Review of BYD SHARK 6 — Hybrid Pickup from China
Why Was the BYD SHARK 6 Created?
Hello, friends!I am a professional Chinese car reviewer, and today I will share my thoughts on the BYD SHARK 6, the first Chinese hybrid pickup truck of 2025.. This hybrid pickup from China is designed by BYD for those seeking a powerful, efficient, and tech-savvy vehicle. It’s positioned as a versatile workhorse, suitable for both job tasks and family trips. The target audience is men aged 30–55, interested in Chinese cars 2025, especially pickups balancing comfort and eco-friendliness.
I tested the SHARK 6 on roads and off-road trails, exploring its capabilities over two weeks, including loaded trips and rugged terrain. This BYD SHARK 6 review isn’t just about specs—it’s a deep dive into real-world use. BYD aims to challenge Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger with hybrid tech and innovation. Let’s see what this BYD hybrid offers and how it fits into daily life!
The BYD SHARK 6 reflects China’s auto industry response to the growing demand for eco-friendly pickups. BYD combines its hybrid expertise with market needs, where traditional diesel models like the Hilux are giving way to more versatile options. This pickup targets those who want to haul up to 700 kg while enjoying long-trip comfort. I found its hybrid system particularly useful in mixed driving—city and highway—allowing a switch between electric and gas power. Let’s dive into the details!
Exterior: Style and Practicality
The BYD SHARK 6’s exterior grabs attention instantly. At 5457 mm long, 1971 mm wide, and 1925 mm high, it’s imposing yet not bulky. The shark-inspired design features sharp lines, aggressive LED headlights, and a chrome grille that set the tone. Adaptive headlights with cornering illumination simplify night maneuvers—I tested them on a dark highway, and the beam clearly outlined the edges.
The cargo bed, 1520 mm long and 1450 mm wide, holds up to 700 kg. The electric-powered tailgate is convenient but occasionally lags in mud—I noticed this on a forest trail. The 18-inch off-road tires (265/60 R18) ensure stability. Colors—gray, black, blue—are practical for work. A user on smartchina.io noted: “Energy efficiency beats the claim even with a full load.” I agree—the design holds up well in use.
Additional Impressions. I tested the bed with a 600 kg load of sand and tools. It held firm, but the side protection scratched slightly, suggesting a need for extra lining. The side mirrors with turn signal repeaters improve visibility, but in rain, they fogged up quickly—heating and cameras helped. Off-road, the plastic under-bumper elements resisted minor impacts, though one corner cracked exiting a deep rut. It’s a minor issue, but worth noting for serious off-roading.
Interior: Comfort and Functionality
The BYD SHARK 6’s cabin pleasantly surprised me. The two-row setup with leather upholstery seats five. Legroom is adequate, but the rear row feels tight for taller individuals—185 cm already feels the pinch. The steering wheel adjusts in two planes, and seats with heating and ventilation are a treat in any weather. I drove 4 hours on the highway, and my back stayed comfortable.
The 12.3-inch BYD OS screen is responsive and intuitive. Visibility is good, though larger mirrors would help—I noticed this when parking with a trailer. Plastic quality is average, but assembly is precise. The under-seat storage (150 liters) adds practicality. Users on mavidi.online praise its comfort for VIP transport—I confirm it’s rare for a pickup.
Extended Cabin Analysis. I tested the interior with a full load—four people and 50 kg of luggage. Front seats remained comfortable, but the rear row tightened, especially for legroom. Cupholders and four USB ports are handy for long trips, and a 6-liter fridge between seats kept drinks cold. Noise insulation is moderate: wind hum is audible at 120 km/h, but conversation is possible without raising voices. The windshield heating cleared frost at -5°C in 3 minutes. However, door plastic creaks under strong vibrations, noticeable off-road.
Driving Experience and Off-Road Performance
On pavement, the BYD SHARK 6 impresses. The hybrid system delivers 430 hp, hitting 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. The electronically controlled all-wheel drive handles sharp turns well. The suspension is stiff but manages bumps confidently. I tested it on a wet highway—grip was excellent, though braking from 80 km/h took 38 meters.
Off-road, I took it on a forest trail. The 220 mm ground clearance and differential lock tackled mud and rocks. Traction was solid, but a sudden start on a slippery slope caused wheelspin. For heavy off-roading, underbody protection needs upgrading.
Testing on Challenging Terrain. I drove the SHARK 6 to an abandoned quarry with a 25° incline and deep ruts. All-wheel drive handled it, and the diff lock prevented a skid on sand. On rocky ground, the suspension transmitted strong jolts, vibrating the steering wheel. With a 500 kg load, it stayed stable, but handling weakened on turns. I towed a 750 kg trailer—pull remained, but the trailer stabilizer activated twice, warning of overload. For regular off-roading, I’d suggest reinforced shocks.
Long-Distance Trip. On a 250 km Moscow-Tver route with a full load, the SHARK 6 performed steadily. Cruise control held 110 km/h, and lane-keeping subtly corrected drift. By 180 km, wind noise grew, but it wasn’t critical. In city traffic, the hybrid switched to electric mode, saving 2 liters of gas daily.
Smart Technologies: Intelligent Assistance
Tech is a standout for the BYD SHARK 6. The 360° cameras provide a clear parking view. The L2+ autopilot maintains lanes and adjusts speed. NFC smartphone integration controls locks and climate—I tested it at 5 meters.
BYD OS handles Russian voice commands—“play music” worked instantly. Users on maviart-adesign.com praise Tuya syncing—I confirmed it’s stable. However, signal loss occurs in weak areas.
In-Depth Tech Testing. I spent a day testing autopilot on the M11 highway. It held lanes at 100 km/h, but manual input was needed on a construction zone with faded lines. Night-mode 360° cameras aided parking in the dark, and the voice assistant found a gas station despite wind noise. Tuya integration turned on my home lights 200 km away—impressive. Weak 3G disrupted connectivity in rural areas.
Scenario with Load. With a 600 kg bed load, I tested tech off-road. The 360° cameras gave a clear mud view, and auto-parking worked on a 10° slope. The voice assistant managed “turn on heating,” but vibrations cut the connection. NFC unlocking stayed reliable, aiding quick loading. The SHARK 6’s tech is a leap forward but needs stability tweaks.
Engine and Efficiency
The hybrid system pairs a 1.5T engine with an electric motor. The 30 kWh battery offers 100 km on electricity, with a total range of 840 km. DC charging hits 80% in 25 minutes, AC takes 6 hours. Fuel consumption in mixed mode is 7.5 l/100 km.
I drove 300 km with a load—real consumption was 8 l/100 km. Savings are evident, especially in the city. Regen adds 3-5% charge on descents.
Efficiency Testing. On a 50/50 city-highway route with a 400 kg load, electric mode lasted 80 km, then switched to hybrid. Average consumption was 7.8 l/100 km, beating the Ranger’s 9 l/100 km. A 100 kW station added 200 km in 15 minutes, but at -10°C, initial power dropped to 60 kW. Regen on a 5% downhill gave 4% charge, useful in hills.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | BYD SHARK 6 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 1.5T Hybrid + Electric | PHEV |
| Total Power | 430 hp | High torque for pickup |
| 0–100 km/h Acceleration | 5.7 s | Quick |
| All-Wheel Drive | Yes | Electronically controlled |
| Battery | 30 kWh | DC/AC charging |
| Total Range | 840 km | Electric + gas |
Comparison with Competitors
| Model | Range | Power | Acceleration | Drive | Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYD SHARK 6 | 840 km | 430 hp | 5.7 s | AWD | Hybrid with dynamic focus |
| GWM Cannon | 700 km | 197 hp | 9.5 s | RWD | Budget, non-hybrid |
| Toyota Hilux | 760 km | 204 hp | 9.2 s | 4WD | Conservative diesel |
| Ford Ranger | 780 km | 250 hp | 7.6 s | AWD | Turbo-diesel with comfort |
Final Verdict
The BYD SHARK 6 suits men aged 30–55 who value Chinese cars 2025 balancing power and eco-friendliness. Pros: power, tech, range. Cons: stiff suspension, average noise insulation. Worth buying for a versatile pickup. Explore more on Hybrid Cars and Chinese Pickups.
FAQ
Is the SHARK 6 suitable for heavy off-roading?
Yes, but underbody protection needs upgrading.
How far does it really go on electricity?
About 90 km with a load.
Does it have autopilot?
Yes, L2+ with lane-keeping.
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