South Africa’s competitive double-cab market has a new entrant – and it is making waves. The BYD Shark 6 has officially arrived, marking the debut of the first-ever plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) bakkie in the country. But this bakkie does not merely tick the eco-conscious box; it also enters the scene as the most powerful and quickest-accelerating model of its kind in South Africa.
BYD Shark 6 Price
With a launch price of R959 900, the BYD Shark 6 Premium presents a compelling case for buyers looking at high-spec double cabs. It enters the market below several well-established competitors, including the:
- Volkswagen Amarok 2.0 BiTDI Style 4Motion (R966 500)
- Ford Ranger 2.0 BiTurbo Wildtrak 4×4 (R983 000)
- Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 4×4 GR-Sport (R999 000)
- GWM P500 2.0T HEV Ultra Luxury 4×4 (R999 900).
That price point also undercuts around 20 double-cab derivatives that now breach the R1-million threshold.
Notably, none of those rivals match the Shark’s performance credentials – at least on paper. The Chinese automaker’s newcomer boasts peak system outputs of 321 kW and 650 Nm, easily eclipsing the 292 kW produced by the Ford Ranger Raptor, previously the nation’s most powerful bakkie.
“None, of course, is as powerful (on paper, at least) as the Shark 6.”
What Powers the BYD Shark 6?
The Shark’s powertrain is composed of a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine working in tandem with a plug-in hybrid setup. A lithium-iron phosphate battery pack rated at 29.6 kWh is mounted within the ladder-frame chassis, with an electric motor assigned to each axle.
The combined system delivers a total output of 321 kW and 650 Nm – divided between 170 kW and 310 Nm up front and 150 kW and 340 Nm at the rear. BYD has also included three terrain modes and a so-called virtual differential lock, aimed at improving off-road prowess.
Interestingly, the petrol engine largely functions as a generator to recharge the battery and only drives the front wheels directly at speeds exceeding 70 kilometres per hour.
“For the most part, the petrol engine acts as a generator (to top up the battery) and is only capable of directly driving the front wheels at speeds higher than 70 kph.”
BYD Shark 6 Electric Range and Charging Capabilities
BYD claims the Shark can sprint from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just 5.7 seconds, making it the fastest accelerating bakkie in South Africa for now. However, that title could soon be contested by the all-electric Riddara RD6, expected to clock an even quicker time of 4.5 seconds.
“BYD claims the Shark can complete the 0-100 kph sprint in just 5.7 seconds, before topping out at 160 kph.”
The PHEV system offers a WLTP-rated all-electric range of 85 km, which is slightly more conservative than the NEDC’s 100 km estimate. With petrol and battery power combined, the total range stretches to a claimed 760 km. The battery supports 55 kW DC fast charging, enabling a charge from 30 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes.
“According to the Chinese firm, the lithium-iron phosphate battery pack offers an all-electric WLTP range of up to 85 km (down from the NEDC figure of 100 km), which pushes the combined range to a claimed 760 km.”
“BYD says the battery’s state of charge will move from 30 to 80% in approximately 20 minutes when using a 55 kW DC fast charger.”
BYD Shark 6 Dimensions and Practical Capability
Measuring 5 457 mm in overall length, the Shark is 107 mm longer than the Ford Ranger double cab and stands at 1 971 mm wide and 1 925 mm tall. The wheelbase, however, is 10 mm shorter than that of Ford’s equivalent at 3 260 mm.
This five-seater bakkie offers a payload of 835 kg and can tow up to 2 500 kg (braked). Ground clearance is pegged at 230 mm, with an approach angle of 31 degrees, a departure angle of 19.3 degrees, and a breakover angle of 30 degrees. The load box, meanwhile, measures 1 520 mm by 1 500 mm by 517 mm, making it suitable for workhorse duties as well as lifestyle use.
Design and Equipment
In its sole Premium trim level currently available in South Africa, the Shark is fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265/65 R18 Continental tyres, seven airbags, and a comprehensive 360-degree camera system. Additional driver aids include front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display.
“Other standard features include a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors (front and rear), a head-up display, adaptive cruise control and a raft of driver-assistance functions.”
Inside, the Shark is impressively equipped. A 12.8-inch rotating multimedia touchscreen dominates the dashboard, paired with a 10.25-inch LCD digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display. Wireless smartphone charging is also part of the offering, along with a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system.
“Inside, you’ll find a 12.8-inch multimedia rotating screen and a 10.25-inch LCD instrument panel, along with a 12-inch head-up display and wireless smartphone charging.”
Comfort features are equally generous: dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and faux leather upholstery. Aluminium roof rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED headlamps, and sequential rear indicators round off a spec sheet that targets both utility and comfort.
“Aluminium roof rails also ship standard, along with items like keyless entry (and start), rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, faux leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats (with heating and ventilation), a 12-speaker “Dynaudio” sound system, LED headlamps and sequential rear indicators.”
How much does the BYD Shark 6 cost in South Africa?
This is BYD’s first foray into the double-cab bakkie segment, and its engineers have opted for a ladder-frame chassis paired with independent suspension on all four corners, as opposed to the traditional rear leaf springs often seen in rivals. The battery pack has been seamlessly integrated into the platform, suggesting thoughtful design from the outset.
“The Shark 6 employs a ladder-frame chassis and is the Chinese brand’s very first attempt at a bakkie.”
The price of R959 900 is believed to include BYD Auto South Africa’s 5-year/100 000 km warranty as well as a maintenance plan with matching terms.
“The price above likely includes BYD Auto SA’s 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a maintenance plan with the same parameters.”
In a segment where power, efficiency, and features are increasingly scrutinised, the BYD Shark 6 positions itself as a disruptive force. Whether it can gain traction in a market dominated by trusted badges remains to be seen, but on paper, it arrives with the right mix of technology, performance, and price to make an immediate impression.
