BYD brings advanced LiDAR tech to its smallest budget EV

The 2026 BYD Seagull, which goes by the names Dolphin Mini and Dolphin Surf, was revealed in China. The visual differences between the new model and the previous one are hard to spot - apart from a surprise it carries on its roof. For the first time in this price range, a car company is offering LiDAR technology. This sensor helps the car "see" the world using lasers. Until now, we could only find this expensive tech on more expensive EVs, but BYD is bringing it to the masses.

The 2026 BYD Seagull starts at a price that makes a lot of gas-powered cars look expensive. The base model, called the Vitality Edition, costs RMB 69,900 - that is about $10,300. If you want the top-tier Flying Edition without the LiDAR sensor, it costs RMB 85,900, or roughly $12,600. The big news is the "God's Eye B" system. This is an optional package that adds the LiDAR sensor. The most expensive version with all the bells and whistles costs RMB 97,900, which is about $14,400.

This tiny electric vehicle comes in four different versions. Two versions use a 30.08 kWh battery. These models can travel 190 miles on a single charge. If you need to go further, you can pick a version with a 38.88 kWh battery. That larger battery allows the car to travel up to 252 miles. Every version uses the same electric motor. It produces 55 kW of power, which is about 74 horsepower. It also has 100 lb-ft of torque. It is not a race car, but it can go from 0 to 50 km/h in 4.9 seconds - plenty of oomph for driving around town.

BYD added two new colors to the 2026 lineup: Mango Orange and Mint Green. If those are too bright for you, the Warm Sun White and Peach Powder are still available. The car sits on 16-inch "Starlight" wheels and has updated LED lights in the back. The size of the car remains very small. It is 148.8 inches long, 67.5 inches wide, and 60.6 inches tall.

Inside the cabin, things look modern and simple. There is a new interior color choice called "Oatmeal Rice." The center of the dashboard features a 12.8-inch high-definition screen that lets the driver control the car. To make life easier, BYD added a 50W wireless charger for phones. There are also heated front seats and a power-adjustable seat for the driver. These are nice features for a car that costs so little.

Safety is a big part of the new Seagull. The LiDAR system allows for City Navigation on Autopilot - the car can help steer through city streets. It can recognize traffic lights and even read the countdown timers on them. It knows how to drive through roundabouts and can move around obstacles on its own. The car also monitors the driver to make sure they are paying attention. If there is an emergency, the automatic braking system can stop the car to avoid a crash. It even has a built-in camera that records from five different angles while you drive.

Last year, the Seagull sold over 529,000 units. It was a massive success, but other companies are now making their own small EVs. The Geely Xingyuan is one of its biggest rivals. Other new electric cars like the Arcfox T1 and the Leapmotor A10 are also trying to win over buyers. By adding advanced sensors and keeping the price low, BYD hopes to stay ahead of the pack.

Just a few years ago, self-driving tech was only for people with deep pockets. Now, it is becoming a standard option for everyday drivers. As more companies fight for customers, budget-friendly EVs are becoming smarter and more capable than ever before.

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