With marque automakers rolling out eerily similar models each year, the pick-up segment has looked ripe for disruption for some time now. Chinese automaker BYD is the first to step up to the plate, unveiling its new plug-in hybrid ute, affectionately known as the ‘Shark’. Set to arrive in Australia in late 2024 to early 2025, expect the BYD Shark to retail at around AUD$70,000 undercutting the fiercely competitive segment’s top dogs such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux.
BYD Shark Performance
Importantly for BYD, the Shark is set to be one of the country’s first commercially available plug-in hybrid utes, with the main talking point being the complex powertrain. According to the Chinese automaker, this development uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol along with a dual-motor layout, which together develops a Raptor rivalling 420 bhp plus.
That level of output is expected to deliver a 0-100 km/h time of 5.7 seconds, but the more intriguing statistics lie in its efficiency figure. BYD claims that the Shark will boast around 7.5 litres per 100km, not unlike a diesel ute, albeit with a 1,000km plus range. Additionally, the Shark will sport dual fuel and electric power modes along with an EV-only range of 100km.
Hybrid Battery System
Billed as the first longitudinal electric hybrid system in the world, the ‘blade battery’ is a part of the ladder-frame chassis itself ensuring high rigidity levels while it also gets independent rear suspension. That being said, braked towing capacity is less than rivals at 2.5 tonnes, but again, the final specifications for the Australian market could differ.
BYD Shark Design and Exterior
Where the BYD Shark also scores points is in its sheer size. The upcoming vehicle boasts a ridiculous length of 5457mm to go along with a width of 1971mm, making it slightly bigger than a Ranger Wildtrack. As the name suggests, the folks at BYD looked at sharks for inspiration, which explains the full-length LED lights along with a gaping grille, while a ‘through-type tail light’ is also inspired by a shark’s tail fin. Beyond that, the proportions are muscular if also a bit on the boxy side.
Interior
The interiors are typical BYD, though, characterised by the generous helping of technology and features. A 10.25-inch LCD instrument panel and a 12.8-inch adaptive rotating screen dominate your attention here while the aircraft style gear lever is surrounded by toggle switches.
You will not find chunky off-road spec switchgear, though, but the cabin seems quite plush. Other features include rear seats with a 27-degree recline angle, a 540-degree ultra-wide-angle panoramic view camera, BMW style NFC digital car key, VTOL (vehicle-to-load) function and you can even indulge in a karaoke session. Finally, the Shark also gets a suite of advanced driver assistance features including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.
BYD has big plans to gather a larger share of the Australian market and the Shark would be the most important model to do that with local testing confirming the significance of our market in the development of this Ute.
