BYD, the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, has been caught testing its next ute, likely to be called the Shark 6, on public roads. The vehicle, which was spotted in China, is expected to be the company’s first foray into the ute market. Images of the vehicle, obtained by Chinese media outlets, show a sleek and modern design, with a sloping front grille and LED headlights.
The Shark 6 ute is expected to be based on BYD’s e-platform 3.0, which also underpins the company’s Tang and Song models. This platform is designed to support a range of powertrains, including electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. Given BYD’s focus on EVs, it’s likely that the Shark 6 will be available as a fully electric vehicle, with a range of up to 500km on a single charge.
The ute’s design is reminiscent of other modern utes, with a focus on style and comfort. The interior is expected to feature a range of premium materials and technologies, including a large infotainment screen and advanced safety features. The vehicle is also likely to offer a range of advanced driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
While details of the Shark 6’s powertrain and specifications are scarce, BYD has confirmed that the vehicle will be available in a range of configurations, including single-cab and dual-cab options. The company has also hinted that the ute will offer a range of towing and payload capacities, making it a viable option for commercial and recreational users.
The Shark 6 ute is expected to go into production later this year, with sales commencing in China and other select markets. It’s unclear whether the vehicle will be sold in Australia, but given BYD’s growing presence in the local market, it’s possible that the ute could make its way Down Under in the future.
Overall, the BYD Shark 6 ute represents an exciting new entry into the ute market, with its sleek design, advanced technologies, and expected electric powertrain. With the global ute market continuing to grow, BYD’s entry into this segment could shake things up and provide customers with a new and innovative option. As more details of the Shark 6 become available, it will be interesting to see how it stacks up against established ute manufacturers and whether it will be a success in the competitive market.