BYD Shark 6 2025 review - Australian first drive

Right now, BYD isn't telling us how much the Shark 6 will cost in Australia.

But, we hear that it will be comfortably under $60,000, when sales commence in late October, ahead of deliveries scheduled from about February 2025.

This means the Shark 6 undercuts the other hybrid ute currently available here, and that, of course, is the GWM Cannon Alpha also from China.

2025 BYD Shark 6 PHEV.

That's some stiff competition for all the other utes, particularly considering that this is around the same price as the lowish-spec Ranger XLS 4x4 2.0-litre BiTurbo.

So you can bet that the cheapest Ranger XLT PHEV will likely cost quite a good deal more.

Yet the Shark 6 is fitted out to almost top-line Ranger Platinum luxury levels of standard equipment, including surround-view cameras, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen with portrait/landscape viewing options, Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a smartphone charger, a head-up display, powered/heated and vented front seats, artificial leather upholstery, an eight-speaker premium audio system, fixed side steps, soundproofed privacy glass and a full suite of advanced driver-assist safety tech including adaptive cruise control.

2025 BYD Shark 6 PHEV.

A favourite item is the Child Presence Detection feature, that honks the horn, then sends text and/or email alerts if a person or animal has been locked inside the cabin; left as it, the climate-control is then activated for life support.

Aggressively priced, equipped and marketed, the Shark 6 is set to become an apex predator amongst dual-cab 4x4 utes of any and every powertrain persuation.

2025 BYD Shark 6 PHEV.

Clearly, much thought has gone into the packaging inside the cabin, and that's obvious from the very easy entry and egress due to wide apertures.

Big windows, a commanding view out and lots of space means that the BYD concedes nothing to most rivals in terms of interior room.

A great driving position awaits, with plenty of adjustability; that large, 15.6-inch rotatable touchscreen is clear and surprisingly easy to navigate; and the general ambience is one of quality.

2025 BYD Shark 6 PHEV.

Other observations? The artificial leather upholstery is one of the supplest yet experienced; lots of storage is provided; ventilation is ample and vision out is fine.

But the big surprise is if you step out back.  

There's virtually no storage under the rear bench, unfortunately, but instead, BYD has provided a well-padded cushion and generously angled backrest, to maximise comfort. Three people can fit across fairly easily.

2025 BYD Shark 6 PHEV.

And, aided by a completely flat floor with no hump to negotiate, there's lots of space for longer legs, knees and feet as well. The general amenity count is high, with face level vents, two types of USB ports, the obligatory rear centre armrest with cup holders, grab handles, reading lights, and that sort of thing. And the interior seems quiet and well insulated.

In other words, despite its name, the Shark 6 is a civilised and inviting place to be in – and work from.

Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine delivering 135kW of power and 260Nm of torque; though it drives the front wheels when extra power is needed, essentially, its main job is to charge the Blade battery.

Anyway, there's a 170kW/310Nm electric motor underneath the engine over the front axle as well, and a second, 150kW/340Nm electric motor over the back axle, and together they make 321kW and 650Nm.

Result? BYD claims the Shark 6 is faster than a Ranger Raptor in that it can scoot from zero to 100 in 5.7 seconds flat. That's pretty impressive stuff.

2025 BYD Shark 6 PHEV.

Dubbed the Dual Motor Super Hybrid system, BYD reckons this is an EV-first/hybrid-second powertrain, with the petrol engine only kicking in as required, due to the relatively big size of BYD’s Blade battery.

In pure EV mode, the Shark 6's combined EV consumption: 21.2kWh/100km, and should achieve up to 100km of pure EV range, though these figures are "to be confirmed".

Meanwhile, when the 29.6kWh LFP battery is at full charge, the petrol engine’s fuel consumption averages as low as just 2.0-litres per 100km, or as high as 7.9L/100km when it’s on low charge.

2025 BYD Shark 6 PHEV.

It can also offer up to 800km of combined range when the petrol engine kicks in to help that battery keep charge.

Note, though, that the latter figure is NEDC. Keep in mind, too, that you’ll need to pump in 95 RON premium unleaded petrol into that 60L tank.

Drivers can also set a minimum battery discharge level, to save the electricity for slower built-up areas. Clever.

There is no ANCAP crash-test rating for the Shark 6 – but BYD is expecting a five-star result.

To that end, the ute features a wide suite of advanced driver assist safety systems, including autonomous emergency braking, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning/Prevention/Assist, adaptive cruise control, rear-collision warning, front/rear cross-traffic alerts with braking and trailer stability control.

2025 BYD Shark 6 PHEV.

There is also a 360-degree camera, as well as that nifty Child Presence Detection function, that can save lives.

Oh, and ISOFIX latches and child-seat tether points are also fitted.