No dirty diesels here, just Australia’s first-ever plug-in hybrid, petrol-electric dual-cab ute, the BYD Shark 6.
Beating the much-heralded 2025 Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) to market by more than half a year, the Chinese brand's first entrant into this segment is a significant one.
Plus, it's priced to appeal to a far-broader buyer base than just those consumers seeking an electrified ute experience.
But is it any good? Let's find out.
Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with? 10/10
10 / 10
Right now, BYD isn't telling us how much the Shark 6 will cost in Australia.
But, we hear that it will be comfortably under $60,000, when sales commence in late October, ahead of deliveries scheduled from about February 2025.
This means the Shark 6 undercuts the other hybrid ute currently available here, and that, of course, is the GWM Cannon Alpha also from China.
That's some stiff competition for all the other utes, particularly considering that this is around the same price as the lowish-spec Ranger XLS 4x4 2.0-litre BiTurbo.
So you can bet that the cheapest Ranger XLT PHEV will likely cost quite a good deal more.
Yet the Shark 6 is fitted out to almost top-line Ranger Platinum luxury levels of standard equipment, including surround-view cameras, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen with portrait/landscape viewing options, Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a smartphone charger, a head-up display, powered/heated and vented front seats, artificial leather upholstery, an eight-speaker premium audio system, fixed side steps, soundproofed privacy glass and a full suite of advanced driver-assist safety tech including adaptive cruise control.
A favourite item is the Child Presence Detection feature, that honks the horn, then sends text and/or email alerts if a person or animal has been locked inside the cabin; left as it, the climate-control is then activated for life support.
Aggressively priced, equipped and marketed, the Shark 6 is set to become an apex predator amongst dual-cab 4x4 utes of any and every powertrain persuation.
Design – Is there anything interesting about its design? 7/10
7 / 10
Nose on, the Shark 6 has obvious influences from the Ford F series truck, even down to the C-shaped LEDs that spread across the top of the grille. And of course, that giant BYD badge lets the whole world know that BYD is gatecrashing the Ranger's party.
Dimensionally, the newcomer is slightly larger than the Ford, measuring in at 5457mm (length), 1971mm (width), 1925 (height) and 3260mm (wheelbase). Track widths are 1660mm.
Dubbed ‘cell to chassis’ technology, the Shark 6's platform has an integrated Blade Battery (which is BYD-speak for a Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, rated at a large-ish 29.6 kilowatt hours, and sat low and wide under the cabin and front part of the tub.
It helps make the body-on-frame structure stronger and stiffer, and it liberates more space for the interior. And, unlike any other ute currently on sale in Australia, the each axle boasts double wishbone suspension. Most instead use hardy but old-fashioned leaf springs.
The tub, meanwhile, is slightly larger overall than a Ranger proportionally, though isn't quite as wide or deep. The ruler says 1520mm (length), 1500mm (width) and 517mm (depth). Volume is 1200L.
Back there are the bare essentials: a damped tailgate (that's still a bit heavy to lift compared to others), LED lighting, a spray-on tub-liner and tie-down hooks. A sports bar is optional.
And do keep in mind that the BYD’s maximum braked towing capacity is limited to 2500kg – that's 1000kg shy of most rival diesel-powered dual-cab 4x4 utes. Payload is 790kg. Ground clearance is 200mm and wading depth is 700mm.
There are three plugs for powering equipment, appliances, generators and that sort of thing, while Australian accessories specialists Ironman can provide soft and hard tonneaus, as well as a canopy. More info on that is coming soon.
Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside? 8/10
8 / 10
Clearly, much thought has gone into the packaging inside the cabin, and that's obvious from the very easy entry and egress due to wide apertures.
Big windows, a commanding view out and lots of space means that the BYD concedes nothing to most rivals in terms of interior room.
A great driving position awaits, with plenty of adjustability; that large, 15.6-inch rotatable touchscreen is clear and surprisingly easy to navigate; and the general ambience is one of quality.
Other observations? The artificial leather upholstery is one of the supplest yet experienced; lots of storage is provided; ventilation is ample and vision out is fine.
But the big surprise is if you step out back.
There's virtually no storage under the rear bench, unfortunately, but instead, BYD has provided a well-padded cushion and generously angled backrest, to maximise comfort. Three people can fit across fairly easily.
And, aided by a completely flat floor with no hump to negotiate, there's lots of space for longer legs, knees and feet as well. The general amenity count is high, with face level vents, two types of USB ports, the obligatory rear centre armrest with cup holders, grab handles, reading lights, and that sort of thing. And the interior seems quiet and well insulated.
In other words, despite its name, the Shark 6 is a civilised and inviting place to be in – and work from.
Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission? 8/10
8 / 10
Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine delivering 135kW of power and 260Nm of torque; though it drives the front wheels when extra power is needed, essentially, its main job is to charge the Blade battery.
Anyway, there's a 170kW/310Nm electric motor underneath the engine over the front axle as well, and a second, 150kW/340Nm electric motor over the back axle, and together they make 321kW and 650Nm.
Result? BYD claims the Shark 6 is faster than a Ranger Raptor in that it can scoot from zero to 100 in 5.7 seconds flat. That's pretty impressive stuff.
Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range? 8/10
8 / 10
Dubbed the Dual Motor Super Hybrid system, BYD reckons this is an EV-first/hybrid-second powertrain, with the petrol engine only kicking in as required, due to the relatively big size of BYD’s Blade battery.
In pure EV mode, the Shark 6's combined EV consumption: 21.2kWh/100km, and should achieve up to 100km of pure EV range, though these figures are "to be confirmed".
Meanwhile, when the 29.6kWh LFP battery is at full charge, the petrol engine’s fuel consumption averages as low as just 2.0-litres per 100km, or as high as 7.9L/100km when it’s on low charge.
It can also offer up to 800km of combined range when the petrol engine kicks in to help that battery keep charge.
Note, though, that the latter figure is NEDC. Keep in mind, too, that you’ll need to pump in 95 RON premium unleaded petrol into that 60L tank.
Drivers can also set a minimum battery discharge level, to save the electricity for slower built-up areas. Clever.
Driving – What's it like to drive? 7/10
7 / 10
Being a pre-production example, we were only allowed to drive the Shark 6 on private roads, though a few kilometres of highway driving was necessary to get to a 4x4 track.
Though brief, it revealed how smooth and integrated the powertrain felt, with instant throttle response and plenty of muscle in reserve, like most EVs.
That said, It didn’t seem as fast as BYD’s acceleration figures claim. And though seamless when it kicked in, the petrol engine sounded a bit tinny.
The Shark 6 handled the few faster corners we encountered better than you might expect, with a sense of composure and control. The double wishbone suspension all-round feels really well tied down.
But the steering seems laggy and remote, and lacks sufficient feedback and feel. We feel it definitely needs some more local dynamic tuning.
Off road, the BYD continues to largely impress, being an easy thing to drive along on rough terrain in. It's got all the 4X4 capabilities in terms of going up and down hills and crawling over ruts and that sort of thing.
It's fine, and no better or worse than most other dual cabs of this ilk. We never had a chance to get into really treacherous terrain, though. That may have to wait.
But the ride can feel very stiff – at least in the example we tested initially. Another was slightly better, but still far from matching the class best (Ranger). It feels like the suspension needs to be a little bit softer, a little bit more supple out here on gravel roads and on rough tracks.
And the same applies to the steering out off the beaten track, since it remains overly light and remote.
Overall, while the Shark 6 is pretty good first attempt at a ute, Ford's engineers at least do not have too much to worry about in terms of the Chinese dual-cab PHEV's dynamic capability.
Better than many. But nowhere near class-leading in some key dynamic aspects.
Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating? 8/10
8 / 10
There is no ANCAP crash-test rating for the Shark 6 – but BYD is expecting a five-star result.
To that end, the ute features a wide suite of advanced driver assist safety systems, including autonomous emergency braking, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning/Prevention/Assist, adaptive cruise control, rear-collision warning, front/rear cross-traffic alerts with braking and trailer stability control.
There is also a 360-degree camera, as well as that nifty Child Presence Detection function, that can save lives.
Oh, and ISOFIX latches and child-seat tether points are also fitted.
Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs? 8/10
8 / 10
BYD has yet to release warranty or servicing information specific to the Shark 6.
But using the similarly-powered Sealion 6 SUV, it should offer a six-year/150,000km warranty, while the latter's service intervals are every 20,000km or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
The Sealion 6 also has capped-price servicing available as published on the BYD website, with prices starting from $265. Again, consider this information as a guide only for the Shark 6.
Verdict
So, what do I think of the new Shark 6?
Well, our first taster reveals a hugely impressive first effort from BYD, especially in its technology, presentation, accommodation, ease of operation and - not least of all - promised efficiency.
This could be a game changer. Danger, Ford Ranger!
However, a bit more steering feel, and a less-stiff ride, are drawbacks.
Still, the Shark 6 is a compelling package, especially considering its sub $60K ask.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.
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