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The BYD Shark 6 has accomplished what only a few autos have been in a position to accomplish in trendy occasions – launch right into a aggressive section, and nearly immediately overtake most of the established fashions.
BYD’s plug-in hybrid ute induced a giant splash when it arrived in Australia in late 2024, and has persistently discovered itself on the top-20 gross sales chart, making it one of the standard decisions amongst a sea of dual-cabs.
The Chinese automaker has expanded the Shark 6 lineup consequently, providing each a cab-chassis mannequin for individuals who want one thing aside from a bath on the again, and a Performance variant – which will get a much bigger 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine and better mixed energy.
We examined the Shark 6 Performance at its launch earlier this yr, driving the car on nation roads, in addition to evaluating its towing and off-road capabilities at a proving floor in regional Victoria. And whereas we walked away impressed, we wished to revisit the OG – the Shark 6 Premium.
The Premium combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with twin electrical motors – providing house owners the power to drive utilizing pure electrical energy, or a mix of petrol and electrical energy for low gas consumption – whereas additionally being cheaper than the Performance.
But what’s the Shark 6 Premium wish to stay with in the actual world, away from proving grounds? That’s precisely what we wished to seek out out, so we spent the week commuting with it via Melbourne’s peak-hour metropolis site visitors and suburbia.
How a lot does the BYD Shark 6 price?
The Shark 6 Premium now sits in the course of the lineup, costing $2000 greater than the Dynamic, however $5000 lower than the range-topping Performance.
| Model | Price earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 BYD Shark 6 Dynamic Cab Chassis | $55,900 |
| 2026 BYD Shark 6 Premium | $57,900 |
| 2026 BYD Shark 6 Performance | $62,900 |
There’s no scarcity of dual-cab utes to select from round this worth vary, catering for various wants – notably if an electrified powertrain is not a precedence for you.
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If having a plug-in hybrid is necessary to you, there’s additionally the Ford Ranger Hybrid (PHEV), the GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra PHEV, and the JAC Hunter X PHEV. However, GWM is about to introduce the Cannon Hi4-T to the Australian market, which shall be adopted early subsequent yr by the Chery Stockman and Nissan Navara Pro.
To see how the BYD Shark 6 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What is the BYD Shark 6 like on the within?
The dual-cab ute has developed rapidly, from having fundamental cabins that had been designed for tradies, to providing genuinely good locations that may please the entire household. And the BYD has one of many extra spectacular interiors.
For starters, construct high quality is exceptionally good. The supplies themselves aren’t going to provide Bentley a run for its cash, however the whole lot has been bolted collectively like a high-security jail. Except you’ll really wish to spend time within the Shark 6.
This isn’t high-luxury – however there’s a powerful feeling of solidity that’s onerous to seek out outdoors of the likes of the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Nissan Patrol. There’s no any trace of hole, scratchy slabs of plastic, with BYD seemingly including insulation and thickness to every inside panel. The result’s a sense of high quality that’s onerous to put, however it if you expertise it.
Some of the shiny metallic silver-grey plastics on the sprint and steering wheel are a bit ‘meh’, however the soft-touch vinyl-stitched panels – with a grain sample like a Louis Vuitton pockets – do quite a bit to raise the house and make it really feel extra like an SUV. Even if the black and orange cabin is styled like a Motorola Z6 cell phone from the 2000s.
Unlike the Motorola, you’ll haven’t any drawback making out what’s on the 15.6-inch infotainment display screen. Most of the whole lot is accessed and managed by way of the display screen, and it’s one of many least offensive methods to make use of – being fast and responsive, with a shortcut bar throughout the underside.
The 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system is nice – helped by the cabin insulation and the inside’s stable development.
There remains to be array of bodily buttons and knobs, and they’re a few of the most satisfying to make use of – even outdoors of the ute section. The thumbwheels for the quantity and driving/terrain modes really feel equally nearly as good, and fortunately the Shark 6 Premium nonetheless retains the aircraft-style pushers for issues like powertrain begin/cease, hazard lights, and tailgate launch. BYD ditched these from the Shark 6 Performance, and it’s all the more severe for it.
The seats are very snug, too – with quantity of adjustment and help – and we’re glad to see the Premium hold the older-style steering wheel and the T-bar shifter on the centre console, which had been additionally dropped from the Performance.
BYD hasn’t forgotten about these relegated to the again seats, both. The second row will get a pleasant rake to the backrest, with first rate legroom and each a family energy outlet and USB ports for charging units. Further out again is a helpful tub with a liner to guard the paint from scratches.
| Dimensions | Shark 6 Dynamic Cab Chassis | Shark 6 Premium | Shark 6 Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 5413mm | 5457mm | 5457mm |
| Width | 1971mm | 1971mm | 1971mm |
| Height | 1925mm | 1925mm | 1925mm |
| Wheelbase | 3260mm | 3260mm | 3260mm |
| Tub quantity | N/A | 1200L | 1200L |
| Tub size | N/A | 1520mm | 1520mm |
| Tub width | N/A | 1500mm | 1500mm |
| Tub depth | N/A | 517mm | 517mm |
To see how the BYD Shark 6 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Pop the bonnet, and you will find a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 135kW of energy and 260Nm of torque – however that is just one small piece of the puzzle.
| Specifications | Shark 6 Dynamic Cab Chassis | Shark 6 Premium | Shark 6 Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 4cyl turbo-petrol | 1.5L 4cyl turbo-petrol | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Engine outputs | 135kW/260Nm | 135kW/260Nm | 180kW/380Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | 170kW/310Nm (entrance) 150kW/340Nm (rear) |
170kW/310Nm (entrance) 150kW/340Nm (rear) |
200kW/360Nm (entrance) 150kW/340Nm (rear) |
| System outputs | 321kW/650Nm | 321kW/650Nm | 350kW/700Nm |
| Battery | 29.6kWh lithium iron phosphate | 29.6kWh lithium iron phosphate | 29.6kWh lithium iron phosphate |
| Transmission | Single-speed discount gear | Single-speed discount gear | Single-speed discount gear |
| Drive sort | e-AWD | e-AWD | e-AWD |
| Weight | 2600kg | 2710kg | 2775kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 5.7 seconds | 5.7 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| Fuel financial system (claimed) | 2.0L/100km – 25-100 per cent cost 7.9L/100km – beneath 25 per cent cost |
2.0L/100km – 25-100 per cent cost 7.9L/100km – beneath 25 per cent cost |
1.3L/100km – 25-100 per cent cost 10.5L/100km – beneath 25 per cent cost |
| Electric driving vary (PHEV) | 100km (NEDC) | 100km (NEDC) | 80km (WLTP) |
| Max AC cost price (PHEV) | 7kW | 7kW | 7kW |
| Max DC cost price (PHEV) | 55kW | 55kW | 55kW |
| Fuel tank capability | 60L | 60L | 60L |
| CO2 emissions | 46g/km (NEDC) | 46g/km (NEDC) | 23g/km (WLTP) |
| Braked towing capability | 2500kg | 2500kg | 3500kg |
The BYD Shark 6 Premium has twin electrical motors – producing 170kW/310Nm on the entrance, and 150kW/340Nm on the rear – which add as much as mixed outputs of 321kW and 650Nm. It’s sufficient to get the 2710kg ute to 100km/h from a standstill in 5.7 seconds.
When absolutely charged, the 30kWh battery supplies as much as 100km of electric-only driving vary, based mostly on the extra beneficiant NEDC check. Given the Performance has a claimed 80km of vary beneath the extra correct WLTP commonplace, the reality might be someplace in between these numbers for the Premium.
To see how the BYD Shark 6 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
How does the BYD Shark 6 drive?
BYD has accomplished many spectacular issues in its brief time, however the firm actually nailed the scale of the Shark 6.
It has loads of house inside and feels substantial on the highway, however by no means comes throughout as being too massive, to the purpose the place you’re particularly involved about parking house or lane placement. It could also be slightly overwhelming in the event you’re stepping out of a small automotive, however for these altering over from one other ute or SUV, the scale gained’t be a priority.
Steering and pedal inputs are additionally actually properly weighted. BYD hasn’t adopted the gang and given the Shark steering that’s overly assisted. It has a pleasant weight that displays its heft, whereas providing good suggestions to the motive force. This is helped by the Continental tyres on the Premium, that are a noticeable enchancment over the Giti tyres fitted to the entry-level variant.
The suspension setup errs in direction of the agency facet, however isn’t uncomfortable. The chassis is good and stiff, and the suspension has been tuned to maintain the physique comparatively flat, whereas nonetheless absorbing the inevitable potholes.
Considering the Shark 6 is edging shut to 3 tonnes, maybe the most important shock is the way in which it handles. For a bigger plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute, it feels very predictable and guaranteed on the highway, displaying good dealing with traits. In different phrases, offered you strategy corners at a accountable pace, the Shark will get you out the opposite facet, and it’s not anyplace close to as scary as another off-road utes available on the market will be.
The Premium doesn’t profit from the upgraded brakes of the Performance, nevertheless it’s nonetheless in a position to cease, made all the higher by good tyres and a powerful pedal really feel.
Curiously, regardless of having extra energy and torque, BYD says the Shark 6 Performance is simply 0.2 seconds faster to 100km/h from a standstill than the Premium, which maybe says extra about how good the Premium is out of the field.
It’s a comparatively swift factor, and does job of balancing efficiency and financial system from its plug-in hybrid powertrain. It’s quick if you want it to be, however has the correct quantity of energy for driving round day-after-day.
BYD claims common gas consumption of two.0L/100km based mostly on the battery having greater than 25 per cent cost. Ours wasn’t far off that determine for the primary couple of days, however we wished to see what the Shark 6 was like on a depleted battery, as we all know a variety of plug-in hybrid house owners have a tendency to make use of their autos extra like conventional hybrids.
With lower than 25 per cent of cost within the battery, we recorded 7.2L/100km over the week, which is barely higher than the 7.9L/100km quoted by BYD – and fewer than the 8.0L/100km we recorded throughout our drive of the Ford Ranger PHEV with a depleted battery.
Besides upgraded brakes and suspension, the primary benefit the Shark 6 Performance has over the Premium is the bigger petrol engine. The 1.5-litre on this Premium is a bit louder and appears to work more durable when known as upon, whereas the Performance is extra relaxed and quieter, as I famous in my launch assessment. Engine noise isn’t overly egregious, however it’s there.
The digital driver aids – which may range wildly throughout the business from being dangerously invasive to not being in any respect noticeable – are fortunately not overwhelming within the Shark. If you’re stepping up from a car with minimal ADAS options, chances are you’ll really feel otherwise, however compared to others within the section, BYD has tuned the Shark’s driver-assist methods nicely.
| Off-road dimensions | BYD Shark 6 Premium |
|---|---|
| Track entrance and rear | 1660mm/1660mm |
| Ground clearance | 230mm |
| Approach angle | 31.0° |
| Departure angle | 19.3° |
| Ramp breakover angle | 17° |
| Wading depth | 700mm |
To see how the BYD Shark 6 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
What do you get?
Being the primary variant to market, the Shark 6 Premium is fairly nicely geared up. The comparatively latest addition of the entry-level Shark 6 Dynamic noticed a number of options eliminated or downgraded, whereas the range-topping Shark 6 Performance introduced predominantly chassis and powertrain upgrades.
2027 Shark 6 Dynamic Cab Chassis commonplace tools highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels with Giti tyres
- Full-size spare wheel
- Fixed facet steps
- Aluminium roof rack
- Shark fin antenna
- Adaptive LED headlights
- LED tail-lights
- Front fog lights
- Heated, power-folding facet mirrors
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Synthetic leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Black fake leather-based seat upholstery with orange accent stitching
- 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- 6-way power-adjustable entrance passenger seat
- Mud, Sand, Snow, Mountain terrain modes
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Voice assistant
- FM and DAB+ radio
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite navigation
- 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system
- Dual-zone local weather management
- 2x USB-C ports
- 2x USB-A ports
- 50W wi-fi cellphone charger
- 12V energy outlet
- 10A family energy outlet
- Push-button begin
- Keyless entry
The Shark 6 Premium provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels with Continental tyres
- Puddle lights
- Rear privateness glass
- Spray-on tub liner
- 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Head-up show
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- 8-way energy adjustable driver’s seat with 4-way lumbar
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- Front footwell lighting
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The Shark 6 Performance provides:
- Synthetic leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Google Automotive Services (GAS) with Google Maps
- NFC card
Colours
A Thaumas Black inside comes commonplace with orange highlights and distinction stitching.
Great White is the usual exterior paint end, with the next colors obtainable for an extra $700:
- Tidal Black
- Deep Sea Blue
- Outback Orange
Mist Grey can also be obtainable solely on the Shark 6 Premium for an extra $700.
To see how the BYD Shark 6 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
Is the BYD Shark 6 secure?
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) awarded the BYD Shark 6 a five-star security score based mostly on testing in 2025.
| Category | BYD Shark 6 (all fashions) |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant safety | 85 per cent |
| Child occupant safety | 87 per cent |
| Vulnerable highway person safety | 74 per cent |
| Safety help | 86 per cent |
The Shark 6 scored within the mid-80s for 3 of the 4 classes outlined by ANCAP, and 74 per cent within the ultimate class referring to weak highway customers – which incorporates cyclists and pedestrians.
Standard security tools contains:
- 7 airbags, together with:
- Front
- Front facet
- Side curtain
- Far-side
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Rear collision warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Front and rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keep help
- Adaptive cruise management
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
- Hill descent management
- Trailer stability management
- Driver fatigue monitoring
- Child presence detection
- Surround-view digicam
- Front and rear parking sensors
To see how the BYD Shark 6 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
How a lot does the BYD Shark 6 price to run?
BYD supplies a six-year, 150,000km manufacturing facility guarantee for the Shark 6, with the battery coated by an eight-year, 160,000km guarantee. Buyers additionally get 12 months of complimentary roadside help.
| Servicing and guarantee | BYD Shark 6 |
|---|---|
| Vehicle guarantee | 6 years, 150,000km |
| Battery guarantee | 8 years, 160,000km |
| Roadside help | 12 months complimentary |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 20,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 11 years |
| Average annual service worth over 11 years | $552.45 |
| Total capped-price service price | $6077 |
Services are required each 12 months or 20,000km – whichever comes first – with capped-price servicing obtainable for as much as 220,000km or 11 years, at a median of $550 per go to.
To see how the BYD Shark 6 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability device
CarKnowledgeable’s tackle the BYD Shark 6 Premium
The BYD Shark 6 stays one of the spectacular dual-cabs available on the market, interval, and continues to be the benchmark for plug-in hybrid utes. But the forthcoming GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV, Chery Stockman diesel PHEV and Nissan Navara Pro PHEV present simply how rapidly this section is heating up, and that title could also be short-lived.
There actually isn’t quite a bit to complain about right here. While everyone seems to be entitled to make their very own minds up, to my eyes the outside styling is beginning to look slightly bland in comparison with different, newer utes – which isn’t nice, contemplating the Shark arrived solely two years in the past.
Stepping into the cabin of the BYD and pulling again the shifter into ‘drive’ instantly reveals why it’s the benchmark. This is a wonderfully constructed car, with a powertrain and on-road traits that embarrass greater than its justifiable share of opponents.
That powertrain isn’t fairly nearly as good because the Performance flagship’s, and could possibly be grounds to justify spending the additional for the range-topper – having stated that, the Premium remains to be essentially good.
Overall, the Shark 6 has greater than ample efficiency, some delicate off-road chops, and above-average driving dynamics. It additionally presents the power for use as an electrical car through the week, whereas nonetheless with the ability to take it into nation areas with out worrying about the place the subsequent cost will come from.
It’s decently economical, even with a depleted battery, and you continue to have loads of energy on the wheels. And it’s nonetheless a ute.
Even with that spectacular checklist of accomplishments, it’s the inside that makes the Shark 6 the most effective on sale. BYD has accomplished an distinctive job, and whereas it’s attainable we’ll see it up to date to match the Performance, for now the Premium nonetheless has the superior cabin therapy.
However, there are some massive gamers getting into the section, and so they have the BYD Shark 6 firmly of their sights. Whether it stays as standard amid the brand new crop of plug-in hybrid utes remains to be to be seen – however right here, now, the Shark 6 stays the most effective all-round utes available on the market.