A plug-in hybrid rival to the Hilux: Right-hand drive BYD Shark previewed in Thailand with a new name

November 29, 2024
Posted by Admin

Rever Automotive, the authorized distributor of BYD vehicles in Thailand, is preparing to launch the BYD Shark, a petrol-powered plug-in hybrid that aims to rival the diesel-powered Toyota Hilux. Curiously, the model is now referred to as the BYD Shark 6. It appears that the Shark 6 name will be used for Southeast Asian markets, as Cambodia had recently launched the truck with the new name.

The model on display at the ongoing Thailand International Motor Expo is a right-hand drive unit, indicating that a local launch is imminent. BYD has already introduced plug-in hybrids to Thailand, starting with the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i. Perhaps that’s the reason why the number 6 was added to the Shark’s name?

Under the hood, the Shark 6 features an off-road variant of BYD’s DM series plug-in hybrid drivetrain, branded as DM-o (with ‘o’ signifying off-road capability). It pairs a 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine with a rear-mounted electric motor powered by a 29.58 kWh Blade battery. When fully charged, the Shark 6 can travel up to 100 km (NEDC test cycle) on electric power alone.

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A plug-in hybrid rival to the Hilux: Right-hand drive BYD Shark previewed in Thailand with a new name 01

A plug-in hybrid rival to the Hilux: Right-hand drive BYD Shark previewed in Thailand with a new name 02

The combined petrol-electric system produces 436 PS and 650 Nm, enabling the Shark 6 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. These figures could intimidate the Hilux on paper, but it remains to be seen if Thai pick-up buyers prioritize on-road performance.

Those figures will scare a Hilux but it remains to be seen if Thai pick-up buyers will care about on-road performance. Two metrics matter most to Thai pick-up buyers: Towing capacity and payload.

The BYD Shark can tow only up to 2,500 kg, which is 1,000 kg less than the Toyota Hilux. The Shark 6 has a payload capacity of 790 kg, significantly lower than the Hilux, which can carry well over 1,000 kg.

For water wading, the BYD Shark matches the Hilux with a depth of 700 mm.

Inside, the BYD Shark is equipped with a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system and a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The model also includes a Head-Up Display (HUD) for added convenience.

A plug-in hybrid rival to the Hilux: Right-hand drive BYD Shark previewed in Thailand with a new name 03

As this is only a preview, no pricing details have been announced yet.

Over 15 years of experience in automotive, from product planning, to market research, to print and digital media. Garages a 6-cylinder manual RWD but buses to work.

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