The BYD Shark is an exciting new mid-size pickup truck for the Australian market, and it’s a plug-in hybrid! Launched in Mexico in May 2024, it's making waves as it gears up for its big debut in Australia. Both BYD and EVDirect have announced that orders for the Shark 6 will be available starting October 29 2024.

For Aussie ute lovers, the arrival of the BYD Shark is set to be a game-changer. Australia’s ute market has long been dominated by petrol and diesel models, but with the rise of electric vehicles and government incentives, the shift towards greener alternatives is gathering momentum. But there are doubts about electrified pickups being up to the task. While Toyota has introduced the mild-hybrid variants of the HiLux, BYD has jumped ahead of the likes of the 2025 Ford Ranger PHEV by getting their PHEV option to the front of the line with the Shark 6. Combining the ruggedness of a traditional ute with the eco-friendliness of a plug-in hybrid, the Shark offers a compelling balance of power and efficiency.

With an anticipated price of around $60,000, it slots in alongside established players like the Ford Ranger XLT and Mitsubishi Triton. Could the BYD Shark be the spark that accelerates the future of utes in Australia? Here are five exciting things you should know about the upcoming BYD Shark 6:

1. Hybrid powertrain: Performance meets electric efficiency

The BYD Shark 6 combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine combined with an electric drivetrain, creating a robust plug-in hybrid EV system. It shares its basic hybrid technology with the BYD Sealion 6 but has been specifically tuned for off-road use, delivering 321kW of power and 650Nm of torque. While this power output surpasses many competitors, its torque doesn't quite match the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV, which produces 690Nm, but is nowhere near in terms of power with just 205 kW on offer.

While the petrol engine produces a modest 135 kW and 260 Nm primarily to generate electricity, the dual electric motors provide substantial torque. This hybrid system is supported by two electric motors, one on each axle, providing 170kW/310Nm at the front and 150kW/340Nm at the rear. This setup optimises off-road performance by supplying more power to the front wheels and more torque to the rear for better traction and towing ability.

While it offers around 80km of electric range, which can be charged in about 4.5 hours using a home wall box, the Shark 6 goes much further. In hybrid mode, BYD claims this powertrain uses around 7.9 litres of premium unleaded fuel for every 100 kilometres. Its 60-litre fuel tank is good for 800km, making it versatile

2. Off-road capability (DMO and terrain modes)

The BYD Shark 6 also promises to be a formidable off-roader. Its DM-O (dual-mode off-road) technology and three terrain modes (Sand, Mud, Snow) make it capable of conquering any challenge that a typical ute would. With its impressive approach angle of 31 degrees, departure angle of 19.5 degrees, ramp-over angles of 17 degrees, generous ground clearance of 230 mm, and 700 mm of water-wading depth, the Shark is built to excel in the rugged terrains of our country.

Also, we’re particularly excited about the prospect of tackling the landscape in near silence with the BYD Shark's electric powertrain. Although it lacks a traditional transfer case, the electric motors and clever traction systems provide plenty of torque precisely where needed, ensuring outstanding performance in challenging conditions.

3. Towing and payload capacity

So far so good for Australia’s first PHEV ute, but this is where the BYD Shark 6 loses some of its juice - the payload and towing capacity. Its gross combined mass of 3,500 kg and kerb weight of 2,710 kg result in a payload capacity of 790 kg, which is comparable to the popular and top-tier utes like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. However, adding accessories like sports bars or steel bumpers reduces this capacity, making it respectable but not outstanding by any means.

In terms of towing, the Shark 6 falls short of its competitors, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 kg. Fortunately, the Shark 6 compensates with a spacious and practical load tub, having a claimed capacity of 1,200 litres. Access is easy, thanks to a convenient button inside the cabin or on the tailgate. The tailgate features a single strut for a controlled and gentle opening. The wheel arches are designed to minimise intrusion into the load space, and six tie-down points ensure secure cargo management.

4. Cabin comfort and specifications

Like most BYD products, the Shark 6 impresses with its high-tech features and stylish interior. It has a 15.6-inch central infotainment system (yes, it rotates too) that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless connectivity. Complementing this is a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera system for enhanced visibility, a wireless phone charger, a head-up display for convenient driving information, and an NFC key card for easy access. You’ll also enjoy a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system with DAB digital radio tuning.

The Premium model stands out with striking red and orange stitching, adding a touch of flair. According to reports from those who have already experienced the Shark 6 in person, the cabin is spacious and practical, offering plenty of storage options for both front and rear passengers. Front-seat comfort is a highlight, while rear passengers enjoy generous legroom and headroom.

5. One for the family?

The 2025 BYD Shark 6 is not trying to be a better ute, but simply a better all-rounder than most existing competitors at this price. In terms of passenger safety, it has seven airbags, and a packed suite of driver assistance features. You’ll find things like driver fatigue monitoring, blind spot alerts, autonomous emergency braking, cross-traffic alerts for both the front and rear, lane departure warnings and lane-keeping assistance for added safety on long trips. Plus, features like rear collision warnings, speed limit recognition, door opening alerts, and child presence detection make it a great pick for families. Just keep in mind that the Shark 6 hasn’t been tested by ANCAP yet, so it might be smart to hold off on calling it your top family ride until those safety ratings come in.

Another area where the BYD Shark 6 is trying to do things better is the ride quality, especially in urban environments, with independent coil spring rear suspension. The tough build and off-road capabilities of this new plug-in ute could really attract adventurers too. Plus, businesses and government agencies in need of a reliable, sturdy vehicle might find the Shark 6 to be a great fit, too.

Should you buy it?

The 2025 BYD Shark 6 is poised to be a great addition to the Australian ute market. Its blend of eco-friendliness, powerful performance, and modern features makes it a good choice for adventurers and families. While its off-road capabilities and tech-savvy cabin are yet to be tested in the real world, if you are interested in buying this ute, you should carefully consider its towing capacity and pending safety ratings. We will also get a better idea of its worth once the detailed prices are announced in a few weeks. Based on the details revealed thus far, the BYD Shark 6 PHEV is no gimmick and could well be a top contender for anyone buying a new family ute.