Next-gen BYD Atto 1 revealed bigger and rear-drive, but Australia’s range stays unchanged
BYD has revealed the second-generation Atto 1, sold as the Seagull in China, opening pre-orders on 9 October and staging its Chinese launch at the Zhengzhou International Circuit on 20 October. As we reported in our preview of the next-gen Atto 1, the new car is far larger than the model sold here, with rear-wheel drive, five seats and a front boot.
The bigger news for Australian buyers is what is not changing. BYD Australia says there are no changes to its existing line-up for the foreseeable future, and it has previously said the new model is not on its radar. That means the current BYD Atto 1 stays on sale here as Australia’s cheapest new electric car.
Two different Atto 1 updates
There are now two new versions of the Atto 1 in the news, and only one is the all-new car.
- The second-generation Seagull for China is a new design, 4,205mm long with a 2,650mm wheelbase, a 95kW rear motor, multi-link rear suspension and a 94-litre front boot.
- The updated current-generation car for Europe, sold there as the Dolphin Surf, was shown at the Paris motor show with an optional fifth seat, a larger 12.8-inch touchscreen, an 8.8-inch driver display, built-in Google services and a column-mounted gear selector.
BYD says it will sell four and five-seat versions of the updated export car side by side depending on market needs. Neither version has been confirmed for Australia.
Second-generation Atto 1 against the Australian car
| Spec | Atto 1 sold in Australia | Second-gen Seagull for China |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,990mm | 4,205mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,500mm | 2,650mm |
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Drive | Front | Rear |
| Motor output | 65kW Essential, 115kW Premium | 95kW |
| Rear suspension | Torsion beam | Multi-link |
| Front boot | No | 94 litres |
Reported battery options for the new Chinese car are about 30kWh and 39.2kWh, both lithium iron phosphate. Rear cargo space grows to as much as 1,380 litres with the seats folded, and one version offers optional LiDAR for advanced driver assistance. Final Chinese pricing is expected to be confirmed at launch, with reports pointing to a starting price under 100,000 yuan. The outgoing Seagull sells from 69,900 yuan.
What Australian buyers get today
The Atto 1 Essential is offered at $19,990 drive-away until 15 December 2026, with a 30kWh battery and 220km of WLTP range. The Atto 1 Premium is $27,990 and brings a 43.2kWh battery, 115kW and 310km of WLTP range. BYD sold 3,838 Atto 1s in Australia in the first eight months of 2026.
If the new car eventually comes here, it is expected to cost more because it is larger and more complex. For now the current Atto 1 is the one to compare, and our Atto 1 versus Atto 2 comparison and MG4 Urban versus Atto 1 comparison show how it stacks up against its closest rivals.
