The BYD Shark 6 Premium DMO AWD arrives with a mission to challenge the status quo. In a segment dominated by diesel-powered double cabs, BYD has taken a different route, combining plug-in hybrid technology with the practicality and capability buyers expect from a modern bakkie.
And after spending time behind the wheel, it’s clear the Shark 6 isn’t trying to be another Ranger, Hilux or D-Max. It’s something altogether different.
The styling certainly helps it stand out. The Shark 6 has a bold, muscular design with strong proportions and plenty of road presence. It looks modern without being overly futuristic, and unlike many double cabs that tend to blend together, the Shark 6 has its own identity.
Step inside and the cabin immediately impresses. Build quality is excellent, with soft-touch materials and solid assembly throughout. It feels more like a premium SUV than a traditional workhorse. Dominating the dashboard is a 15.6-inch infotainment display, while a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster sits ahead of the driver. One of the coolest features is the rotating central screen, which can switch between landscape and portrait orientations at the touch of a button. While it’s more of a novelty than a necessity, it certainly adds to the Shark’s high-tech appeal.
Out on the road, performance is one of the Shark 6’s biggest strengths. Its plug-in hybrid drivetrain combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors to produce a combined 321kW and 650Nm. Those are serious numbers for a double cab, and the result is performance that feels genuinely brisk. BYD claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of just 5.7 seconds, and from behind the wheel, it’s easy to believe. Instant electric torque means acceleration is effortless, while overtaking requires little planning. It’s one of the quickest bakkies currently on sale in South Africa.
Ride comfort is equally impressive. The suspension does an excellent job of ironing out larger road imperfections, while the cabin remains quiet and refined at cruising speeds. Long-distance journeys are genuinely comfortable, and for everyday commuting, the Shark 6 feels far more SUV-like than many of its rivals.
That said, it isn’t perfect. At lower speeds over uneven urban roads, potholes and speed humps, the suspension can occasionally feel a little jiggly or lumpy. It’s not uncomfortable, but it does stand out because the rest of the ride quality is so polished.
The plug-in hybrid system also brings some interesting efficiency benefits. If you’re able to charge regularly and make use of the battery, fuel consumption can be impressively low. BYD claims a combined figure of 9.6L/100km, which is achievable when the battery is being utilised properly.
However, once the battery charge is depleted and the petrol engine has to do more of the heavy lifting, the story changes. During longer highway journeys without recharging, fuel consumption can climb to around 13.5L/100km. That’s considerably higher than many diesel-powered rivals and also impacts overall touring range. While the Shark 6 performs exceptionally well as a plug-in hybrid, buyers who frequently cover long distances without charging opportunities may find conventional diesel double cabs more economical.
But focusing purely on fuel consumption misses the bigger picture. The Shark 6 is designed to offer something different. It combines strong performance, impressive technology, excellent build quality and a level of refinement that few traditional bakkies can match.
Verdict
The BYD Shark 6 Premium DMO AWD is one of the most interesting vehicles to enter the South African double-cab market in years. It’s stylish, exceptionally quick, packed with technology and offers a level of comfort that feels closer to an SUV than a traditional bakkie.
The occasionally busy low-speed ride and increased fuel consumption once the battery is depleted are worth considering, particularly for buyers who regularly cover long distances. However, if your driving routine allows you to take advantage of the plug-in hybrid system, the Shark 6 makes a compelling case for itself.
At R989,900, it isn’t cheap, but it delivers a driving experience unlike anything else currently available in the segment. For buyers looking for a double cab that prioritises comfort, technology and performance, the Shark 6 deserves a spot on the shortlist.
