More utes are expected from BYD in the future, one of which could be all-electric – and another an even more affordable version of the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid.
The 2025 BYD Shark 6 might be the Chinese brand’s first ute, but it will be far from the last, as an expansion plan to bring more open-tray models to Australia is underway.
When queried on the naming convention of the Shark 6 – specifically why the number – David Smitherman, CEO of BYD’s Australian importer EVDirect, said it is because there are more utes in the pipeline.
“I can assure you there are more Sharks to come,” he said.
One new model, an all-electric version of the Shark 6, was put to Smitherman as an ideal fit for the Shark 7 name to keep the distinction between plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and full battery electric vehicle (BEV), like the Sealion 6 PHEV and upcoming Sealion 7 BEV SUVs.
However, the top executive would not be drawn on a definitive answer, telling media that it is a potential route to take the company’s ute portfolio.
“We’ve made it really clear to BYD that this is a segment that we need to go after, and for that reason, there will be multiple options,” he said.
“This is our first vehicle, we’re keeping it very simple – one trim, three or four colours – to really make it a simple choice for people.
“This [Shark] is going to be a big part of the future.”
What is more likely soon, however, are more variants of the Shark 6 – one of which is expected to be an even more affordable version.
BYD has not yet confirmed pricing for the Shark 6, but it is expected to start under $60,000 before on-road costs and launch with what is known as the Premium grade.
It leaves room for a Dynamic variant – if current BYD naming conventions on the Dolphin, Seal and Sealion 6 are an indication – which could reduce pricing to closer to $50,000.
The cut-price Shark 6 is expected to lose the genuine leather steering wheel for a synthetic material, as well as replace the Premium’s 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12-speaker sound system for a 12.8-inch unit and eight speakers respectively.
Other areas where BYD could reduce specifications to bring the price down is with the combined outputs from the petrol engine and electric motors, currently 321kW/650Nm, as well as the electric driving range and battery, currently circa 100km from a 29.6kWh battery.
And BYD even has an appetite to go the other way and deliver a flagship performance ute in the same vein as the Ford Ranger Raptor, with Smitherman telling media it is “absolutely” a desire.
Whether that is an accessorised version of the Shark or a model with a tangible performance bump is still unclear, though Drive has heard a version of the Shark with a 2.0-litre engine is in development and will take braked towing capacity from 2500kg to 3500kg.
However, Smitherman reiterated that the brand’s plans will be revealed soon, and the next step for BYD is to launch the Shark 6 later this year.
“I think for us, we need to get this vehicle in market and get it moving first,” he said.
“But we’ve got desires and appetites [for more].”
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