BYD SHARK 6
The BYD Shark 6 is an inspiring piece of automotive engineering which gives South Africans an opportunity to explore the benefits hybrid motoring, thanks to its less range-anxious technological offering.
Powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that works alongside a 29.58kWh BYD Blade Battery and dual electric motors, the BYD Shark 6 produces an incredible 321kW and 650Nm of torque to all four wheels through its intelligent all-wheel-drive system, resulting in remarkably quick straight-line performance for its size. The Shark 6 can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.7 seconds, which are crazy performance figures when you consider its bakkie proportions and 2 700kg weight.
The proportions and all terrain nature of the Shark 6 unfortunately don’t allow it to be thrown around in corners, but it’s surprisingly stable considering the low centre of gravity from the battery positioning and excellent real-time fuel consumption provided by the plug-in hybrid technology. The combination system delivers real-world fuel consumption figures of between 7.0L and 9.5L/100km, with the ability to travel up to 85km on battery power alone. The system allows you to select between drivetrains be it engine or battery propulsion with the flick of a switch from up front, allowing you to save the battery for when you you think it will be best used.
The Shark 6 is built on BYD’s DMO (Dual Mode Off-Road) platform, a hybrid architecture designed specifically for serious off-road use. It combines a hybrid ladder-frame chassis with dual-motor all-wheel drive, creating a vehicle that’s equally comfortable on tar roads and rough terrain. Drivers can select dedicated Sand, Mud, Snow and Mountain driving modes, allowing the vehicle to adapt to changing conditions at the touch of a button. With 230mm of ground clearance and underbody protection, the Shark 6 is built to tackle challenging terrain, although we only had the chance to experience it on dirt roads which felt incredibly smooth and quiet.
What stands out most, was how refined it feels inside the vehicle. With independent double-wishbone suspension front and rear, the ride is super smooth, and its spacious cabin offers SUV-like comfort.Inside, the BYD Shark offers the space, comfort and premium finishes you would expect from a top-of-the-range SUV. With soft-touch dashboard detailing and full leather seating, the interior has an upmarket feel. The large rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen command centre is very impressive and controls almost everything, although there are dedicated buttons for menial tasks. Wind and road noise are kept to a bare minimum thanks to excellent NVH, making long trips far less tiring than you’d expect from a bakkie.
For collision repair professionals, the Shark 6 introduces some interesting structural technology. BYD’s Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) design integrates the battery into the vehicle’s structure, increasing rigidity and safety. The body incorporates 78% high-strength steel, creating a strong passenger cell designed to offer enhanced protection in the event of a collision.
The BYD Shark 6 is more than just another newcomer. It combines performance, efficiency, safety and off-road capability in a package that highlights the growing role of advanced hybrid technology in the automotive industry. For repairers and refinishing professionals, it’s also a glimpse into the sophisticated vehicles that will increasingly find their way into South African bakkie ownership.
The vehicle is available locally from R989 900 for the Premium model.
Story & pics by Jay Groat
