The BYD Shark 6 Performance derivative has arrived in South Africa, offering uprated total system power of 350 kW. Here’s what this mighty PHEV bakkie costs…
- BYD Auto SA launches even more powerful Shark 6
- Performance derivative makes 350 kW and 700 Nm
- Costs R160 000 more than 321 kW Premium variant
The BYD Shark 6 Performance derivative has officially arrived in South Africa, boasting a total system power output as lofty as 350 kW courtesy of its uprated plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain.
Ever since the Premium variant’s local introduction back in March 2025 , the Shark 6 has held the title of SA’s most powerful bakkie , snatching the crown from Ford’s 292 kW Ranger Raptor. The arrival of the Shark 6 Performance, however, sees the Chinese contender extend it lead at the top of the power table.
Yes, while the Premium derivative (which features a turbocharged 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor on each axle) churns out 321 kW and 650 Nm, the Performance flagship boasts peak outputs of 350 kW and 700 Nm . These increased outputs are facilitated by a larger-capacity turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol unit.
According to BYD Auto SA, the Shark 6 Performance’s 0-100 kph time comes in at 5.5 seconds , making it 2-tenths quicker to 3 figures than its Premium sibling. Furthermore, its maximum braked towing capacity increases from 2 500 kg to 3 500 kg . Though BYD Auto SA hasn’t confirmed the new derivative’s payload, overseas specifications suggest a figure of 725 kg (lower than the Premium’s 790 kg capacity).
Interestingly, the new Performance derivative features the same 29.58 kWh (gross capacity) battery pack as the Premium variant, which here provides a claimed all-electric range of “up to 80 km”. That pushes the combined WLTP range to 640 km , some 30 km lower than the Premium version (670 km). As a reminder, the petrol engine acts as a generator (to top up the battery) for the most part, directly driving the front wheels only at high speeds.
So, what does the ladder-frame BYD Shark 6 Performance cost? Well, the newcomer is priced at R1 149 900 , which makes it some R160 000 more expensive than the Premium version. It nevertheless undercuts models like the Isuzu D-Max 3.0TD DC AT35 4×4 (R1 211 910) and the Ford Ranger Raptor 3.0T V6 DC 4WD (R1 307 300).
BYD Auto SA says the new range-topping Performance derivative additionally features a crawl mode and a new column-mounted gear selector, with the latter ostensibly creating extra space around the centre console.
In South Africa, the freshly launched Shark 6 Performance is offered in a choice of 4 exterior paint colours: the new “Outback Orange” and “Obsidian Black” hues, along with “Snowy White” and “Atlantis Grey” (colours familiar from the Premium model).
What does the BYD Shark 6 Performance cost in SA?
| DERIVATIVE | PRICE |
| BYD Shark 6 Premium 1.5T DMO AWD | R989 900 |
| BYD Shark 6 Performance 2.0T DMO AWD | R1 149 900 |
The prices above include a 5-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/200 000 km battery-pack warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the performance and mechanical differences between the BYD Shark 6 Premium and Performance derivatives?
A: While the Premium derivative pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine with dual electric motors to produce 321 kW and 650 Nm, the flagship Performance version steps up to a larger 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This larger unit pushes total system output to 350 kW and 700 Nm, making it the most powerful bakkie in South Africa.
Q: How does the Performance model’s utility and acceleration compare to the standard Shark 6?
A: The Shark 6 Performance is two-tenths of a second quicker to three figures, dispatching the 0-100 kph sprint in a claimed 5.5 seconds (compared to 5.7 seconds in the Premium). Crucially, its maximum braked towing capacity increases significantly, rising from 2 500 kg to a class-competitive 3 500 kg.
Q: How do the battery specs and driving range differ between the two hybrid bakkies?
A: Both variants utilise the same 29.58 kWh battery pack. On pure electric power, the Performance model has an electric range of up to 80 km. Seemingly due to the larger petrol engine, its combined WLTP-rated range is 640 km, which is 30 km lower than the Premium variant’s 670 km combined range.
Q: What is the price of the BYD Shark 6 Performance in South Africa, and what is included?
A: The BYD Shark 6 Performance is priced at R1 149 900, which is R160 000 more than the Premium model (priced at R989 900). The retail price includes a 5-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/200 000 km battery warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Related content
5 most powerful double-cab bakkies in SA (2026)
