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January 28, 2025

What Is The BYD Shark? Taking A Closer Look At The 436-Horsepower Plug-In Hybrid Pickup Truck Heading Our Way


BYD Cars Philippines wants to have a presence in just about every vehicle segment. Their next target, based on their social media post, is the pickup truck segment with the Shark. Although the model is still unnamed in that post, they did leave a clue that it’s “electrified,” and only the Shark fits that description.

Unlike other BYD vehicles which use a monocoque construction (typically the BYD e-platform 3.0), the Shark rides on a rugged ladder-on-frame which BYD calls the DMO Super Hybrid Off-Road Platform. Compared to traditional pickup trucks, the Shark’s frame is non-load bearing, but rather, it continues to implement the brand’s Cell to Chassis (CTC) tech resulting in unmatched body torsional strength and rigidity. Additionally, it forgoes a rear live axle for independent suspension (double wishbones) on both ends as well as vented disc brakes all around.



Globally, the Shark is offered with just one powertrain option. A two-motor setup with 231 horsepower and 310 Nm at the front axle, and 204 horsepower and 340 Nm at the rear axle. Combined? It makes 436 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque. 0 to 100 km/h s done in just 5.7 seconds making it as fast as the Ford Ranger Raptor V6 despite its 2,710-kilogram curb weight.

The permanent magnet synchronous motors are juiced up using a 29.58-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) BYD Blade Battery giving it around 100 kilometers of EV range. However, when the electrons run low, it can also be charged using the world’s first longitudinally-mounted EHS generator—a turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder (183 horsepower, 260 Nm). As a hybrid, this pickup truck does about 800 kilometers between fill ups. Other key figures? 2,500-kilogram braked towing capacity, 1,200 liters of bed space, and 790 kilograms of payload.

For off-roaders, the Shark has a 31-degree approach, 19.3-degree departure, and 17-degree ramp-over angle. Ground clearance? 200 mm. Take note that the Shark doesn’t have rear lockers or a low-range 4x4 system, but instead, its intelligent electric all-wheel drive system can precisely adjust torque distribution between the two axles faster than any mechanical system. This, according to BYD, should deliver better traction across different road surfaces. There are also three drive modes on offer.



Size-wise, the Shark is huge. It measures in at 5,457 mm in length, 1,971 mm in width, and 1,925 mm in height. Guided by BYD Design Director, Wolfgang Egger, the vehicle’s design draws inspiration from its namesake. It has full-length LED lights at the front, reminiscent of a shark’s open mouth while its side proportions are marked by fluid body lines and 18-inch wheels with 265/65R18 tires. At the rear, the through-type tail light, is said to be inspired by the shark’s tail fin.

With a 3,260 mm wheelbase, it ensures a large interior complete with rear seats that have a comfy 27-degree recline. That aside, BYD won’t be faking tough inside; instead, they’re leveraging technology for an entirely different approach in this segment. For example, it’ll still have two large screens—a 10.25-inch display for the driver and a 12.8 or 15.6-inch for the infotainment. The latter, of course, still rotates. Features include power ventilated seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ambient lighting, a 12-speaker system, and a full ADAS suite.



Right now, pricing and final specs are closely guarded secrets for the BYD Shark. But given how they have been pricing their vehicles of late, expect it to be class-competitive. With its slew of features and all-wheel drive, it will likely compete against other traditional 4x4 pickup trucks such as the Ford Ranger Wildtrak, Toyota Hilux Conquest, and the Nissan Navara Pro-4X (pricing between P 1.9 to P 2.2-million).

Availability? No word as well, but since the teasing has already started, it is shaping up for a release before the end of March.

15 comments:

  1. Brace for shark attack, most casualties would be its comrades pick up offering. Never mind hilux, it has loyal followers.

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  2. Miles better than the Ranger Wildtrak

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    1. Really? have you owned one (either shark or ranger wildtrak)? just asking since parang sure ka hehe pa share ng experience please

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    2. Don’t need to be a rocket scientist to know the superiority of BYD to Ford. Just look at recalls and features

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    3. Yeah china car brands never issued recalls, once you paid it - goodbye😢😢😢

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  3. To the Filipinos, they will only go for a diesel-powered pickup that mostly comes from the Japanese (plus Ford's Ranger).

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    1. Yeah pnoys love diesel pick up and they usually overloaded it. shark if overloaded wont be able to breath.

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  4. In the battle for PHEV Pick-up trucks, it could steal the Changan Hunter's thunder. But, pricing can be a factor as the Hunter was said to debut at 1.9 million pesos. BYD's got the recognition though as the Shark is quite popular in Australia, Brazil, and Mexico. There's also the Foton Tunland, but Foton is much more known for trucks and vans.

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  5. Ford raptor V6 left the group.

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  6. How majority of pick up trucks are treated in the country like being just a status symbol, owners doesn't even want it to get dirty or cross a small mud, so this is a perfect truck for them.

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  7. Hopefully there's a 4x2 under 1.6m variant, otherwise it's out of my budget

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  8. I buy a pickup for it's reliability and toughness not because it is tech laden etc. Where I work sa construction if you breakdown you are doomed mahina pa cell signal. I'd stick with old reliable kahit na hindi high tech

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    1. Asians knows best.

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    2. You just can't afford it
      Ford Ranger pickup trucks are also unreliable so does the F150 and overpriced RAM 1500 pickup trucks

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    3. That means in all honesty, pickup trucks are just like reptiles hence dinosaurs, and the former is mainly offered essentially with rear-wheel drive while modern cars use front-wheel drive

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