Chinese automotive giant BYD has entered the global pickup market with the BYD Shark 6, a bold plug-in hybrid aimed squarely at traditional diesel rivals. Unveiled at an event in Mexico City – BYD’s first international debut outside China – the midsize vehicle is the brand’s first foray into the world of pickups.

The Shark 6 is the first PHEV pickup available in Australia, arriving ahead of the Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha Hi-4T.

Despite its growing presence in Europe, BYD has confirmed the Shark 6 won’t be coming to the UK. Instead, initial markets include Latin America and Australia, where the pickup is already available to order ahead of customer deliveries in late 2024 or early 2025.

The Shark 6 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine working with two electric motors to deliver a combined 436hp (321kW) and 650Nm of torque through an all-wheel drive system. A 29.6kWh battery promises around 60 miles of EV range, while a full tank and charge is said to deliver a total range of more than 500 miles.

BYD Shark 6 pickup

Off-Road Ready

Underneath, the Shark debuts BYD’s new Dual Mode Off-Road platform, offering selectable Sand, Snow, and Mud driving modes, plus a “virtual differential” to manage wheel slip. Ground clearance is rated at 200mm, with a 31° approach angle and 19.3° departure angle.

It’s not class-leading in load-lugging terms, though. Towing capacity is limited to 2,500kg, and payload is just 790kg. That puts it behind every diesel-powered double-cab, and makes UK acceptance unlikely. Ford’s forthcoming Ranger PHEV is expected to offer a full tonne of payload, albeit with a shorter EV range than the Shark 6.

Premium Spec, Modest Price

For now, only a single Premium-spec dual-cab 4×4 variant is offered, priced at $57,990 before on-road costs in Australia (around £29,500). That undercuts the likes of the local-market Ford Ranger XLT and Toyota Hilux SR5, despite coming loaded with kit.

Standard equipment includes a 15.6-inch rotatable touchscreen paired with a 10.25-inch digital driver display, alongside a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system and a head-up display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, as does wireless phone charging, while the front seats are power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated. Safety tech is comprehensive, with a full ADAS suite incorporating blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree cameras, lane-keep assist, and more. The Shark also supports NFC-based smartphone access, allowing drivers to unlock and start the vehicle using their phone.

BYD Shark 6 pickup interior

Bold Styling, Big Dimensions

Designed by Wolfgang Egger – in charge of design for cars as diverse as the Seat Ibiza and Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione – the Shark leans into Ford F-150 styling cues, with squared-off lights, a full-width light bar, and a chunky, blocky look. BYD claims it was inspired by the ocean predator that gives the truck its name, although that feels like a bit of a stretch.

At 5.46m long and 1.97m wide, it’s marginally longer than a Ranger and sits on a 3.26m wheelbase. Inside, a mix of faux leather, colour accents, and practical touches like storage trays and toggle switches keep the cabin both modern and usable.

BYD Shark 6 Pricing and Availability

Although BYD is expanding its European range of electric cars, there are no plans to bring the Shark 6 to the UK. Still, as more markets move away from diesel and pressure grows for lower-emission work vehicles, don’t be surprised if BYD’s bold move spurs other brands to accelerate their electrified pickup plans.

Phil Huff
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