BYD’s Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute has been a huge success in Australia, with over 6,000 sales in the first four months of this year. Recent spy shots from China have revealed a new, sleeker ute from BYD that’s currently under development. The latest images show the ute on top of a transporter truck, providing a clearer view of its design.
Unlike the Shark 6 PHEV, which is built on BYD’s DM-O platform for off-roading, the new ute is likely to be based on a passenger car platform. If it follows the pattern of the Sealion 6, it could feature BYD’s DM-I technology and potentially be available as a PHEV or full EV. The Sealion 6 is already sold as the Seal U in some European markets as a full battery electric SUV.
The new ute’s design shows some notable changes, including rounded headlights similar to those on ICE utes like the Mazda BT-50. The front windshield area appears less angled than the Shark 6, potentially improving aerodynamics and efficiency. These design cues are reminiscent of BYD’s smaller electric car, the Seagull (also known as the Dolphin Mini).
BYD launched the Shark 6 in Australia in late October 2024 at a competitive price of $57,900. The vehicle features a 29.58 kWh blade battery providing 100 km of pure electric range and a total driving range of 800 km. The ute also boasts 2.5 tonnes of brake towing capacity thanks to its 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and electric drivetrain.
Given the popularity of utes in both Australian and Chinese markets, this new model could be a significant player in the shift towards electrification. As Riz Akhtar, founder of carloop, notes, “We look forward to following the development of this product from BYD as it could be a fully electric ute that many have been waiting for.”
