Video: BYD Shark first drive – Good enough to match Ranger?
BYD has introduced its Shark ute at a competitive price of $69,990, positioning it as an interesting option in the market. Will it prompt consumers to consider switching to a different kind of ute?
The diesel engine has long dominated the ute market here, delivering a reliable combination of torque and economy. However, its emissions performance has been less favorable. As pressure to reduce emissions increases, particularly for corporates needing to reduce their carbon footprint, the new BYD Shark 6 could attract attention.
Hybrid technology
BYD, although relatively new to the market, has adapted quickly. The Shark 6 will be the first plug-in double cab on the market when it arrives in late December, ahead of the Ranger, which is expected to debut in mid-2025.
The Shark 6 shares hybrid technology with the Sealion 6, featuring two motors: a 170kW front unit with 310Nm and a 150kW rear unit with 340Nm. The engine is primarily used to charge the battery and is a 1.5T four-cylinder producing 135kW and 260Nm. With a total output of 321kW and 650Nm, the Shark 6 offers solid performance.
The vehicle has a 29.58kWh battery, which BYD claims gives up to 100km of electric range, though this figure is based on NEDC testing, and actual range will vary depending on factors like driving style, load, and traffic. It can be charged using both AC (7kW) and DC (55kW) charging options.
First impressions
Our drive of the pre-production model offered some insights. While the final New Zealand-spec vehicle may differ slightly—BYD NZ has requested tweaks to steering and roll bar settings, and the sports bar is likely to be removed—it still provided a solid feel. In terms of performance, BYD quotes a 0-100 time of 5.7 seconds, though we recorded 6.3 seconds during our test. This places it just behind the Ranger Raptor, but ahead of diesel utes that typically range from nine to eleven seconds. Fuel consumption is a key advantage, with a quoted 2.0L/100km in EV mode and CO2 emissions at 46g/km, provided the battery is regularly charged.
The Shark 6 still offers respectable fuel economy in hybrid mode, with a figure of 7.9L/100km. The Ranger biturbo, for comparison, can achieve around 8.0L/100km. However, realizing the BYD’s fuel efficiency requires frequent charging, which means businesses should consider installing charging stations at work to maximize efficiency.
Capabilities and practicality
With a towing capacity of 2500kg, the Shark 6 falls short of the sector norm, but it should manage light loads adequately with its ample torque. The vehicle weighs 2710kg, leaving 790kg for payload with its 3500kg GVM. The tray is sizable, measuring 137cm wide at the tailgate, 121cm between the arches, and 153cm long. One notable feature is the three-pin plug setup in the wellside, useful for running equipment on the go.
The electric tailgate is functional, with a light strip running across it for improved visibility at night. The absence of a step into the load area is a minor inconvenience, but the electric release mechanism works well.
The vehicle offers a variety of driving modes (mountain, snow, sand, and mud), though it lacks a low-range gear. Ground clearance is set at 200mm, and its overall length of 5457mm makes it 87mm longer than the Ranger. With a turning circle of 13.5m, tight maneuvers can be a challenge, though the steering is light enough for most situations.
Interior and comfort
The interior quality stands out for this class, with soft-touch materials and a layout that leans more towards premium than typical work-focused utes. A large rotating screen dominates the dashboard, while a second screen provides drive-related information. BYD’s surround-view camera system is a useful feature, and the cabin offers plenty of storage and charging options, including a 230V/10A plug in the back.
The back seats are spacious, with good head and legroom. While the seatback is fixed, the comfort level is decent for passengers, and there are USB ports and additional power outlets for convenience. There is a small amount of storage behind the seat backs, though the rear seat squabs cannot be flipped up for extra cargo space.
Driving impressions
The Shark 6 drives more like an electric vehicle than a traditional hybrid, with smooth, instant torque delivery. The brake pedal feels a bit soft, and the motor regeneration is mild. The steering assistance, while light, could benefit from further tuning to offer more consistent feedback.
In bends, there’s noticeable body roll, particularly at the rear, which can affect the front-end handling. This could improve with the planned adjustments to the roll bar. The suspension is firm but not uncomfortable, though larger bumps can send a slight jiggle through the cabin.
The BYD Shark 6 is an intriguing addition to the ute market, offering lower emissions and advanced hybrid technology. While it may not appeal to all buyers, particularly those prioritising towing capacity, it could find a niche among buyers looking for a balance between capability and reduced environmental impact – And it will certainly be a hit with those that like technology. It will be interesting to see how it fares as it enters the market.
