In a direct response to recent skepticism from Ford CEO Jim Farley regarding the towing capabilities of Chinese pickups, BYD has unveiled two upgraded versions of its SHARK 6. The new Performance variant significantly boosts its towing capacity from 2,500kg to 3,500kg, effectively matching the performance benchmarks of the Australian-spec Ford Ranger.
Previously, Jim Farley had publicly questioned the competitiveness of Chinese manufacturers like BYD and Great Wall Motor in the pickup segment. He argued that while they are formidable rivals, companies like Ford and Toyota hold a massive advantage due to decades of experience in building utility vehicles, specifically citing chassis technology, towing capacity, and payload management as areas where Chinese brands lacked depth.
BYD’s latest move addresses these concerns head-on. The SHARK 6 Performance model upgrades from a 1.5T plug-in hybrid system to a more robust 2.0T setup. This powertrain delivers a maximum output of 476 horsepower (350kW) and 700 Nm of peak torque, allowing the truck to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds—an improvement over the previous 5.7-second mark. Most importantly, the 3,500kg towing capacity puts it on par with industry stalwarts like the Ranger and Hilux.
To further enhance its off-road utility, the new model introduces a Crawl Control mode. Limited to a maximum speed of 20km/h, the system automatically adjusts torque to minimize wheel slip, making it better suited for challenging terrains such as rocky paths, steep inclines, and deep ruts. While BYD has yet to release official payload figures, the company is clearly positioning the SHARK 6 as a serious workhorse.
The SHARK 6 Performance is priced at 62,900 AUD (approximately $40,500 USD), representing a 5,000 AUD premium over the standard model while maintaining a competitive edge over traditional internal combustion engine pickups. Additionally, BYD has launched a “Dynamic” chassis cab version for commercial users, offering a customizable alloy cargo bed with integrated tie-down points and storage boxes.
Although the SHARK 6 is not yet available in the Chinese domestic market, BYD has confirmed that a local launch is in the planning stages. Built on the DMO platform, the vehicle features a non-unibody chassis, front and rear double-wishbone independent suspension, and advanced CTC (Cell-to-Chassis) battery integration technology.
