Bangkok 2024: BYD Seagull – Myvi-sized EV previewed

Bangkok 2024: BYD Seagull – Myvi-sized EV previewed

The BYD Seagull has been shown at the 2024 Bangkok International Motor Show that is ongoing right now, and this is positioned below the Dolphin in the Chinese manufacturer’s product line-up.

Measuring 3,780 mm long, 1,715 mm wide and 1,540 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,500 mm, the BYD Seagull is comparable in physical size to the Malaysian favourite, the Perodua Myvi, which measures 3,895 mm long, 1,735 mm wide and 1,515 mm tall, with an identical wheelbase at 2,500 mm.

Details for the Thailand market remain sparse at this time, though for China, motive power in the Seagull is from a single electric motor in either 74 hp or 94 hp specification, and there are two battery options, either a 30 kWh or a 38 kWh unit, offering range of up to 305 km or 405 km respectively.

The Seagull was launched for international markets last month beginning with Uruguay, followed by Brazil, and in those markets the car is sold with a 75 PS/130 Nm drive motor. Two battery specifications are offered for the international release, the first being a 30.08 kWh battery offering a claimed 300 km of range (NEDC), and a 38 kWh battery for a claimed 380 km of range (NEDC).

In China, the Seagull went on sale from 80,000 yuan to 100,000 yuan, or between RM51k and RM64k based on conversion rates at the time of its unveiling in April 2023. Given that the Dolphin went on sale in China priced at up to 136,000 yuan (RM88k) at the time, and then in Malaysia from RM101k to RM126k, assuming the same conversion for the Seagull could mean theoretically mean a price range of RM73k to RM91k.

For Malaysia, paultan.org understands there was consideration for the BYD Seagull to be brought to market as a budget offering below the Dolphin, and thus, priced lower than that model’s RM99,900 entry point before on-the-road fees.

However, given the RM100k floor price for electric vehicles sold in Malaysia that is in effect until the end of 2025, a Seagull entry into the Malaysian market would be a non-starter as the RM100k positioning would place it side-by side with the Dolphin, which is larger, more generously equipped vehicle. Come 2026, how much do you think the BYD Seagull would be priced for the Malaysian market?

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Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • FudgeMeSideways on Mar 26, 2024 at 8:59 pm

    Set up RM100k floor price, but none of the national car makers have anything ready to capitalize on that opportunity. What’s the point even? Biasa la, tidor je keje.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 0
  • ThePolygon on Mar 27, 2024 at 8:15 am

    The new Myvi. Perodua, can you just sign an agreement with BYD and whack this in as local assembly? And you get to fulfill your local EV car KPI earlier! Good for sales, good for you and good for the potential buyers. And since it’s Perodua, gov can shutdown that 100k limit sooner.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 0
    • Agree. If Perodua will not cooperate with Daihatsu (safety gate scandal) will sell like hot cakes, if still cooperating with daihatsu, definitely will losing market shares and sales to Proton

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Anonymous4ever on Mar 28, 2024 at 11:34 am

      That what going to happen exactly. Perodua already come to an agreement with BYD and the development already have kick started. All local content supplier need to be ready for SOP by end of 2025. Launching in Q1 2026.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • ROTI CANAI on Mar 27, 2024 at 9:21 am

    if can price below 70k confirm can sell

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
    • Pro-Palestine on Mar 29, 2024 at 9:09 am

      This car if come sure will be super viral. Will be hot topic among car reviewers and among bodykit kaki. So much can do with this car in terms of looks

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • John Gagal on Mar 27, 2024 at 11:07 am

    Thank you Proton for all the tongkat nonsense craps.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 4
  • Dong Gor on Mar 27, 2024 at 4:27 pm

    Malaysians just won’t get any bang for the buck when it comes to cars at any time. the way the tax is structured, u can only get something close to what u pay for on the low end models. anything nicer, u need to pay a few levels above market rate. the delta all masuk government pocket. Yet, it’s not enough…they squeeze u more from other taxes. itu kisar benar malaysians who work hard and not depending on government support

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • It’s not a myvi size. It’s more like axia size. Prize would be better if below rm70k so that everyone can buy.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
 

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