The highly anticipated BYD Shark 6 has officially arrived in South Africa, with the first batch of units docking at the Port of Cape Town. Enthusiasts caught a glimpse of the bakkie after images surfaced on the BYD Owners Group on Facebook, showing the Shark alongside what seems to be the Sealion 6, loaded onto a transport truck somewhere in Cape Town.
Both models are slated for an official launch in the domestic market before the end of March, meaning they should be available in showrooms within the coming days. Upon its debut, the Shark 6 will claim the title of South Africa’s most powerful bakkie, surpassing the widely acclaimed Ford Ranger Raptor.
Meanwhile, the Sealion 6 is among four upcoming plug-in hybrid SUVs set to arrive in South Africa in the next year, boasting an impressive range of over 1,000 km on a single charge.
What to Expect from the BYD Shark 6
Under its robust exterior, the BYD Shark 6 is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine paired with two electric motors—one at the front and one at the rear. This advanced setup delivers a remarkable combined output of 321kW and 650Nm, outpacing any other bakkie currently available in the country while maintaining impressive efficiency.
The Shark 6 achieves a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 5.7 seconds, edging out the Ford Ranger Raptor, which unofficial tests suggest completes the same acceleration in approximately six seconds. Additionally, the plug-in hybrid bakkie boasts a combined fuel consumption of 9.6L/100km, noticeably lower than the Raptor’s 11.5L/100km.
With its 29.58kWh battery, the Shark 6 can travel up to 85 km purely on electric power. When utilizing both power sources, it offers a maximum driving range of 670 km. The bakkie is also equipped to handle significant loads, supporting a payload capacity of 790 kg and a maximum braked towing capacity of 2,500 kg.
Built for Performance and Comfort
Designed for both on-road and off-road adventures, the Shark 6 features a ground clearance of 230mm, along with approach and departure angles of 31 and 19.3 degrees, respectively. Its water-wading capability reaches 700mm, aligning with the Toyota Hilux, South Africa’s best-selling bakkie.
Inside, the Shark 6 is packed with premium amenities to compete with the market’s top contenders. The bakkie includes a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, electrically adjustable seats with heating and ventilation wrapped in imitation leather, a 15.6-inch infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker stereo system, a 50W wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, a heads-up display, and adaptive LED headlights.
For added convenience and safety, the vehicle is equipped with an extensive suite of driver-assist features, including a 360-degree camera system, intelligent cruise control, lane departure warning and prevention, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and front and rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally, the Shark 6 includes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing users to power external devices like laptops or camping fridges using surplus energy from the hybrid battery.
Key Features of the BYD Shark 6
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbocharged Petrol + Dual Electric Motors |
| Power Output | 321kW |
| Torque | 650Nm |
| 0-100 km/h Acceleration | 5.7 seconds |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.6L/100km |
| Electric-Only Range | 85 km |
| Total Driving Range | 670 km |
| Battery Capacity | 29.58kWh |
| Ground Clearance | 230mm |
| Water-Wading Depth | 700mm |
| Approach Angle | 31 degrees |
| Departure Angle | 19.3 degrees |
| Payload Capacity | 790kg |
| Braked Towing Capacity | 2,500kg |
| Infotainment Display | 15.6-inch with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Audio System | 12-Speaker Setup |
| Safety Features | 360-degree cameras, intelligent cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring |
A Competitive Giant
Measuring 5,457mm in length, 1,971mm in width, and 1,925mm in height, the BYD Shark 6 is among the largest bakkies in its segment. These dimensions make it significantly larger than competitors like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger, positioning it closely with the GWM P500, which is expected to be its main rival in the South African market.
Rumors suggest that BYD aims to price the Shark 6 below R1 million, which would make it at least R270,000 cheaper than the Ford Ranger Raptor, offering a compelling alternative for buyers seeking power, efficiency, and advanced features at a competitive price point.
With its combination of cutting-edge hybrid technology, exceptional performance, and luxury features, the BYD Shark 6 is set to make a significant impact in the South African bakkie market.
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