By Xolile Hopa

BYD has expanded its SHARK 6 range in South Africa with the introduction of a new Performance model.

The new flagship bakkie combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with front and rear electric motors. Together, the plug-in hybrid system produces 350kW and 700Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds.

One of the biggest upgrades is its 3,500kg braked towing capacity, making it suitable for towing caravans, boats, trailers, and work equipment.

The SHARK 6 Performance uses a 29.58kWh battery, providing an electric-only driving range of up to 80km. With a fully charged battery and a 60-litre fuel tank, BYD claims a combined driving range of up to 640km.

It also features all-wheel drive, 230mm of ground clearance, and Crawl Mode for improved control in challenging off-road conditions. Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology allows owners to power appliances and equipment directly from outlets in the load bin.

Inside, the bakkie features a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, electrically adjustable front seats, and built-in access to Google Maps and the Google Play Store. A new column-mounted gear selector also frees up additional space in the centre console.

The BYD SHARK 6 Performance will be available in Outback Orange, Obsidian Black, Snowy White, and Atlantis Grey. It will be sold through BYD dealerships nationwide, with pricing starting at R1,149,900.

The ownership package includes a five-year/100,000km vehicle warranty, a five-year/100,000km maintenance plan, and an eight-year/200,000km battery warranty.