Chinese carmaker BYD (Build Your Dreams) has revealed its first bakkie to the world known as the Shark.
BYD is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of new-energy vehicles, and the Shark is following in this mindset with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.
The automaker launched in South Africa in 2023 with a single fully-electric crossover called the Atto 3, but its line-up will soon expand with the imminent introduction of the Dolphin hatchback, the cheapest electric vehicle (EV) in the country.
In April it was discovered that the company filed two trademark applications in South Africa, one of which is for the Shark, giving a strong indication that the vehicle is under consideration for our market.
TopAuto reached out for confirmation from BYD on whether its double cab will reach domestic roads, but did not receive a reply by the time of publication.
What to expect
The initial expectation was that the Shark would be a fully-electric model as BYD is Tesla’s main rival in the industry, but it appears the company is starting things off with a more practical and accessible drivetrain for a typical pickup owner in various markets around the globe.
The bakkie utilizes a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine which produces a total of 170kW and 310Nm and drives the front wheels, with an electric motor mounted over the rear axle generating 150kW and 340Nm.
When combined, the system boasts an output of 320kW which allows the double cab to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.7 seconds, according to its maker.
As a reference, the high-performance Ford Ranger Raptor with its 3.0-litre, twin-turbo, V6 petrol engine can manage the same feat in just around 6.0 seconds, meaning the Shark may become the new fastest bakkie in South Africa if and when it arrives.
On that note, the BYD is 5,457mm in length, 1,971mm in width, and 1,925mm in height, making it slightly longer than the Raptor but not as wide.
It also has a wheelbase measuring 3,260mm and a ground clearance of 210mm, as well as an approach angle of 31 degrees, break-over angle of 30 degrees, and departure angle of 19.3 degrees, though its water-wading depth is still unknown.
Regarding the electric capabilities of the PHEV bakkie, it employs a 29.6kWh lithium-ion battery which can provide an all-electric driving range of 100km and takes 20 minutes to go from 30% to 80% with a 55kW DC fast-charging cable.
Factoring in the petrol engine, the double cab has a combined range of 840km and a fuel consumption of 7.5l/100km.
Other important attributes to highlight include its towing capacity of 2,500kg and its payload capacity of 835kg.
The Shark is making its international debut in Mexico this month, giving motorists a glimpse of the equipment they can expect.
The key items showcased include a 12.8-inch infotainment screen that can rotate to fit a landscape or portrait orientation, and a 10.25-inch LCD driver display which is enhanced by a heads-up display covering 12 inches of the windscreen.
It also comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, side steps, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, leather seats, a 50W wireless charger, an aviator-style gearstick, a Stop/Start function, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system with an undercarriage display.
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