BYD Shark 6: A Hybrid Ute with a Bite
21/10/2024
At Ecotricity, we usually shy away from vehicles with engines, but we made an exception for the BYD Shark 6. With its massive battery and hybrid technology, it's hard to ignore – especially when you consider the numbers this ute is putting up. Gav recently got his hands on the Shark 6 to do a in depth, real world review, which you can watch here.
Let's dive into what makes the BYD Shark 6 a serious contender in the crowded New Zealand ute market.
Price and Range: How Does It Stack Up?
At $69,990 the BYD Shark 6 is a strong competitor against popular models like the Ford Ranger Raptor. The Shark 6 boasts some impressive stats: 80 kilometres on pure electric, and a combined 800 kilometres when you factor in its 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. That’s a lot of road you can cover with just one vehicle. BYD is certainly bringing something fresh to the table with this dual-mode hybrid ute.
Performance: Power and Precision
Kiwis love their utes, and with sales dominated by fossil fuel thirsty models like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, BYD has its work cut out for it. The Shark 6 is armed with two electric motors delivering a combined 320 kW and 650 Nm of torque. That's more power than the Ranger Raptor, which comes in at 292 kW and 583 Nm. And, while some Ranger models might tow a little more (not the Raptor), the Shark 6 burns through 38% less petrol. That’s right – it's faster, more powerful, and more fuel-efficient, making it a serious alternative for those who want performance without guzzling gas.
Not only does it perform well on paper, but the BYD Shark 6 also does 0-100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, compared to the Ranger Raptor's 6.3 seconds. That’s impressive, especially considering it’s a hybrid. This ute isn’t just fast – it’s clever, too. Its 30 kWh battery (significantly larger than most hybrids) allows for a decent range and even lets you use the electric drive for most of your city driving.
Design: Simple but Effective
From the outside, the BYD Shark 6 doesn’t stray too far from the traditional ute design. It's functional, clean, polished but familiar. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, and that’s probably a good thing. Deviating too far from the classic ute aesthetic can often result in something a little too quirky (we’re looking at you, Mahindra Pik-Up).
Where the Shark 6 does stand out is in the details. It comes with 18-inch wheels, a light strip across the back, and multiple colour options (though, only white is included in the base price). Inside, it's comfortable and practical, with dark grey interiors, a flat rear floor, and plenty of head and legroom, making it ideal for long hauls or busy job sites.
Tech and Gadgets: Built for the Modern Driver
The BYD Shark 6 is packed with tech, from a 15.6-inch touchscreen that controls most functions to a 360-degree camera system. And, if you’re a gadget lover, you’ll appreciate the HUD, wireless phone charging, and a Dynaudio 12-speaker sound system.
But perhaps one of the most exciting features is the power outlets in the back – perfect for tradies who need to charge their tools on the go. Whether you're at a job site or off-road, this ute is more than just a vehicle – it’s a mobile workstation.
Real-World Test: Can It Handle the Kiwi Lifestyle?
We put the Shark 6 through its paces in Auckland city traffic, testing its EV range and comfort. The result? Smooth driving with no engine interference for up to 80 kilometres on electric alone. We also tested its practicality with a full load wood, and even some off-road action. Despite its hybrid nature, the Shark 6 feels as tough and reliable as any traditional ute. It can carry a solid payload, tow up to 2.5 tonnes braked, and its fuel efficiency of 7.9 litres per 100 km on petrol alone is a bonus.
When we took the Shark 6 off-road, it managed rough terrain well, even without serious off-roading tyres. The steel bash plate underneath and its ground clearance make it more than capable of handling muddy or uneven surfaces, though we’ll save the serious off-roading for a future review.
Final Thoughts: BYD Shark 6 – A Real Ute Contender
All in all, the BYD Shark 6 is an impressive hybrid ute that doesn’t compromise on power, performance, or practicality. It’s well-engineered and offers an exciting alternative to traditional utes like the Ford Ranger Raptor. With its bigger battery, lower fuel consumption, and robust design, this is one ute to watch – especially as Ford prepares its plug-in hybrid Ranger, which is set to rival the Shark 6.
Stay tuned for more real-world tests, including a towing challenge and a full off-road review. In the meantime, the BYD Shark 6 has certainly proven there’s blood in the water when it comes to hybrid utes, and it’s only a matter of time before it makes waves in the Kiwi market.
