How much power can you add to a bakkie? BYD has simply answered, "yes." Meet the most powerful bakkie that you can get your hands on in Mzansi, the BYD SHARK 6 Performance, which has a whopping 350 kW from a new engine.
Lets take a closer look at this upgraded Performance Shark.
The faster Shark now employs a larger, new 2.0-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid setup that delivers 700 Nm of torque, 3,500 kg towing capacity, and enhanced technology over the 1.5-litre petrol turbo engine combined with a 29.58 kWh BYD Blade Battery, which together produce a potent 321 kW of power and 650 Nm of torque.
This new setup makes it possible for the bakkie to manage and maintain acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds. Putting firmly behind some of the best hot hatches like the Hyundai i30 N or electric vehicles like the Volvo EX30 Plus Single Motor.
“The SHARK 6 has redefined what customers can expect from a bakkie, combining plug-in hybrid technology, strong performance and everyday practicality in one of South Africa's most competitive vehicle segments,” says Steve Chang, Managing Director of BYD Auto South Africa.
“The new SHARK 6 Performance builds on that foundation with more power, greater towing capability and additional technology. At the same time, the SHARK 6 Premium remains an important part of our range, giving customers the flexibility to choose the model that best suits their lifestyle, towing requirements and budget.”
Any changes to the exterior?
Not really ; the car still maintains the same look and a ground clearance of 230 mm while standing on 18-inch wheels. The only additions or changes here could be new colors, as BYD gives you the option to choose between various shades: Outback Orange, Obsidian Black, Snowy White, and Atlantis Grey.
Plug-in hybrid performance for everyday driving
In detail, the new 2.0 liter turbocharged engine is paired with a 29.58 kWh battery, providing an electric-only driving range of up to 80 km. The vehicle supports AC charging at up to approximately 7 kW, with a full AC charge taking around four hours. DC charging is supported at up to approximately 55 kW, with a quoted charging time of around 35 minutes under suitable conditions. When the 60-liter tank, together with the battery, is full, the vehicle can offer a combined WLTP range of up to 640 km.
On road, off road, it goes.
Like the other Shark derivatives, this performance-oriented Shark also benefits from a smart BYD DMO, or Dual Mode Off-Road, all-wheel-drive system. The system combines the turbocharged petrol engine with front and rear electric motors to provide responsive power delivery, enhanced traction, and all-terrain capability.
This derivative however introduces a Crawl Mode, which will be responsible for managing the vehicle’s speed, power delivery and braking when travelling slowly over challenging surfaces further incasing the cars off roading abilities which were said to be not that impressive. The Crawl model allows the driver to focus on steering when navigating rocky terrain, sand, mud, steep inclines or other low-speed off-road conditions.
The interior of the car stays the same with some upgrades
Inside, the SHARK 6 Performance retains a spacious cabin associated which is a common theme in the SHARK 6 range while introducing several model-specific updates. For starters, there is now a new column-mounted gear selector that creates additional space around the centre console.
What stays the same is a large Google Automotive Services integrated 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, electrically adjustable front seats and a comprehensive range of comfort and technology features.
Pricing and availability
The BYD SHARK 6 Performance will be available to order through BYD dealerships nationwide, starting from R1,149,900.
The vehicle is supported by a five-year/100,000 km vehicle warranty, a five-year/100,000 km maintenance plan and an eight-year/200,000 km battery warranty, subject to BYD South Africa’s standard terms and conditions.