The wraps are finally off one of the most talked about ute launches, in the form of the 2025 BYD Shark. And the specs make for eyebrow-raising reading.
The Chinese car company’s entrant into Australia’s best-selling vehicle segment has been touted for some time, with leaked patent images and discussion surrounding the plug-in hybrid powertrain circulating for months now.
With a combined system output of 320kW from its PHEV powertrain and a 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds, it should be the quickest factory production ute in its class, eclipsing even the twin-turbo V6 Ford Ranger Raptor.
Better still, thanks to its 30kWh ‘Blade’ battery pack, the Shark can travel 100km on electric power alone (NEDC), or 850km when the ICE engine is in play.
Expanding on the powertrain, the Shark comprises a 170kW/310Nm front e-motor and a 150kW/340Nm rear motor. A 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder combustion engine can power the front wheels – which is highly unusual for this class. When left to its own devices, a 7.5L/100km rating is quoted for the combined cycle, which is still class leading, or 1.5L/100km when the battery is used up first.
Another unusual feature not seen in the ute segment is four-wheel independent, double-wishbone suspension. In spite of this, the Shark can carry 835kg, but towing is rated at 2500kg, which is a tonne below the 3500kg segment standards, but on par with the Ford Ranger Raptor.
With 5457mm of length, a width of 1971mm and 1924mm of height, the Shark is as big as, and slightly larger, than most rivals, with the possible exception of the upcoming Kia Tasman – also tipped to come with a 400kW/800Nm electric variant. It has 282mm of ground clearance and pictures show some underbody protection, so it will be interesting to test the car on challenging off-road trails.
Internally, a 12.8-inch infotainment touch-screen which can pivot between portrait and landscape, as well as a 10.25-inch cluster mark the Shark out as a technical marvel, with all the requisite equipment such as phone mirroring and 360-degree camera, HUD and wireless charging. Voice control and smartphone monitoring for heating, cooling and charging will also be part of the equation.
Better still, the Shark will have vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability and up to 40kW of DC fast charging – significantly higher than any PHEV currently sold in Australia. Stay tuned to Driving Enthusiast for Australian launch details and pricing. It’s set to launch locally later this year.