The BYD Shark 6 Performance has been added to the range in Australia with a 2.0-litre engine and a 3500kg maximum braked towing capacity, meeting market expectations previously unmet by the 1.5-litre models. While existing 1.5L models offered rapid acceleration, their towing was capped at 2500kg, prompting the introduction of the larger-engined version to compete directly with established dual-cab players like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
BYD Shark 6 Performance Towing Test Against 3200kg Caravan
To evaluate the upgraded towing capability, testing was conducted using a 3200kg Avida Topaz dual-axle off-road caravan sourced from Avida RV in Emu Plains. The Shark 6 Performance features a kerb weight of 2775kg, which contributes to a grounded, solid road feel on broken back roads. During freeway cruising and hill climbs into the lower Blue Mountains, the powertrain revved hard under load while maintaining a cabin environment quiet enough to converse or listen to the radio without straining. Regenerative braking with two different modes assists in slowing the vehicle alongside four-wheel disc brakes.
Payload Limits and Fuel Range Considerations
While the dual-cab ute boasts a gross combination mass (GCM) of 6650kg, its individual vehicle payload capacity sits at 725kg. A standard 10 per cent towball down weight leaves a very limited amount of usable payload for passengers and cargo. Fuel efficiency during testing averaged around 20 litres per 100km using 95RON premium unleaded. With a 60-litre fuel tank and an empty battery, the driving range between Sydney and Canberra requires careful management.
Global Expansion and Chinese Market Debut as Fangchengbao Shark
Xiong Tianbo, the general manager of Fangchengbao, released an image of the rebranded model with the caption, “The king returns from overseas!” Filings with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology show the domestic version retains the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 135kW, paired with a front e-motor making 170kW and a rear e-motor making 150kW. The China-spec model has a kerb weight of 2710kg and a payload capacity of 490kg, contrasting with the Australian payload specification.
Sell 24,000 Units Across Two Years
Across less than two years since launch, the brand has sold more than 24,000 units of its first dual-cab in the Australian market. Local pricing before on-road costs begins at $55,900 for the Dynamic, $57,900 for the Premium, and reaches $62,900 for the range-topping Performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About the BYD Shark 6
What is the towing capacity of the BYD Shark 6 Performance?
The BYD Shark 6 Performance features a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg and an unbraked towing capacity of 750kg, matching major competitors like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
How much does the BYD Shark 6 cost in Australia?
Australian pricing before on-road costs starts at $55,900 for the Dynamic, moves to $57,900 for the Premium, and tops out at $62,900 for the Performance variant.
What engine powers the Chinese-market Fangchengbao Shark?
The China-spec version utilizes a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 135kW, combined with a 170kW front electric motor and a 150kW rear electric motor, matching the drivetrain used in Australian 1.5L models.
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