If you thought the BYD Shark 6 had already made a splash, think again.
The Chinese automaker has thrown an even bigger predator into the water with the arrival of the new Shark 6 Performance, a flagship model that raises the bar for power, towing ability and technology in the growing premium bakkie segment.
The newcomer doesn’t replace the existing Shark 6 Premium but instead gives buyers a more capable option at the top of the range.
More muscle under the bonnet
At the heart of the new model is a larger 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, replacing the Premium’s 1.5-litre unit. Working alongside BYD’s dual electric motors, the plug-in hybrid system now delivers a combined 350kW and 700Nm.
That’s enough to make it the most powerful bakkie currently on sale, eclipsing even performance favourites such as the Ford Ranger Raptor.
Despite all that muscle, the Shark 6 Performance hasn’t forgotten its practical side. It can tow up to 3 500kg, carry 1 200kg in its load bin and sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds.
Hybrid power meets everyday practicality
One of the Shark’s biggest advantages remains its plug-in hybrid technology. A 29.58kWh battery provides up to 80km of electric-only driving, making daily commuting possible without using a drop of fuel. Combined with its 60-litre fuel tank, the bakkie offers a driving range of up to 640km.
Charging is equally convenient, with a full AC charge taking around four hours, while a DC fast charger can replenish the battery in just 30 minutes. The vehicle can even power external appliances thanks to its vehicle-to-load (V2L) function.
With 230mm of ground clearance and a dedicated Crawl Mode, the Shark 6 Performance is equally at home tackling rough terrain as it is cruising through city streets.
A cabin loaded with technology
Inside, the Shark 6 Performance packs plenty of premium features, including heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a 15.6-inch rotating touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging and a 12-speaker sound system.
A new column-mounted gear selector also frees up extra storage space in the centre console.
Google Automotive Services are now built in, giving drivers access to Google Maps and selected Play Store apps without needing to connect their smartphones.
Safety comes standard
Safety hasn’t been overlooked either, with adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, traffic sign recognition, a 360-degree camera and front and rear parking sensors all included.
Pricing and warranty
The BYD Shark 6 range is now priced as follows in South Africa:
w Shark 6 Premium – R989 900
w Shark 6 Performance – R1 149 900
Both models are sold with a 5-year/100 000km vehicle warranty, a 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan, and an 8-year/200 000km hybrid battery warranty.
Commenting on the latest addition, BYD Auto South Africa Managing Director Steve Chang said the new Performance model builds on the Shark’s successful formula by offering more power, stronger towing capability and additional technology, while the Premium continues to provide buyers with a more affordable entry into the range.
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