Built for work and play, the Shark 6 Performance cranks power to 350kW and torque to a hefty 700Nm, improvements that translate into stronger off-road capability and confidence when hauling heavy loads or tackling steep, rough terrain. Crucially for farmers and tradespeople, BYD has bumped towing capacity to a benchmark 3,500kg, a specification that positions the Shark 6 as a proper workhorse in rural New Zealand. Note that towing over 2,500kg requires a New Zealand Class Two licence, so buyers should check licensing before they hook up.
The Shark 6 Performance also benefits from drivetrain tuning aimed at tougher surfaces (think farm tracks, forestry roads and beaches) while retaining BYD’s new energy drivetrain advantages. Pricing starts at $76,990 plus on-road costs for the Performance, with the Shark 6 Premium available from $69,990 + ORC, and first customer deliveries slated from May to align with seasonal cashflows in the dairy sector.
On the other end of the practicality spectrum sits the Seal 06 Touring Premium, a long-range, highly efficient plug-in hybrid wagon that’s built to carry gear and cover kilometres without punishing the fuel bill. The Touring uses BYD’s DM 5.0 Super Hybrid system, pairing a high-efficiency 1.5-litre Atkinson petrol engine (boasting 46% thermal efficiency) with an electric motor and BYD’s LFP Blade Battery tech to deliver an enormous projected driving range of over 1,000km, and up to 1,300km under WLTP-equivalent combined testing. That’s the sort of range that, in testing scenarios, can see you from Auckland to Christchurch on a single tank.
Electrically, the Seal 06 Touring carries a 19kWh battery good for up to 100km of electric-only driving in test conditions (enough for daily zero-emission commutes) and practical cargo capacity (670 litres expanding to 1,535 litres with seats folded) that makes it a genuine alternative to larger, thirstier SUVs. The Touring is priced from $54,990 + ORC and will be available to order now, with deliveries starting toward the end of June.
Beyond specs, BYD’s use of LFP Blade Battery chemistry brings intrinsic safety and longevity benefits versus some other lithium chemistries, while the DM 5.0 hybrid architecture prioritises thermal efficiency and fuel economy, real pluses for New Zealand drivers covering long distances or working in remote areas. BYD New Zealand’s messaging underlines that these launches come directly from listening to Kiwis who wanted more towing and more range, signaling a market-aware approach to electrified vehicle design and specification.
BYD’s latest duo represents a smart one-two punch for the NZ market, the Shark 6 Performance answers the call for rugged, high-capacity towing and tougher drivability, while the Seal 06 Touring offers class-leading range, family-friendly practicality, and strong economy for regional drivers and fleets. With competitive pricing and targeted deliveries timed to local cashflows, BYD is clearly doubling down on making EV and hybrid ownership relevant and convenient for real Kiwi lives.
