BYD is readying its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) dual-cab ute, which it’s calling its most important vehicle launch in Australia to date.
When it launches it will join the hotly contended 4×4 ute segment in Australia which includes rivals like the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, and Isuzu D-Max.
Ahead of the BYD Shark 6 going on sale on October 29, David Smitherman, the CEO of BYD’s local distributor EVDirect, told CarExpert how it’ll stack up against the segment stalwarts.
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“[We’re] really excited to see what happens, is the truth of that” said Mr Smitherman.
“I think what we do is we bring the PHEV as the first [ute] to market. So we’re just delighted to be able to bring that to market quickly.
“Of course with the technology benefits that brings, plus our own BYD technology, we’re really confident that we’re bringing a vehicle that people want [and] that they don’t currently have the choice of.”
“So I think [the Shark 6] going to really resonate with a lot of Australians, but [we’re] also very respectful of the competitors [as they’re] well established and [have] a great reputation in Australia.”
The BYD Shark 6 is launching in Australia before the forthcoming Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha Hi-4T, which are both due in 2025.
When asked how the Shark 6 will rival the Ranger PHEV in particular, Mr Smitherman indicated he’s really comfortable with the ute as a complete package.
“BYD makes the Blade battery, so it’s our own battery that we make in house,” said Mr Smitherman.
“So I think we’ve got some significant benefits over the battery technology.
“Look at the styling of our vehicle. [It has] terrific styling internally and externally, so I’m really excited about that.
“We’re really comfortable with the entire package of our vehicle, and are very confident that it will really go well in the marketplace.”
Utes are hugely popular Australia, with the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux being the best-selling examples.
Mr Smitherman explained he’s well aware that one in five vehicles sold in Australia is a ute, and that the company currently has “well over 10,000 people” who have expressed interest in the Shark 6.
It’s unlikely all of these expressions of interest will turn into transactional sales, but if they did the Shark 6 would outsell the likes of the Volkswagen Amarok, Nissan Navara, LDV T60, and GWM Ute.
There will only be a single range-topping version of the BYD Shark 6 available at launch called the Premium.
Pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet, although figures published on a government website showed pricing for the “2025 Z Utility Shark Base 4×4” will be $68,000 before on-road costs.
Although the listing says “Base”, it’s possible this is reflective of the Premium variant launching locally.
If it is the BYD Shark 6 Premium will be priced alongside the mid-range Ford Ranger XLT 4×4 V6 ($68,840 before on-roads) and Toyota HiLux Rogue with V-Active Technology ($71,530 before on-roads).
Power comes from a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol, as well as two electric motors that are fed by a 30kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack.
Total system outputs are an eye-watering 321kW of power and 650Nm of torque. BYD claims the Shark 6 can do the 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds which is faster than a Ranger Raptor, and it can also do 100km on electric power alone according to NEDC testing.
MORE: Everything BYD Shark 6
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