Australia is gearing up for the arrival of the highly anticipated BYD Shark 6 utes, with the first shipment set to dock in Brisbane at 6 PM AEST on December 28, 2024.
As the first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute to hit Australian shores, the Shark 6 is already making waves in the automotive industry, promising to shake up the utility vehicle segment.
First Shipment Details
The initial shipment from Shanghai includes demonstrator models and a limited number of customer vehicles, with a larger follow-up shipment planned for early January.
BYD’s Australian distributor, EVDirect, confirmed close to 4000 orders for the Shark 6 by the end of November, doubling its initial allocation of 2000 units.
The Shark 6 has already made its presence felt, with early arrivals being showcased at events and displays across Australia. Local customer deliveries are expected to begin by mid-January 2025, marking a significant milestone for BYD in its Australian expansion.
Competitive Pricing and Performance
Priced at $57,900 before on-road costs, the Shark 6 offers an affordable alternative to rivals like the Ford Ranger XLT Bi-Turbo ($63,640) and Toyota HiLux SR5 with V-Active Technology ($63,260).
Under the hood, the BYD Shark 6 combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors (one on each axle) and a 29.58kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery.
The result? A robust 321kW and 650Nm of torque, delivering all-wheel drive performance.
Key performance highlights include:
- Electric-only range: 100km (NEDC cycle)
- Hybrid fuel efficiency: As low as 2.0L/100km
- Towing capacity: 2500kg (braked), slightly below the Ranger’s 3500kg
A New Era for Utes in Australia
As the first PHEV ute available in Australia, the Shark 6 represents a bold step forward in utility vehicle innovation.
With its eco-friendly credentials, impressive specs, and competitive pricing, the Shark 6 is set to attract both fleet buyers and private customers looking for a greener alternative without sacrificing power or capability.
Stay tuned for updates as the first shipment arrives, and keep an eye out for our in-depth review once the Shark 6 hits Australian roads.
Check out the BYD Shark 6’s latest updates and launch coverage on CarExplore.