BYD has taken the wraps off the 2025 BYD Shark plug-in hybrid ute, boasting impressive performance that outpaces even the Ford Ranger Raptor and a battery size which should make most tradies on jobsites happy.
The all-new BYD Shark ute made its debut in Mexico ahead of its anticipated arrival in Australia later this year, bringing with it a host of new tech for the ute market and the prowess of a whopping 320kW plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Diverging from traditional diesel power, BYD aims to challenge the incoming Ford Ranger PHEV with its inaugural entry into the competitive 4×4 dual-cab ute segment. The Shark features a sophisticated petrol-electric powertrain, melding a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors—one positioned on each axle—for a combined output of 321kW.
According to BYD, the petrol engine primarily propels the front wheels, contributing only about 20% of total propulsion, while the electric motors take the lead, powering both the front and rear.
This potent combination enables the dual-cab to accelerate from 0-100km/h in a swift 5.7 seconds, surpassing the Ford Ranger Raptor’s class-leading time of 6.1 seconds. Additionally, the electric motors draw energy from a 29.5kWh Blade lithium-ion battery, delivering an electric-only driving range of up to 100km based on China’s NEDC testing cycle.
Fuel efficiency is another highlight, with the Shark boasting a commendable 7.5L/100km on the official combined cycle (NEDC) in hybrid mode, or as low as 1.5L/100km when leveraging the full EV range, offering a total range of up to 840km on a full tank and battery charge.
Charging the Shark’s battery is rather quick, with a DC fast-charger capable of replenishing the pack from 30 to 80% in just 20 minutes at a rate of up to 40kW.
Styled with bold American influences reminiscent of larger full-size pickup trucks, the Shark features prominent BYD lettering across its grille, striking vertical stacked headlights, and an imposing presence accentuated by a full-width LED light bar.
Designed as a global model, the BYD Shark stands out in the mid-size dual-cab category with its substantial dimensions, offering ample cabin space and a payload of up to 835kg, with a maximum braked towing capacity of 2500kg. Sadly, this figure doesn’t quite meet the 3000kg mark offered by other leading utes locally – we’re hoping this figure increases by the time the Shark makes its debut in Australia.
Inside, the Shark boasts a sleek center console inspired by aircraft design, complemented by vibrant orange accents and a rotating 10.25-inch touch-screen infotainment system offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Tech-savvy features include upgraded voice control, dubbed ‘Hey BYD,’ enabling hands-free control over functions like window operation, temperature adjustment, and access to Spotify. The Shark also offers a unique vehicle-to-load capability, allowing the battery to power external devices.
For off-road adventures, BYD equips the Shark with a terrain response system featuring Mud, Sand, and Snow modes, enhancing all-wheel drive and stability/traction control for diverse conditions.
Available in three colors—Palace White, Atlantis Grey, and Marmara Black—the 2025 BYD Shark debuts in Mexico in two variants: the base Shark GL starting from $MX899,980 ($A80,500), and the flagship Shark GS priced at $MX969,800 ($A85,500).
Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for further details regarding the Australian release of the 2025 BYD Shark.
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