by Advantages: Class leader in interior, excellent hybrid system, great technology
Disadvantages: No off-road features, limited towing capacity of 2.5 tons, limited regenerative braking
Bold Market Entry
BYD’s entry into the saturated Australian pickup market was a bold decision. The manufacturer is a relatively new player in a local market dominated by giants like Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, and Isuzu D-Max. However, this bet makes sense – pickups are big business in Australia, with three of the country’s ten best-selling cars being pickups, including the sales leader Ford Ranger.
Hybrid Alternative
Most competitors offer traditional diesel powertrains, which have proven to be reliable and versatile. The Shark 6 not only comes from a relatively young brand but is also one of only three plug-in hybrid pickups sold locally.
Commercial Success
Despite fierce competition, the model has already proven its popularity. In the first seven months of this year, 11,657 units were sold in Australia, surpassing the figures for the new Triton, updated Mazda BT-50, Nissan Navara, and VW Amarok. Only the Isuzu D-Max, Toyota Hilux, and Ford Ranger sold better.
Key Specifications
Model: 2025 BYD Shark 6
Starting Price: AU$57,900 ($38,300)
Dimensions: 5,457 mm length, 1,971 mm width, 1,925 mm height
Wheelbase: 3,260 mm
Weight: 2,710 kg
Powertrain: 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine + two electric motors
Power: 430 hp, 650 Nm of torque
0-100 km/h Acceleration: 5.7 seconds
Fuel Consumption: 9.5 l/100 km per tests
Competitive Pricing Policy
In Australia, the BYD Shark 6 is sold in a single trim starting at AU$57,900, making it cheaper than its competitors. The model uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 181 hp, supplemented by two electric motors, totaling 430 hp – more than the Ranger Raptor.
The 29.58 kWh battery provides over 100 km of range on electricity alone. The payload is 790 kg, and the towing capacity is 2,500 kg, which is less than traditional diesel competitors.
Premium Interior
The Shark 6’s interior sets new quality standards in its segment. The main feature is a massive 15.6-inch infotainment screen that can operate in both landscape and portrait orientations. The display is very responsive, the menus are intuitive, and the system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Unlike many competitors with hard plastic, the Shark 6 uses soft materials and leather on the dashboard, center console, and steering wheel. The center console features a massive gear selector lever and stylish switches for the start/stop button, hazard lights, and switching between electric and hybrid modes.
Hybrid Advantage
The Shark 6 is significantly smoother in everyday driving than most competitors. During normal driving, it operates primarily on electricity, remaining almost silent. The engine starts only during intense acceleration or at speeds around 60 km/h, and does so smoothly and with minimal noise.
The system provides powerful acceleration – 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, which is faster than the Ranger Raptor. However, the model has an issue with engine RPM delay after lifting off the accelerator pedal.
Efficiency and Features
The use of springs on all four wheels instead of leaf springs provides a comfortable ride. The regenerative braking system has two modes, but both offer limited regeneration. The hybrid system allows setting the desired battery charge level, but the charging process takes significant time.
The average fuel consumption is 9.5 l/100 km, which is no better than diesel competitors, but considering the performance, it is an acceptable compromise. The model is not designed for serious off-road use – it lacks differential locks and a low-range gearbox.
Conclusions
The BYD Shark 6 has an attractive design, the best interior in the segment, and a well-tuned hybrid system. Except for the RPM delay issue, the model demonstrates flawless operation in the city and on the highway. It is one of the best options for everyday use among mid-size pickups in the countries where it is sold.
The success of the BYD Shark 6 in the Australian market demonstrates the growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional diesel pickups. Although the model has certain limitations in payload capacity and off-road capabilities, its advantages in comfort, technology, and performance make it an attractive choice for urban conditions. The development of hybrid technologies in commercial vehicles opens up new opportunities for automakers willing to invest in innovation.
