Dominate the Mountain

BYD has certainly made waves in the NZ’s EV world, now it’s aiming to stir up the ute market with its latest creation, the Shark 6. This plug-in hybrid utility vehicle is a bold attempt to blend electric efficiency with semi-rugged versatility, and much like its namesake, it’s making people sit up and take notice (out of the water in this case obviously). So, is this the kind of shark you’d welcome in your driveway?

When it’s all said and done, the BYD Shark 6 is a dual-motor plug-in hybrid ute (PHEV) built on BYD’s DMO platform (a technologically advanced system designed for off-road vehicles). It pairs a 1.5L petrol engine with two electric motors (one on each axle) delivering a combined 321kW of power and a whopping 650Nm of torque – The result is surprising performance, including 0–100km/h in 5.7 seconds. It offers a pure EV range of around 100km, CO₂ emissions of just 47g/km, and can be charged via AC or DC, PLUS it offers V2L, meaning you can even power appliances in the wilderness (should you wish to).

However, in terms of being a workhorse, it tows up to 2.5 tonnes and carries a 750kg payload, placing it just under heavy-hitter utes like the Ranger in terms of capability.

By way of looks, the Shark 6 makes a dramatic entrance. The bold front fascia features full-width BYD lettering and C-shaped DRLs that give it presence in the rearview mirror. Measuring around 5.4 metres long and 2 metres high, it’s quite a sizable big beast, with a wide stance and tough, squared-off lines. Sitting on 18-inch wheels, with protective wheel arches and side steps, it sure hints at off-road readiness.

Details like a shark-fin antenna (naturally) and a sculpted rear end make it feel both functional and stylistically on-brand. And for those that feel that a tail-gate should be powered, good-news, the Sharks 2-touch system adds extra ease of use.

Step inside and things take a surprisingly premium turn. Instead of the neoprene-like seats found in BYD’s ATTO 3, the Shark gets ventilated premium seats, and there’s plenty of space between driver and passenger thanks to a wide central tunnel. Splashes of orange contrast stitching and highlighted air vents bring some welcome character too.

There’s clever use of space in the cabin, like a dash-mounted tray that doubles as a grab handle, and a wireless phone charger up front, with a second tray beside, because they can. The overall fit and finish impress, and while a few ergonomic quirks (like awkward armrests, particularly on the doors) suggest it’s not quite a benchmark yet, the layout feels thoughtfully urban.

Tech is where BYD shines. The rotating 15.6-inch infotainment screen dominates the cabin, offering landscape and portrait modes with responsive controls. Its tablet-like interface is intuitive, allowing access to vehicle functions, climate settings, media, and even a personal photo gallery. You can easily toggle between EV modes, adjust ADAS settings, and track energy flow via on-screen tools.

The driver gets a fixed 10.25-inch instrument cluster loaded with useful info too (battery and fuel ranges, tyre pressures, and adaptive safety cues). The steering wheel is two-spoke, with tactile floating controls for drive and terrain modes, which adjust the visuals and system behaviours to match surfaces like mud land, sand land, snow, or rock – names are not made up.

Under the skin, BYD’s DMO platform delivers performance that genuinely surprises. The petrol engine teams with dual electric motors to give it all-wheel drive and serious torque. It may be a ute, but this thing takes off like a performance SUV. You get the instant torque of an EV and the backup reliability of petrol. Total range can top 800km, so ideal for anyone wary of EV range anxiety.

Fire up the Shark 6 and… silence. It starts in EV mode, meaning it glides off the line with barely a whisper. As outlined before, for a vehicle this size, it’s unnervingly quick, and remarkably refined. The low-mounted battery keeps the centre of gravity in check, while suspension tuning offers a comfortable ride, more SUV than farm hack.

The steering ratio is a bit slow, giving it a “steering the ship” feel at low speeds, but otherwise it’s well-mannered. Off-road modes do alter throttle and traction response as expected, though we’d have liked more visual feedback (like pitch or roll angle) on the screen. Still, it’s capable enough for light off-roading and unsealed road duties, and the brand has a Leppard up their sleeve for more serious off-roading.

The BYD Shark 6 isn’t just a gimmick with a catchy name, it’s a well-executed hybrid ute with serious potential. While it may not yet match the class-leaders in rugged all-round utility, it introduces a compelling alternative for buyers wanting a more refined, city-friendly ute with occasional off-road and towing ability.

It may not be the king of the outback just yet, but for the growing number of urban ute buyers looking for something smarter, cleaner, and more tech-laden, the Shark is circling with intent. And judging by the heads it turned during our test, it’s already made a splash

For more information – HERE