More bite coming for BYD Shark 6 PHEV
BY MATT BROGAN | 9th Feb 2026
BYD Australia says that virtually nothing is off the table when it comes to the updated Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute, which is due to land in local showrooms later this year with more power, boosted towing capacity and cab-chassis options across an expanded variant line-up.
The Chinese car-maker's Australian arm has also strongly hinted that plans are afoot to develop a version of the petrol-electric dual-cab for those who want “more hardcore off-road capability”.
Already one of Australia’s best-selling vehicles despite being offered in a single configuration appealing mainly to private buyers, upgrades coming to the Shark 6 range are expected to blood the water for locals keen to utilise the model for off-road touring, trade, and commercial work.
Confirmed to feature a larger, more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine as part of beefed-up plug-in hybrid driveline sourced from sister company Denza – which also offers front and rear locking differentials – the updated Shark 6 is set to offer considerably more power than is currently available from the 1.5-litre unit.
At present, the Shark 6’s petrol engine develops 135kW with a further 170kW, provided by the front electric motor. These figures will be increased to 180kW and 200kW respectively, with output of the rear electric motor to remain unchanged at 150kW.
Total system power, therefore, will jump from 321kW to 345kW. No torque values have been provided at this point in time.
Increased outputs and other changes will assist BYD in offering the revised Shark 6 with a braked towing capacity that will match rivals, jumping from 2500kg to the segment benchmark of 3500kg.
However, with an increase in braked towing capacity – and a heavier kerb weight of 2738kg (+63kg) – the facelifted Shark 6 is understood to offer a reduced payload of 762kg (-63kg), which will fall to just 412kg with a 3500kg trailer in tow.
Larger front disc brakes (+23mm to 346mm) will help manage the Shark 6’s extra weight.
There is no news yet on changes to the size and chemistry of the model’s battery pack.
As a rival to the Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV, the BYD Shark 6 is currently priced from $57,900 plus on-road costs with no word yet on any increase in the model’s list price.
BYD sold 18,073 examples of the Shark 6 Down Under last year, well beyond that of its plug-in rivals and placing it between diesel four-wheel drive ute stalwards, the Isuzu D-Max (21,085 sold) and Mitsubishi Triton (16,262), to finish 2025 as the segment’s fourth best seller.
Speaking with GoAuto at the local launch of the BYD Sealion 5 meduium SUV and Sealion 8 large SUV last week, BYD Australia chief commercial officer Stephen Collins said the driveline changes are just part of the upgrade suite expected for the Shark 6 range.
“We are looking at a variety of changes, and obviously a part of our fleet strategy is a cab-chassis version of the Shark 6,” he said.
“In the longer term, and where (Ford) Ranger and (Toyota) HiLux have been particularly successful, is offering a variety of high-spec, low-spec, and mid-spec variants, so that everything is available.
“While we have been very happy with the single-spec Shark 6 on offer to date, when we look at the market, we see there is opportunity there.”
In making the Shark 6 front of mind for fleet buyers – and in offering more power and greater towing capacity – Mr Collins said it was expected sales of the model would grow even stronger.
“I reckon we can do better,” he said of Shark 6 sales.
“The vast majority of Shark 6 buyers are private buyers, and as we move toward offering a more diverse range that will appeal to fleets, we think there is potential to do better.”
Mr Collins told GoAuto that full details of the updates to the Shark 6 range will not be revealed until the model’s on-sale date later this year, but said a continual line of communication with the factory meant Australian buyers could expect a more diverse model line-up, potentially with a more off-road focussed variant at its helm.
“While generally speaking the feedback from Shark 6 buyers is very positive, there are obviously buyers who want more hardcore off-road capability,” he noted.
“We’re not shy in saying that (to our head office in China), and I can tell you they have a genuine desire to make products for this market that satisfy four-wheel drive segments.”
To that extent, Mr Collins suggested it was also likely other body styles may be considered for future Shark 6 updates, though these were unlikely to arrive with the next revision due in local showrooms from mid 2026.
“The way BYD listens to and acts on the feedback of its Australian customers is very unique, and it shows the desire to succeed in this market, and the importance of this market,” he stated.
“While we might not get everything we want, we are certainly not shy in asking.”
