[Auto] 2024 BYD Shark First Look: The Plug-In Hybrid Pickup Truck Every Automaker Fears

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Chinese giant BYD unveiled its first pickup truck, dubbed Shark, at an exclusive event in Mexico City. The 2024 BYD Shark is a midsize truck with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that can cover over 500 miles. This was the first time the automaker had a global debut outside of China, which speaks of the importance that Mexico plays for its future—despite all the controversy going on with the emergence of Chinese EVs in North America.

 

The Shark is slated to compete against the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado, as well as Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara in global markets. While BYD doesn’t sell cars in the U.S., the Shark could make a big impact around the world, as the pickup segment is big in Latin America and Asia. For now, the truck will be built in China, but the automaker is planning to unveil the location of its plant in Mexico in the coming months, and the Shark could be one of the vehicles built there.

 

Masculine Design

 

Penned by Wolfgang Egger, BYD’s global design director who previously worked at Alfa Romeo, Audi and Lamborghini, the Shark has a bold overall design with masculine and boxy lines. There are a lot of similarities with the Ford F-150 Lightning, with squared headlights and taillights, and a light bar that runs across the front and rear of the vehicle. The BYD name is stamped on the tailgate and grille, like what we’ve seen in the F-150 Raptor.

 

 

BYD says its design was inspired by a the ocean predator that bears its name, though it’s hard for us to see that. Its front rocker panel, and wide wheel arches add some macho flare, and its raised beltline and lack of chrome add an overlanding charisma. Its 128.3-inch wheelbase aligns with other midsize trucks, giving it good proportions while helping with off-road duties.

Inside, BYD used multiple colors to highlight some of the cabin’s design features. The rectangular air vents and some toggle switches in the center console are painted in orange, with contrast stitching on the seats, dashboard, and door panels. A chunky shifter stands out in the center console, and there’s a tray on the front passenger’s dashboard that can be used to place smaller items like a wallet or keys.

A rotative 12.8-inch screen is the star of the show, and it’s similar to what we’ve seen in the BYD Yuan Plus and Seal. The screen can be used in portrait or landscape mode and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A separate 10.25-inch screen for the driver displays vital information about the truck, and the 12-inch head-up display can show the speed and directions to the driver.

 

 

Utilizing NFC technology, drivers will be able to lock, unlock and start their Shark with their iPhone or Android phone. An NFC card and physical key will also be given upon purchase.

 

How’s its Capability?

 

Powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to two electric motors, the 2024 BYD Shark makes 430 hp combined. No torque numbers were given, but BYD says the plug-in hybrid truck can tow 5,511 pounds (2,500 kg) and has a payload capacity of 1,841 pounds (835 kg). The automaker also said the Shark can sprint from 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds.

The Shark has an EV-only range of 62 miles thanks to its 30-kWh blade battery, and can cover 528 miles with a full tank and charged battery. This is more range than any other midsize pickup truck in America, including the hybrids. Despite being a PHEV, the Shark supports fast-charging thanks to its CCS1 port. While no specs were given on charge speeds, BYD representatives said the truck can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes, which is subpar for a PHEV, but not terribly bad.

The truck debuts BYD’s Dual Mode Off-Road chassis, which enables an intelligent all-wheel drive system with a “virtual” differential that prevents wheel slip. Three off-road modes are available, Sand, Snow and Mud.

 

 

We’ll have to wait until we get behind the wheel to check out these capabilities, and see how they compare against other midsize trucks in the segment.

Like other EVs in the market, the Shark can be used to power some devices, like farming or construction tools, or electric grilles at a campsite. Owners can access its interior remotely through the BYD App to do some tasks like turning on the AC, lowering the windows, or opening its locks.

 

How Much Does It Cost?

 

While the 2024 BYD Shark is not available in America, the truck will be sold south of the border starting at $53,440 as of this writing’s exchange rate. There will be two versions available, both equipped with the same powertrain—the GL and GS. BYD didn’t specify what the differences are between the two trucks, but we think it’s all related to the equipment inside the Shark. The 2024 BYD Shark will be available in Mexico in the coming weeks, with reservations already open.

 

https://motortrend.com/news/2024-byd-shark-phev-pickup-truck-first-look-review/