BYD has expanded the trim options for the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid pickup truck by introducing the Performance variant, now available in the Australian market. BYD said that the Shark 6 Performance is equipped with revamped features designed to address truck buyers’ sentiments.
Exterior-wise, the Shark 6 Performance trim looks similar to other Shark 6 variants that are currently available in the Philippines today, which are Advanced and Premium. The Performance variant is now the top-of-the-line trim of the BYD Shark 6, and it comes with a price tag of AUD62,900 (around P2.8 million). For context, the BYD Shark 6 in the Philippines is priced from P2,388,00 to P2,618,000.
The notable update for the new BYD Shark 6 Performance is under the hood, as it is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. When paired with its upgraded front electric motor, the BYD Shark 6 Performance can put out 476 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque. BYD claims that the Shark 6 Performance can go from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds.
To put things in perspective, the locally available BYD Shark 6 is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, paired with dual electric motors. It produces 436 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque.
The additional power addresses one of the concerns raised by customers, as the Shark 6 Performance variant can now tow a maximum braked capacity of 3,500 kilograms, which is better than the older 2,500-kilogram limit. This means that the BYD Shark 6 Performance can now pull a heavier load, expanding its functionality as a pickup truck. Of note, because of the heavier engine, the electric-only driving range of the BYD Shark 6 Performance drops from 100 kilometers to 80 kilometers per charge.
Meanwhile, the BYD Shark 6 Performance is also integrated with Crawl Mode, a drive mode that’s designed to make navigating through off-roading terrain easier. This drive mode acts like a low-speed cruise control system, where the vehicle’s system takes over the application of the throttle and brake. The Crawl Mode will also be available to other BYD Shark 6 variants through an over-the-air update.
The interior, on the other hand, also gets a slight makeover, as it is integrated with a refreshed cabin layout. The traditional gear shifter has been moved from the center console onto a stalk right behind the steering wheel. While several physical buttons have been transferred to the central infotainment touchscreen.
Autocar’s Take
The BYD Shark 6 Performance is a testament to how BYD values and listens to customer feedback. By being open to consumer suggestions, BYD has equipped the Shark 6 Performance with a larger 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 476 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque. BYD claims that the Shark 6 Performance can go from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds.
With a larger engine, the BYD Shark 6 Performance also managed to increase its maximum towing capacity to 3,500 kilograms from the previous 2,500 kg limit, increasing its functionality as a pickup truck.
