The South African bakkie market has just been shaken up by the arrival of a bold new contender. BYD, the fast-rising Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, has introduced the Shark, a plug-in hybrid double cab that promises to reset expectations for performance, efficiency, and luxury in the segment.
Making a grand entrance, the Shark brings several industry firsts to the local bakkie scene, boasting features usually reserved for high-end SUVs. From its electrified powertrain to futuristic driver tech, BYD is taking aim at established players like the Ford Ranger Raptor—and it’s not holding back.
Raising the Bar in the Bakkie Segment
The BYD Shark is not just another rugged double cab. It’s designed to blend high performance with forward-thinking tech, something rarely seen in this vehicle category. It’s the first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) bakkie in South Africa, combining a traditional petrol engine with a powerful electric drivetrain to deliver unmatched torque and acceleration.
It’s also the first bakkie in the country to offer a heads-up display and electric lowering tailgate, making it one of the most technologically advanced pickups available locally. BYD is backing its cutting-edge battery tech with an eight-year/200,000km warranty, instilling buyer confidence in its long-term reliability.
Under the Hood: Electrified Muscle
At the heart of the Shark lies a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 150kW and 310Nm. Paired with a 29.5-kWh Blade battery pack and dual rear-mounted electric motors (delivering an additional 150kW and 340Nm), the combined output rockets to a staggering 320kW and 650Nm of torque.
This setup allows the Shark to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.7 seconds, outpacing the previously top-ranked Ford Ranger Raptor, which clocks in at 6.9 seconds. That makes the Shark not just the most powerful, but also the quickest production bakkie in the country.
Feature Highlights at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | 1.5L Turbo Petrol + Dual Electric Motors (PHEV) |
| Combined Output | 320kW / 650Nm |
| Battery | 29.5-kWh Blade Battery |
| Acceleration (0–100km/h) | 5.7 seconds |
| Top Speed (Electric Only) | No limited top speed when in EV mode |
| Infotainment | 15.6-inch touchscreen |
| Interior Comfort | Heated/Cooled Front Sports Seats, Premium Trim |
| Rear Passenger Comfort | 27° Backrest Angle for Extra Legroom |
| Suspension | Double Wishbone Independent (Front & Rear) |
| New-to-Segment Features | Heads-Up Display, Electric Lowering Tailgate |
| Battery Warranty | 8 Years / 200,000km |
| Price | R959,900 |
High-Tech Meets High Comfort
The Shark isn’t just fast—it’s luxuriously appointed inside. From a massive 15.6-inch central infotainment display to heated and ventilated front sports seats, the cabin feels more like a premium SUV than a rugged workhorse.
Rear passengers aren’t left out either, with generous legroom and a relaxed backrest angle offering a surprising level of comfort for a bakkie. Ride quality is further enhanced by the double wishbone suspension setup at both ends, delivering a smooth and stable experience—even though the launch drive was limited to clean, paved roads.
Competitive Price, No Compromise
Despite its premium features and potent performance, the Shark comes in at R959,900, managing to stay under the R1-million mark that many top-tier bakkies have exceeded. BYD insists that pricing wasn’t meant to undercut competitors, but rather to bring their product up to speed after years of development catch-up.
“It is not our intention to undercut our competitors. We want to put a product out there that can catch up the five to six years that we are behind at the moment,” said Steve Chang, managing director for BYD Auto South Africa.The BYD Shark is more than just a bold new name—it’s a game-changer. With class-leading power, advanced tech, and luxurious touches, it looks ready to bite into the market share of traditional favorites. Whether it’s the everyday bakkie buyer or performance enthusiasts looking for something different, the Shark is making a strong case to be at the top of their shortlist.
Related article: First Units of South Africa’s Most Powerful Bakkie, the BYD Shark 6, Arrive in Cape Town
