The Seagull was chosen from an initial entry list of 12 vehicles from all over the world by a jury of 96 international automotive journalists from 30 countries. It was then shortlisted to the Top Three finalists where the BYD was joined by the Hyundai Inster and Mini Cooper Electric.

Vehicles eligible for World Urban Car must be produced in volumes of at least 5,000 units per year and must be “on-sale” in at least two major markets (China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Latin America, USA) on at least two separate continents within the period January 1, 2024 and March 30, 2025.

To be eligible in the World Urban Car of the Year, it must have a maximum of 4.25 meters in overall length and be approved for operation on public roads.

This is the highest accolade BYD has achieved after the Dolphin was selected as a Top Three Finalist for the World Urban Car last year and the BYD Seal a Top Three Finalist in the overall World Car of the Year last year.

“We are incredibly proud and honored that the BYD Seagull has been recognized as the World Urban Car in the prestigious World Car Awards 2025. This achievement reflects our commitment to providing sustainable technologies and exceptional service to customers worldwide. At BYD, we are dedicated to accelerating green mobility and contributing to the global effort to cool the Earth by 1-degree Celsius,” says Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD.