New and bigger BYD Atto 1 revealed

At a glance 

• New generation BYD Atto 1 could be longer and wider 
• Optional LiDAR and larger cabin could feature, as well as a possible switch to rear-wheel drive 
• Update follows a similar refresh for the BYD Atto 3 Evo 

A refreshed and significantly bigger BYD Atto 1 could be on the cards for Australia after newly filed paperwork for what is currently Australia’s cheapest EV surfaced in China. 

The Chinese carmaker filed regulatory paperwork for two versions of the small electric hatch under the Seagull name, as it is known in China. 

Given the current Seagull is sold locally as the Atto 1, the new-generation model is a likely candidate for Australia, although BYD is yet to confirm plans for its local release. 

A BYD spokesperson wouldn't be drawn on when an updated Atto 1 could arrive in Australia, instead noting the current model only launched here six months ago. 

“New model introduction timings vary from market to market. The Atto 1 sold in Australia is barely six months into its cycle and continues to be very well received by customers,” BYD said in a note by email. 

Next-gen Atto 1 could tip 4 metre mark 

According to the fresh paperwork, the updated Seagull will be bigger than the current model on sale in Australia. It measures 4205mm long, 1810mm wide and 1570mm high – 215mm longer, 90mm wider and 20mm lower than the Australian Atto 1’s current dimensions of 3990mm long, 1720mm wide and 1590mm high. 

Its 2650mm wheelbase is also 150mm longer than that of the Chinese-market Seagull, suggesting the larger footprint could deliver more interior space. 

The new model is inching in size towards the 4310mm-long BYD Atto 2, while also coming close to the larger BYD Dolphin hatch. 

Images shared by CnEVPost, a China-based electric vehicle news outlet, show a tidy profile with more elongated headlights and angled air intakes at the front, and a smaller overhang above the tailgate at the rear. 

Gone are the dynamic upward-sloping side creases, replaced with gentle downward accents along the sides. 

The filing also notes optional fender and skirt-panel trim, a choice of D-pillar finishes and an optional camera near a high-mounted rear brake light. Whether these features would be offered on an Australian-spec vehicle is unknown. 

Some versions also appear to offer optional roof-mounted LiDAR and other sensors, pointing to more advanced driver-assistance technology. BYD already offers LiDAR on some versions of the existing Seagull in China. 

The images also show the charging port has moved from the front-left quarter panel to the left-rear quarter panel, behind the back door. 

More power, rear-wheel-drive

Other reported specifications in the Chinese filing include a 95kW motor, which is an upgrade from the 55kW motor fitted to the previous Chinese-market model. Interestingly, a separate report by Car News China suggests the updated Atto 1 could offer even more performance and switch from front- to rear-wheel drive. That report, which is based on spy images of a testing mule, indicates outputs could be as high as 130kW and 150kW. 

In Australia, the Atto 1 Essential produces 65kW, while the more powerful Premium produces 115kW. That means the new motor would offer more power than the local entry-level model, but less than the current flagship. 

A lithium-iron phosphate Blade battery is included for the new Seagull, although the filings do not disclose its capacity or driving range. 

The Atto 1 sells from $23,990 before on-road costs in Australia and comes in two variants: the Essential and the Premium, with the latter priced from $27,990 before on-road costs. 

The Atto 1 is one of BYD’s 12-strong Australian line-up, six of which are fully electric, and it achieved 871 sales in June new car sales and 3254 sales during the first half of 2026. 

A Chinese market launch is expected during the third quarter of 2026 for the updated Atto 1, while Australian timing and specifications are yet to be confirmed.