As the reveal of the BYD Shark approaches on May 14, the company has released the most detailed images yet of its inaugural pickup truck. Previously, BYD had offered sneak peeks of the Shark’s front-end design, showcasing its C-shaped headlights, a light bar positioned above a grille prominently featuring BYD badging.
However, the latest images shared on BYD’s Instagram provide the first high-resolution, unobstructed view of the ute. Similar to earlier spy shots, the Shark presents a conventional three-box silhouette, accentuated by blacked-out A-, B-, and C-pillars, creating the illusion of a floating roof. Black plastic elements are also evident on the bumpers, sills, and wheel arch protectors.
The recent social media update emphasizes the Shark’s capabilities for road trips, highlighting its DMO plug-in hybrid drivetrain designed to alleviate range anxiety and enhance the journey of exploration. Although BYD hasn’t revealed interior images, previous unofficial leaks have hinted at features like a center console-mounted shifter, physical toggle switches, a standalone digital instrument cluster, and a rotatable infotainment screen.
Reports suggest the Shark will utilize the DMO platform shared with the Bao 5 from BYD’s Fang Cheng Bao brand, boasting a 365kW plug-in hybrid powertrain comprising a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine coupled with two electric motors. A fully electric variant is anticipated to follow suit, aligning with BYD’s focus on pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles since 2022.
The global debut of the Shark is scheduled for an event in Mexico City on May 14. While details regarding pricing and specifications remain undisclosed, expectations are that the Shark will become BYD’s flagship model in Australia.
Presently, the Seal sedan holds the top spot in BYD’s lineup, with its highest trim priced at $68,798 before on-road costs. With the Shark’s impending arrival, it will be intriguing to observe its competitiveness against established players in the ute segment, including the Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara, and the Ford Ranger, which is set to introduce a plug-in hybrid variant in early 2025.
