In South Africa, the arrival of any new double-cab offering is always likely to cause a stir — none more so in recent times than the BYD Shark 6. We’ve been behind the wheel, including in off-road conditions. First impressions here.
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Fast Facts: BYD Shark 6
- Price: R959 900
- Powertrain: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol + electric motors
- Transmission: single-speed automatic
- Power: 321 kW
- Torque: 650 N.m
- Driven wheels: 4
- 0-100 km/h: 5.66 seconds (tested)
- Top speed: 160 km/h
- Claimed fuel consumption: 9.6 L/100 km (claimed; when battery is discharged)
What are we driving?
Having adopted a measured approach to establishing its South African operations, BYD (Build Your Dreams), the largest automaker in China, feels confident that it has all the necessary mechanisms in place, including a fast-growing dealership network, to introduce several of its modern vehicle offerings to our shores. Forming part of its so-called Ocean series, which draws inspiration from this body of water’s sustainable energy cycles, the Shark 6 double cab joins the all-electric Dolphin, Seal and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Sealion 6 and 7.
Why is the BYD Shark 6 significant?
While BYD assembles the Shark 6, including its dual-motor hybrid powertrain and Dual Motor Off-road (DMO) system, at its Super Intelligent Factory in Zhengzhou, Henan, this product is only destined for markets outside of China, where the brand hopes it might have a disruptive effect. Based on the average reaction to the sight of our Snowy White Shark 6 test unit, it’s safe to say BYD has achieved its initial goal.
What’s new on the BYD Shark 6?
It’s likely no coincidence that the Shark 6’s exterior styling draws plenty of inspiration from the US market’s larger pick-up offerings, including the Ford F-150. Once you add the striking use of LED lighting, the styling of the American brand’s all-electric F-150 Lightning derivative certainly comes into play.
Larger than a modern Ranger double cab, it’s interesting that the Ford’s wheelbase trumps that of its Chinese rival by 350 mm. This is a result of the Shark’s unique powertrain packaging.
Incorporating BYD’s patented compact and relatively lightweight 29.58 kWh Blade Battery setup, this dual-motor hybrid system sees a pair of electric motors, one per axle, front and rear, supplemented by a 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine. Operated via a single-speed EHS (electric hybrid system) transmission and always favouring all-wheel drive, this innovative (321 kW/650 N.m) powertrain can run in three configurations.
With the battery fully charged (via a home wall box included in the purchase or using up to 55 kW of DC public charging), the BYD has an electric-only operating range of 85 km. Once this indicated range has been depleted, the system will run “in series”, using the internal combustion engine to power the front wheels, but also as a generator to recharge the battery. A third option sees the electric motors working in parallel with the engine for maximum performance, including a tested 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 5.66 seconds.
Interestingly, despite what the onboard readout suggests, this hybrid powertrain aims to retain at least 20% charge (it can’t be completely depleted) to supplement the driving experience. This includes initial throttle uptake and overtaking acceleration, two elements often criticised on Chinese products.
What does the BYD Shark 6 cost?
Available in a choice of four exterior colours and sold exclusively in flagship, Premium specification, the BYD Shark 6 retails for R959 900. Included in the pricing is a five-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, an eight-year/200 000 km warranty for the battery and a five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
What are the BYD Shark 6’s rivals?
Until the new Ford Ranger PHEV arrives and Toyota furnishes us with its powertrain plans for the next-generation Hilux, the Shark 6 has no natural rivals in the South African market. While based on performance, many have placed the modern Ranger Raptor in the same category. On price, the BYD competes against the Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo DC Wildtrak 4×4 and Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 48V DC 4×4 Legend.
Related: Top 12 Best Buys 2025: Double Cab – Ford Ranger
What is the BYD Shark 6 like to drive?
The BYD Shark 6 ticks a lot of boxes in this segment. Its cabin is impressively well put-together and nicely isolated from the outside world. Seating throughout is broadly comfortable, and a 15.6-inch infotainment display that can rotate between landscape and portrait orientations is a neat, if somewhat gimmicky, inclusion. It needs to be horizontal when paired with a smartphone, while the latter device itself can be placed on a ventilated 50 W wireless charging dock.
In a best-case ownership scenario, the BYD Shark 6’s powertrain is fully charged each morning, allowing it to run as an EV for most commuting and school runs. With the system unable to perform a meaningful recharge while on the move, once you’re relying on the internal combustion engine, you’ll be looking at an average fuel consumption of around 10 L/100 km.
Riding on independent suspension, front and rear, and together with a 2.7-tonne kerb weight, the BYD feels suitably substantial on the road. Thankfully, the inclusion of a relatively well-weighted steering setup and a full bouquet of camera-based parking assistance systems mean this large double cab isn’t too intimidating to manoeuvre around town.
Including a payload of 790 kg, the Shark’s generously proportioned load bed features an assist-lowered tailgate (though it’s heavy to close), integrated lighting and mounting points, and a set of 230 V plug points for vehicle-to-load functionality – including into your home.
The DMO setup has no mechanical connection between the front and rear axles, relying on software to determine where to direct torque in off-road driving scenarios. While the standard fitment of notably road-biased 18-inch tyres isn’t the best starting point when it comes to this BYD’s adventurous side, based on our time with the vehicle, and despite the inclusion of several pre-programmed terrain modes, the Shark 6 simply isn’t as capable off-road as a traditional 4×4.
While the open-road ride quality is impressive, we did note some lateral “shimmer” at lower speeds over uneven surfaces, with the suspension seeming unsettled in this scenario.
Verdict
In a segment where the lead times for the introduction of all-new products remain lengthy, the arrival of the box-fresh BYD Shark 6 deserves to be viewed with enthusiasm. Where other Chinese brands have broadly followed a familiar formula with their respective double-cab offerings, BYD has taken the initiative by attempting to future-proof this popular segment.
That said, while there’s a lot to like about BYD’s first attempt at a bakkie, unless you’re willing to add another compelling element to package – like the suspension upgrade on the Ranger Raptor – as long as there is modern turbodiesel powertrain technology on offer, it’s likely to remain the weapon of choice in this segment, particularly when it comes to both workhorse and adventure-focused applications.
