New York City, 16 April 2025 — In a groundbreaking moment for Chinese automotive innovation, the BYD SEAGULL/DOLPHIN MINI has been named the 2025 World Urban Car at the prestigious World Car Awards, held at the New York International Auto Show. The accolade marks a significant milestone, as it’s the first time a Chinese brand has clinched a World Car Award, surpassing 11 top-tier global contenders to claim the title.
Judged by a panel of 96 esteemed automotive journalists from around the world, the award recognises vehicles that demonstrate exceptional performance, innovation, and relevance in densely populated urban environments. In this fiercely competitive segment, the BYD SEAGULL/DOLPHIN MINI stood out for its compelling combination of futuristic design, cutting-edge technology, and real-world functionality.
A Victory for Innovation and Design
At the heart of the SEAGULL/DOLPHIN MINI’s success lies BYD’s distinctive Ocean Aesthetics design language — a visual philosophy that captures the fluid, organic energy of the sea. Compact yet full of character, the car delivers a bold, youthful aesthetic that resonates globally. But its appeal goes far beyond style. With best-in-class safety features, a smart user interface, and nimble urban drivability, the vehicle has rapidly become a best-seller in key international markets.
“The BYD SEAGULL/DOLPHIN MINI has proven that compact electric mobility can be stylish, safe, and accessible,” said one juror. “It offers a real-world solution to modern urban challenges, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and intelligent design.”
A Historic Win for Chinese Auto Innovation
In accepting the award, Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, shared her enthusiasm:
“We are incredibly proud and honored that the BYD SEAGULL/DOLPHIN MINI has been recognized as the World Urban Car in the prestigious World Car Awards. 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 °C’.”
This victory is not just a win for BYD — it is a landmark moment for China’s growing influence in the global new energy vehicle (NEV) market. Over the past decade, BYD has rapidly ascended from domestic innovator to global frontrunner, building a reputation for pushing the boundaries of electric mobility.
Building on Momentum
This latest win builds on a string of impressive accolades for the brand. In 2024, the BYD DOLPHIN was a top-three finalist in the same World Urban Car category, while the BYD SEAL became the first Chinese model to ever reach the top three for World Car of the Year — an achievement that further validated the brand’s global relevance and technical prowess.
With more than two decades of experience in battery, electric motor, and control systems development, BYD continues to lead from the front, offering a full portfolio of electric vehicles designed to meet the evolving demands of global consumers.
The Road Ahead
As the automotive world accelerates toward a more sustainable future, BYD is positioning itself not just as a manufacturer, but as a leader in the global clean energy transition. The company’s commitment to “technology for a better life” underpins its efforts to deliver affordable, intelligent, and environmentally responsible mobility solutions for all.
With the 2025 World Urban Car title now in its trophy case, BYD has once again proven that it can compete — and win — on the world stage, inspiring a new era of confidence in Chinese automotive excellence.
