BYD Shark 6 2025 hybrid ute

The BYD Shark 6 has arrived, bringing a fresh electrified twist to the traditional Australian dual-cab utility.

This plug-in hybrid ute – abbreviated to PHEV – swaps out the familiar diesel engine for a petrol-electric powertrain that aims to run more like an electric vehicle with off-road capabilities, which could make it a serious contender in the four-wheel drive vehicle market.

After years of enduring the rattly diesel-powered workhorses, the Shark 6 feels both strangely familiar yet distinctly different – and for the most part, better.

With an economical price and impressive list of standard features, the Shark 6 might just shake things up in a segment long dominated by brands such as Ford, Toyota and Isuzu.

That said, the vehicles tested for the Australian drive were pre-production models and much of the driving was off-road for a limited time.

The suspension and software were still in the works, so let’s see how the production versions perform.

Cost

Pricing for the 2025 BYD Shark 6 PHEV is $57,900, plus on-road costs.

With this price tag, it sits comfortably in the middle of the market, offering a premium experience at a competitive price.

The Shark 6 will also qualify for the fringe benefits tax exemption until at least April 2025, which could bring down its total cost if purchased by businesses or through salary packaging.

The Shark 6 Premium was the only model available, slated for delivery by December 2024 or January 2025.

A more basic version may be released later, though this hasn’t been confirmed as yet.

In terms of pricing comparison, the Shark 6 offers Ford Ranger XLT pricing but comes with equipment closer to that of the Ranger Platinum, which starts at a much higher price point.

Power

The Shark 6 is powered by BYD’s dual-mode off-road plug-in hybrid system – DM-O.

This includes a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, an electric motor on each axle and a 29.5kWh LFP battery.

Together, they produce up to 321kW and 650Nm in sport mode.

Unlike most 4WDs, there are no low-range gears, diff locks or a live rear axle.

Instead, it uses independent double wishbone suspension and relies on instant electric torque and traction control to tackle rough terrain.

While it lacks the hard-core off-road hardware of traditional utes, BYD claims that the Shark 6 can handle most off-road conditions with ease.

On the road, the system is designed to be smooth and efficient, giving the Shark 6 a unique blend of performance.

Size and style

The Shark 6 is a big ute, measuring 5457mm long, 1971mm wide and 1921mm tall, with a 3260mm wheelbase.

By comparison, the Ford Ranger XLT is slightly smaller, but still a big vehicle in its own right.

The front of the Shark 6 features a bold design, with a grille shaped like a shark’s open mouth and a shark fin antenna.

It also comes with 18” alloys, side steps, roof rails, LED headlights and a tub with a spray-in liner, hooks, lights and a soft-opening tailgate.

The vehicle is also equipped with vehicle-to-load technology – V2L – meaning it can supply up to 6.6kW of power for tools, camping gear or other equipment, a handy feature for tradies or campers.

Inside

The Shark 6 Premium comes with a high-tech comfortable interior.

It features a rotating 15.6” infotainment touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster and a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system.

You’ll also find Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging and satellite navigation.

Comfort is key, with heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone air conditioning and an interior that uses real leather and synthetic materials.

The car’s advanced tech includes near field communication access, allowing entry via an NFC card, your phone or the BYD app.

In terms of safety, the Shark 6 comes loaded with features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and seven airbags.

While it’s yet to receive an ANCAP safety rating, BYD is confident it will score a five-star result.

Performance

The most impressive feature of the BYD Shark 6 is its powertrain.

This hybrid system delivers smooth immediate torque, making traditional diesel utes feel sluggish by comparison.

When driven in electric-only mode, the ute produces zero emissions and is whisper-quiet, offering a peaceful driving experience.

But when you need power, the petrol engine kicks in seamlessly, providing impressive acceleration.

The Shark 6 can hit 0-100km/h in just 5.7 seconds, which is faster than a Ford Ranger Raptor.

While it may lack the low range gearing and diff locks of traditional 4WDs, the Shark 6 still performs well off-road.

Thanks to four selectable drive modes and a traction control system that works across the electric motors and brakes, it can tackle everything from forest trails to moderate cross-axle off-roading.

While the Shark 6 is a significant step forward in 4WD technology, there are a few areas where it falls short.

 

For one, its payload is relatively modest at 790kg, and the maximum towing capacity is 2500kg, which is lower than the best in class.

The hefty 2710kg kerb weight also impacts the vehicle’s towing capacity, reducing its effective payload when towing at maximum weight.

In terms of fuel economy, official figures suggest the Shark 6 can travel 80km on electric power alone, with a fuel consumption of 2L/100km in hybrid mode, when the battery is above 25 percent.

In real-world testing, the vehicle averaged around 14-15L/100km and 14-15kWh/100km, which is still pretty good for a 4WD.

On the road, the Shark 6’s ride can be a bit harsh over potholes and rough surfaces, and the steering can feel a little jerky at low speeds.

These are things that will likely improve with further refinement, but they’re worth keeping in mind.

Buying

The BYD Shark 6 is undoubtedly a game changer, offering an electrified alternative in the highly competitive four-wheel drive ute market.

With its high-tech powertrain, impressive performance and strong value proposition, it’s an exciting new option for those looking for a greener more efficient 4WD.

However, it’s still a new and untested technology in Australia, and there are a few question marks over its real-world fuel economy, towing capacity and off-road abilities in tougher conditions.

It’s worth considering whether the Shark 6’s blend of tech, performance and off-road capability fits your needs, and whether it’s ready to tackle Australia’s tough terrain.

If you’re looking for a green and tech-packed ute with solid off-road performance, the Shark 6 could be just what you’re after.

But, as with any new model, it might be worth waiting a little longer to see how it performs in the wild before diving in headfirst.