BYD Shark Review: Australia’s first plug-in-hybrid EV ute

The hybrid-powered BYD Shark ute is tipped to undercut the competition with a surprisingly low price.

In the animal kingdom of utes, the BYD Shark is emerging as a real contender alongside the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

After test driving the Shark, it’s clear that this vehicle is in the same league in terms of power and capability as Ford’s range-topping the Raptor, but what sets it apart is its price.

Expected to have a near-unbeatable price under $60,000 plus on-road costs, the Shark has already amassed more than 10,000 expressions of interest ahead of its Australian launch on October 29.

BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute. Photo: Supplied

David Smitherman, chief executive of BYD’s Australian distributor, EV Direct, believes the Shark’s competitive price is a game-changer.

“Cars are expensive, this price will help people make that transition to a new brand and new technology, and it will resonate well with consumers and fleets,” he said.

Educating consumers about the technology and getting them behind the wheel is equally important, Smitherman explained.

“We have to talk about the technology, the vehicle, and get people to experience it themselves.

“Ultimately test drives are what sells cars for us, we have a high conversion rate, so our strategy is to have as many test drives as we can,” he said.

BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors producing a combined 320kW. Photo: Supplied

Offering a hybrid ute at this price is almost unheard of. While a lower price often signals compromises in quality, that’s not the case with the Shark.

The GWM Cannon is a cheaper option with lower performance.

Then there is the Kia Tasman and Ford Ranger Stormtrak that are on the way, both likely to carry higher price tags.

The Shark is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors producing a combined 320kW.

It has approximately 800km of range and tows 2500kg – a tonne less than dual-cab leaders, which might be a sticking point for some buyers.

Smitherman believes that the Shark is a major opportunity for a broad audience to experience something new.

“There’s been no choice for consumers, what I love about this vehicle is that this is Australia’s first plug-in-hybrid electric ute, that’s major, a major opportunity for Aussie’s to get into something new,” he said.

On the road, its hybrid powertrain offers smooth and instantaneous acceleration.

Whether you’re tackling rough off-road terrain or cruising the highways, the different drive and terrain modes allow you to toggle between the vehicle’s ability.

With 230mm of ground clearance and five layers of protection underneath to protect the cell-to-chassis technology, the Shark is well-equipped for diverse terrains.

The controls for changing the driving modes are positioned near the bottom of the steering wheel, which isn’t the most convenient location.

The Shark’s exterior design is bold.

Despite appearing narrow from the outside, it’s surprisingly spacious inside, making it a great option for a work ute or family vehicle.

Comfortable seats that provide a good balance of firmness and support, great for long drives.

However, if you’re a fan of heated or ventilated seats, you will need to navigate the infotainment system to turn those features on.

The drive is surprisingly quiet too for a dual-cab ute, with well suppressed cabin noise.

Inside, the interiors impressive, offering a high quality look and feel that stands out in the crowded ute market.

The interior blends practical elements with coloured design highlights and a clever central infotainment screen.

BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute offers a spacious and high-quality cabin. Photo: Supplied

The huge display is intuitive, responsive and can even move electronically from landscape to portrait mode.

The driver also has a 10.25 inch sleek digital display, as well as heads up display.

The vehicle also has a 360 degree camera and through the infotainment system you can toggle between different camera views including a transparent lens feature that lets you see under the vehicle, this feature is useful, especially when parking a large vehicle.

It’s packed with safety features and impresses on all fronts – build quality, technology and driving performance but there are some areas that potential buyers will need to consider.

GWM Shark plug-in hybrid ute. Photo: Supplied

Currently, BYD’s dealer network and parts supply chain in Australia are still in the early stages.

Smithermann said the company plans to expand its dealer networks to more than 80 across the country, including rural areas.

But the reality right now is if you need a new part from your BYD then there may be a slight delay.

It’s not a deal-breaker but it’s something consumers should be mindful of.

Verdict

If you’re after a hybrid ute that combines build quality, advanced technology and performance at an unbeatable price then the BYD Shark should be on your radar.

I was initially sceptical about driving an affordable Chinese hybrid ute, but after driving the Shark, I can confidently say its worth a test drive.

Who knows? It might soon be swimming confidently alongside the best in the pack, only time will tell.

4 stars

Originally published as BYD Shark Review: Australia’s first plug-in-hybrid EV ute