BYD’s latest offering, the Shark, has just been revealed to the world, albeit initially debuting in the Mexican market. Priced at 899,980 Mexican pesos, roughly equivalent to $53,730, this launch marks a significant milestone as BYD ventures beyond its domestic market in China for the first time.
Built on BYD’s proprietary DMO platform, designed specifically for off-road-capable models, the Shark represents a new chapter for the Shenzen-based automaker.
This platform, derived from the DM-p architecture and bearing the “DM” designation for “Dual Mode,” underpins the Shark, a five-seater pickup truck measuring 214.8 inches in length, 77.6 inches in width, and 75.8 inches in height, with a wheelbase spanning 128.3 inches. These dimensions position the China-manufactured pickup in the same segment as industry stalwarts like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
Equipped with a towing capacity of 5,512 pounds and a maximum payload of 1,841 pounds, the Shark delivers robust utility alongside its off-road capabilities. Powering this pickup is a plug-in hybrid system comprising a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine paired with two electric motors.
The front-mounted motor generates 228 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the rear motor contributes an additional 201 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque. Together, they yield a combined output of 429 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, propelling the Shark from 0 to 62 mph in a brisk 5.7 seconds.
Featuring a BYD LFP Blade battery pack with a capacity of 29.58 kWh, the Shark offers an electric range of up to 62 miles, as per the outdated NEDC test cycle. However, the pickup boasts an impressive total range of 522 miles when factoring in both battery and fuel capacity.
Inside the Shark’s cabin, cutting-edge technology takes center stage, highlighted by a rotatable 12.8-inch touchscreen controlling various vehicle functions alongside a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel. Furthermore, the dashboard features tactile control buttons, catering to users who prefer physical interfaces.
Despite its global debut, BYD has no plans to introduce its plug-in hybrid pickup or any other models to the American market, especially in light of President Joe Biden’s recent announcement of increased tariffs on Chinese-made EV imports.
