The BYD Dolphin Surf, the European variant of the best-selling Seagull EV, has officially launched, boasting an attractive starting price of 22,990 euros ($26,000).
This compact electric hatchback is set to make waves in the European market, especially with a promotional offer bringing the price down to just 19,990 euros ($22,700) until June.
Notably, the Seagull was the top-selling electric vehicle in China last month, with over 55,000 units sold in April alone, trailing only the Tesla Model Y for the entire past year.
Dolphin Surf Promises 507 km Range and High-Tech Upgrades for Urban Drivers
The Dolphin Surf is available in three versions, including a longer-range model that offers a driving range of 507 km (315 miles) priced at 24,990 euros. While the Dolphin Surf may not match the Seagull’s starting price of under $10,000 in China, it remains one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the European market.
Designed for urban environments, the Dolphin Surf features a sporty aesthetic and advanced technological offerings, including a 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android connectivity. The vehicle also showcases the new voice control feature “Hi BYD.” Its ample storage capabilities include over 20 clever storage areas and a boot capacity that expands to 1,037 liters with the rear seats folded down.
Safety and convenience are a priority, as the Dolphin Surf comes standard with BYD’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which includes intelligent cruise control and lane-departure assist. The company plans to introduce a four-seater variant in June, priced around 25,000 euros ($28,300), targeting competitors like the Renault R5 and Volkswagen’s forthcoming ID.2.
According to BYD’s regional director, Maria Grazia, the compact segment represents “the next frontier for electrification in Europe.” With ambitious sales projections of around 186,000 units this year and expectations to reach 400,000 by 2029, the Dolphin Surf could become a significant player in the European EV market. As BYD aims to replicate its Chinese success, the demand for the Dolphin Surf remains to be seen.