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The BYD Shark 6 PHEV dual-cab ute is probably one of the most anticipated new models coming to Australia.
30 November 2024
Written by Wheels magazine
BYD's upcoming Shark 6 ute is probably one of the most anticipated new models coming to Australia.
With combined petrol and electric power, the dual-cab Shark 6 will have a driving range of approximately 800km. Those that want a more pure electrified ute will have to wait for now, with an all-electric version to follow in late 2025 or early 2026.
BYD has confirmed the Shark 6 Premium model will be priced at $57,900 before on-road costs when it is officially on sale in Australia from October 29 this year.
The BYD Shark features a ‘Dual Mode Off-Road’ plug-in hybrid system which pairs a 170kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and dual electric motors, for a claimed combined power output of more than 320kW and 650Nm. This combination is said to propel the Shark from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds, and makes it the most powerful in its category compared with vehicles such as the Ford Ranger Raptor and Toyota HiLux. Its sizeable 29.6kWh battery is charged directly from a power outlet or via there petrol engine.
The Shark has three terrain modes – Sand, Mud and Snow – as well as instant torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. It runs on independent coil-spring rear suspension.
The Shark has a claimed electric-only range of 100km and a combined driving range when running as a hybrid of 840km. However, both of these figures are based on the older, less-stringent NEDC testing cycle. So its EV-only range realistically equates to about 70km by the current WLTP standard. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.5L/100km.
The BYD Shark measures 5457mm long, 1971mm wide and 1925mm tall, and it has a wheelbase of 3260mm, making it one of the largest utes in the midsize class. Its tray measures 1520mm long, 1500mm wide and 517mm deep, and can carry up to1200 litres of volume.
For context, the Shark is 87mm longer, 53mm wider and 39mm taller than a Ranger Wildtrak – exact dimensions for the Ranger PHEV have not yet been released. Payload is listed at 835kg and it has a lower-than-standard towing capacity of 2500kg. By contrast, Ford says the Ranger PHEV will be able to carry a payload of up to 1000kg and tow up to 3500kg.
Key interior features of the Shark include a 12.8-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera system, a wireless phone charger, and a head-up display. An NFC key card is also included, with iPhone users able to unlock, lock and start the car using the Apple CarKey function.
Rear passengers can take advantage of air vents, door pockets for bottles, map pockets and a fold-down centre armrest.
The Shark’s safety systems include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition.
Early orders in Australia for the BYD Shark 6 PHEV have exceeded expectations.
BYD see the Shark 6 PHEV as being its breakthrough car in Australia in an increasingly popular category through a winning combination of innovative hybrid powertrain, off-road capability, power, price and range. Who’s to say they’re wrong?
Images supplied by Wheels magazine. This article was written by an independent author of Wheels Media. Full disclaimer