drive. This one puts the motor on the rear axle, which also frees up space under the bonnet for a front boot. The rear torsion beam gives way to an independent multi-link setup.
95kW, up from 55kW
The Chinese filing lists a 95kW (127hp) motor and a 150km/h top speed. The current Chinese car makes 55kW. Australian cars make 65kW in the Essential and 115kW in the Premium, both front-drive. BYD hasn’t confirmed this generation for Australia or said when it might arrive.
BYD Atto 1 Battery and charging are still mostly rumour
The filings confirm an LFP Blade battery but leave out capacity and range. Chinese reports mention two battery options with CLTC range of up to 320km or 420km, though BYD hasn’t confirmed either number. Higher-spec versions are also reported to support Flash Charging, which BYD claims can take a compatible car from 10 to 70 per cent in five minutes. The 1500kW figure belongs to the charger, not the car, and a small hatchback won’t draw anything close to it.
Styling and cabin
Outside, the changes are smaller than underneath: semi-hidden door handles, split tail-lights and a roof spoiler. Inside, there’s a redesigned centre console, a floating central touchscreen and a flat-bottomed two-spoke steering wheel. BYD’s sketches show no separate driver display. One variant can also be ordered with roof-mounted LiDAR plus front, rear and side radar.
What it’ll cost
Nothing official yet. Unverified rumours put the Chinese price at around 85,000 yuan (about US$12,500). Whether Australia gets the same car, and at what price, is anyone’s guess until BYD says so.
