New images of a supposed upgraded BYD Shark 6 with a 2.0-litre engine and 3500kg towing capabilities have surfaced.
What appears to be the more potent BYD Shark 6 with upgraded 3500kg towing and a beefier 2.0-litre engine has been spotted in what is believed to be its near-final testing form.
Posted to the BYD Owners Group on Facebook, the user claims the new Shark 6 was in Albury, NSW with tape over part of the door and front fender that could be used to hide new badging.
While the user claims they are ‘Shark 7’ models, it is understood the number after BYD models is loosely related to wheelbase size, and therefore the up-rated Shark 6 would actually retain the same name, as the exterior has been retained so “current accessories will fitt [sic]”.
However, the user claims a conversation with BYD employees confirmed the utes were fitted with 2.0-litre engines and more powerful electric motors, helping to enable a 3500kg braked towing capacity figure up from 2500kg of the standard car fitted with a 1.5-litre engine.
It is also claimed that the new BYD ute will be equipped with “at least” a rear-locking differential.
While BYD Australia has been coy on exact details of the model, it has been confirmed that work on a more potent Shark 6 is underway locally.
The Denza B8, launching in December for customer deliveries in the new year, reveals more clues as to what to expect.
Both the Shark 6 and Denza B8 are built on the same ladder-frame chassis underpinnings with two electric motors, but the former features a 1.5-litre engine while the latter has a larger 2.0-litre unit.
The current Shark 6 produces 321kW/650Nm, while the Denza B8 ups the ante by 129kW/110Nm to 450kW/760Nm.
Crucially, the Denza B8 features a 3500kg braked towing capacity thanks to a mix of a more potent powertrain and locally tuned suspension.
The B8 also has front and rear locking differentials, which are designed to help it get a better grip on slippery surfaces.
BYD Australia boss Stephen Collins told Drive earlier this year that improvements to the Shark 6 are on the way, and will be revealed soon.
“We've heard loud and clear the feedback on Shark. We know where we can improve. It's a great package. Now, we can even make it better,” Collins said.
“Clearly towing capacity and payload would probably be at the top of the list. We'll have more to say about that in the next few months here.”
Also spotted in Albury was a camouflaged Atto 3, indicating the updated version revealed in China with minor interior and exterior tweaks is on its way.
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
