Upgraded BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute with 3500kg tow rating due 'very soon'
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The 1.5-litre Shark 6 has gone on sale in Australia with a 2500kg tow rating – but BYD says a more capable version is coming soon, expected to use a 2.0-litre engine.
An upgraded variant of the 2025 BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute with a higher towing capacity is in development, the car maker has confirmed – expected to gain a larger 2.0-litre engine.
The Shark 6 launched in Australia on Tuesday priced from $57,900 before on-road costs in one Premium model grade for now, powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, two electric motors – one on each axle – and a 29.6kWh battery pack.
The initial PHEV ute variant claims a braked towing capacity of 2500kg, as well as a 790kg payload – down on the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and other diesel ute segment leaders, which can pull up to 3500kg braked.
Liu Xueliang, BYD Asia-Pacific general manager, confirmed to Australian media including Drive that a version with a higher tow rating is on its way.
It follows recent reporting by Drive that a more powerful Shark is in development with a 2.0-litre engine, which will boost the towing capacity from 2500kg to 3500kg.
MORE: Shark attack! BYD planning more utes as Chinese brand aims for dual-cab dominance
“I can disclose with you guys, actually very soon, we will have a new version which can support stronger towing. We cannot disclose when, but it is underway,” the BYD executive said at the ute’s launch in Broken Hill.
Asked if it would be able to tow up to 3500kg, the regional boss said “yes”.
However, the executive reiterated that market feedback thus far has indicated 2500kg would be enough for most customers.
David Smitherman, CEO of BYD's Australian importer EVDirect, recently told Drive the lower towing capacity compared to diesel segment benchmarks wouldn’t be a problem for local buyers because the Shark 6's strength lies in its unique powertrain.
"Yes, [3500kg braked towing capacity] that's a number, but our number's 2500kg, and we're entirely comfortable with that.
"We think that will meet the majority of Aussie motorists' needs and we're super happy with that."
According to BYD, the Shark 6 has been extensively tested in Australia – as with the likes of the Ford Ranger and just-revealed Kia Tasman.
"[There is a] significant [Australian influence], technical engineering input as well, feedback on the early prototypes around the features, position of the vehicle around towing, around suspension,” Smitherman told Drive.
More than 800 orders were taken for the 2025 BYD Shark 6 ute in the minutes after it went on sale before high demand crashed the website.
The post Upgraded BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute with 3500kg tow rating due ‘very soon’ appeared first on Drive.
