BYD has recently unveiled its highly anticipated Shark 6 ute in New Zealand, marking the company’s first venture into the utility vehicle segment. The all-new model showcases impressive performance specifications, including 430 horsepower (matching the output of a V8 engine) and achieving 0-100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds – but how good is it really? BYD NZ invited us to Queenstown to find out more.
Our first ‘formal’ introduction to the BYD Shark 6 was over a beer at the quirky Sherwood hotel. The accommodation was fitting, as the Sherwood is ranked in the world’s Top 10 most sustainable hotels, and the (ahem 0%) beer went down wonderfully as the fridge was plugged into the sustainable Shark’s V2L system.
Let’s get the powertrain out of the way. The Shark 6 launches initially with a 1.5-litre powertrain. It features innovative “super hybrid” technology, which BYD markets locally as “dual mode intelligence” and in fact for the Shark 6 it’s a DMO – ‘O for off-road’ obviously.
I touched on the performance specs before, but it combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and two electric motors and together they produce 320kW/650Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in just 5.7 seconds, has a combined range of up to 800km, emits around 46 grams of Co2/km, and all while being able to tow upto 2500kg braked (BYD is working with regulatory authorities regarding potential exemptions for higher towing capacities) and carrying 790kg maximum payload – phew! (Some of these figures are mutually exclusive, but you get the point, it’s bloody impressive).
One of the ute’s standouts (it has many) is its 30kWh blade battery system that can be utilised for various auxiliary power needs (including the aforementioned fridge), making it particularly attractive for farming/site applications. Users can operate equipment directly from the vehicle’s multiple power supply outlets, with the battery remaining functional down to 15% capacity.
Another standout feature is the vehicle’s advanced connectivity. Every Shark 6 comes equipped with smart technology and integrated SIM capability, allowing for comprehensive data collection. Through a partnership with NZTA’s Compass IoT program, fleet managers and owners can access detailed vehicle data, including GPS location, speed, and driver behavior metrics – I can hear some telemetric companies shudder.
Its looks are as modern as its connectivity and the interior is sooo upmarket that some companies have deemed it ‘too good’ for their workers – I’m sure this is all tongue in cheek, but it is very refined with large screens, leather were needed, heated/vented seats and really excellent fit and finish.
And if that’s not enough, BYD is launching the Shark 6 with a comprehensive accessories package, including three different canopy options from local suppliers. They have partnered with New Zealand-based manufacturers where possible, emphasising their commitment to local market adaptation. Additional accessories include bull bars, nudge bars, seat covers, and tonneau covers.
Following a sustainable night’s sleep and a hearty breckie, we mounted up and our shiver of sharks headed south to Pearl Harbour (cue Hawaii gags) and the Meridian’s Manapouri hydro station.
The roads around Queenstown south are a combination of weaving corners and long straights and all with a glorious scenic backdrop that couldn’t help but set off the Shark’s driver attention alert. In fact, although the ute has yet to be given a 5-Star tick from ANCAP, it comes complete with more than the required suite of ADAS acronyms but thankfully, they are not overly naggy (as in the original ATTO3). I am reliably informed that this is a conscious decision from the corporate boffins to ensure a more enjoyable ride – and it is.
The chassis is a ladderframe with the blade battery pack added for both safety and stability. Yes the ute is a darn sight heavier than a Ranger, but with much of it being low, the result is just a stable more planted ride. The leaf springs have been replaced with coils and struts all round and the result is apparently far better for those that ride in the rear – seats not tray.
The steering is well weighted and positive and the acceleration is well received, especially when overtaking. All in all, it doesn’t feel like a hefty ute to drive, it barely feels like a ute at all. Eco, normal and Sport modes offer different driving sensations but all are well-mannered (even if the driver isn’t).
Discovering how hydro energy is made, (while being 2km underground) is very informative and I’d recommend it, although the sight of some of us squeezed into tight fitting jump suits is best left unseen – believe me.
Keeping with the sustainability programme, our next port of call (after a night’s rest in Te Anau) was White Hill Wind Farm. It’s another Meridian site but using wind for power as opposed to water. What that meant for us was some soft off-roading. Yay.
The unsealed road to the hilltop ‘confused’ the Shark’s lane keep assist but even with an excessive amount of dust being thrown at it, the sensors did their best to let me know of the dangers. I had the Shark switched to mountain (as muddyland and snowland didn’t seem appropriate) and it made light work of the gravel.
We toured the expansive, windy and windy-matrixed facility grabbing epic pics along the way, however, to be fair, the Shark 6 barely broke a sweat (not sure if Sharks sweat anyway). But there was one point where the predator’s 31-degree approach angle and 19.5-degree departure angles came into play, with a climb to a more remote fan or turbine. Either way, the 230mm of ground clearance meant that no panel was touched – alas the 700mm of water wading was never used. I would have liked a little more rough/tough stuff but the experience was still more than what most will use it for.
The Shark 6 is a cracking new energy ute. The range negates any or all distance anxiety, it’s clearly more capable than what we made it do and the refinement is simply excellent (too good apparently). It maybe lacks some ‘off-road’ information and the seating is more ‘on than in’ but for the masses, i.e. those that are not out to punish their rides, this is a very, very good all-rounder, and value packed for the price tag. What’s more, the Shark 6 comes with a generous warranty package of 6 years or 150,000 kilometers.
We’re looking forward to a follow-up drive, that’s for sure.
