Latest news with #BYDAustralia
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 BYD Atto 2 small electric SUV confirmed for Australia
The 2025 BYD Atto 2 has been confirmed for Australian showrooms, where smallest and most affordable electric SUV offered here by the Chinese automaker so far will arrive in the fourth quarter of this year. BYD Australia – which will take over local distribution of the brand from independent importer EVDirect next month – has announced the compact five-seat Atto 2 electric SUV will be offered here with a single electric powertrain and two model grades. Launched in China in March 2024, the BYD Atto 2 is sold under other names overseas, including Atto 3 Up, Yuan Pro and S1 Pro. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. It will be sold in Australia as the Atto 2 to underline its positioning, in terms of both size and price, below the brand's pioneering Atto 3 electric SUV with which it shares its platform, and will be aimed at rivals including the Kia EV3 and Hyundai Kona Electric. "As an SUV, the Atto 2 is very important," Sajid Hasan, BYD Australia senior product planning manager, told CarExpert. "What we've seen is that there's been a shifting of passenger cars to SUVs. What the hatch segment used to be has flowed into the small SUV segment, and then you got a lot of cross-pollination between the medium SUV segment and light SUV segments." SUVs have accounted for 59.8 per cent of all new vehicle sales so far this year in Australia – not including Tesla and Polestar sales, which are reported separately. Led by the Hyundai Kona, the small SUV segment the Atto 2 will enter for BYD made up the third-largest chunk (6.4 per cent) of the new vehicle market, behind mid-size SUVs and just a few sales behind 4×4 utes. "This small SUV segment being a very large portion of the total market composition, volume-wise, is just an enormous growth opportunity for us to grow our brand and our volume," Mr Hasan said. While pricing is yet to be confirmed, the Atto 2 should be cheaper than the mid-size Atto 3, which starts from $39,990 before on-road costs – making it considerably more affordable than the new Kia EV3's $48,990 starting price. The Hyundai Kona Electric is priced from $54,000 before on-road costs. In China, the Atto 2 starts at ¥96,800 (A$20,835), which is less than the BYD Dolphin hatchback (¥99,800 or A$21,480) that's currently priced from $29,990 drive-away in Australia. Based on its specs in China – where it is called the BYD Yuan Up – the Atto 2 measures 4310mm long, 1830mm wide and 1675mm high, making it 145mm shorter than the Atto 3. However, it's larger than light SUVs such as the Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Qashqai – and the electric Jeep Avenger – but not as big as Australia's most popular SUVs, like the mid-size Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. Indeed, the Atto 2 has a 400-litre boot, which expands to 1370L of space with the second row folded. In China, the Atto 2 is offered with a single electric motor mounted to the front axle, with the choice of 70kW and 130kW power outputs. BYD Australia confirmed the 130kW/290Nm version will be standard here, and available in both 'Essential' and 'Premium' trim grades when it arrives Down Under. The Australian-spec Atto 2 will also have a 51.13kWh Lithium Ion Phosphate (LFP) 'Blade' battery and, while no driving range has been confirmed, it's larger than the 32kWh and 45.1kWh battery capacities available overseas, which enable a WLTP range of 312km. BYD Australia has confirmed few other specs, but the Atto 2 will have flush door-handles and a panoramic sunroof as standard, outside a cabin including synthetic leather seat trim and 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. Essential versions will feature a 10.1-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen, while the Premium grade will gain a 12.8-inch screen and a 360-degree surround camera. BYD has ambitious expansion plans, including a goal of exports accounting for half its global sales by 2030, which would be a significant achievement given the brand is not present in the US, the world's second largest auto market behind China. The brand was officially launched in Australia in 2022 under EVDirect, whose chief told CarExpert as recently as January this year that BYD plans to outsell long-time local market leader Toyota by 2027. EVDirect previously said BYD had ambitious plans to sell 100,000 vehicles per annum in Australia by 2026, by doubling its sales and launching up to five new models annually. Last year BYD sold 20,458 vehicles in Australia, where Toyota sold 241,296. MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from: The 2025 BYD Atto 2 has been confirmed for Australian showrooms, where smallest and most affordable electric SUV offered here by the Chinese automaker so far will arrive in the fourth quarter of this year. BYD Australia – which will take over local distribution of the brand from independent importer EVDirect next month – has announced the compact five-seat Atto 2 electric SUV will be offered here with a single electric powertrain and two model grades. Launched in China in March 2024, the BYD Atto 2 is sold under other names overseas, including Atto 3 Up, Yuan Pro and S1 Pro. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. It will be sold in Australia as the Atto 2 to underline its positioning, in terms of both size and price, below the brand's pioneering Atto 3 electric SUV with which it shares its platform, and will be aimed at rivals including the Kia EV3 and Hyundai Kona Electric. "As an SUV, the Atto 2 is very important," Sajid Hasan, BYD Australia senior product planning manager, told CarExpert. "What we've seen is that there's been a shifting of passenger cars to SUVs. What the hatch segment used to be has flowed into the small SUV segment, and then you got a lot of cross-pollination between the medium SUV segment and light SUV segments." SUVs have accounted for 59.8 per cent of all new vehicle sales so far this year in Australia – not including Tesla and Polestar sales, which are reported separately. Led by the Hyundai Kona, the small SUV segment the Atto 2 will enter for BYD made up the third-largest chunk (6.4 per cent) of the new vehicle market, behind mid-size SUVs and just a few sales behind 4×4 utes. "This small SUV segment being a very large portion of the total market composition, volume-wise, is just an enormous growth opportunity for us to grow our brand and our volume," Mr Hasan said. While pricing is yet to be confirmed, the Atto 2 should be cheaper than the mid-size Atto 3, which starts from $39,990 before on-road costs – making it considerably more affordable than the new Kia EV3's $48,990 starting price. The Hyundai Kona Electric is priced from $54,000 before on-road costs. In China, the Atto 2 starts at ¥96,800 (A$20,835), which is less than the BYD Dolphin hatchback (¥99,800 or A$21,480) that's currently priced from $29,990 drive-away in Australia. Based on its specs in China – where it is called the BYD Yuan Up – the Atto 2 measures 4310mm long, 1830mm wide and 1675mm high, making it 145mm shorter than the Atto 3. However, it's larger than light SUVs such as the Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Qashqai – and the electric Jeep Avenger – but not as big as Australia's most popular SUVs, like the mid-size Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. Indeed, the Atto 2 has a 400-litre boot, which expands to 1370L of space with the second row folded. In China, the Atto 2 is offered with a single electric motor mounted to the front axle, with the choice of 70kW and 130kW power outputs. BYD Australia confirmed the 130kW/290Nm version will be standard here, and available in both 'Essential' and 'Premium' trim grades when it arrives Down Under. The Australian-spec Atto 2 will also have a 51.13kWh Lithium Ion Phosphate (LFP) 'Blade' battery and, while no driving range has been confirmed, it's larger than the 32kWh and 45.1kWh battery capacities available overseas, which enable a WLTP range of 312km. BYD Australia has confirmed few other specs, but the Atto 2 will have flush door-handles and a panoramic sunroof as standard, outside a cabin including synthetic leather seat trim and 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. Essential versions will feature a 10.1-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen, while the Premium grade will gain a 12.8-inch screen and a 360-degree surround camera. BYD has ambitious expansion plans, including a goal of exports accounting for half its global sales by 2030, which would be a significant achievement given the brand is not present in the US, the world's second largest auto market behind China. The brand was officially launched in Australia in 2022 under EVDirect, whose chief told CarExpert as recently as January this year that BYD plans to outsell long-time local market leader Toyota by 2027. EVDirect previously said BYD had ambitious plans to sell 100,000 vehicles per annum in Australia by 2026, by doubling its sales and launching up to five new models annually. Last year BYD sold 20,458 vehicles in Australia, where Toyota sold 241,296. MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from: The 2025 BYD Atto 2 has been confirmed for Australian showrooms, where smallest and most affordable electric SUV offered here by the Chinese automaker so far will arrive in the fourth quarter of this year. BYD Australia – which will take over local distribution of the brand from independent importer EVDirect next month – has announced the compact five-seat Atto 2 electric SUV will be offered here with a single electric powertrain and two model grades. Launched in China in March 2024, the BYD Atto 2 is sold under other names overseas, including Atto 3 Up, Yuan Pro and S1 Pro. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. It will be sold in Australia as the Atto 2 to underline its positioning, in terms of both size and price, below the brand's pioneering Atto 3 electric SUV with which it shares its platform, and will be aimed at rivals including the Kia EV3 and Hyundai Kona Electric. "As an SUV, the Atto 2 is very important," Sajid Hasan, BYD Australia senior product planning manager, told CarExpert. "What we've seen is that there's been a shifting of passenger cars to SUVs. What the hatch segment used to be has flowed into the small SUV segment, and then you got a lot of cross-pollination between the medium SUV segment and light SUV segments." SUVs have accounted for 59.8 per cent of all new vehicle sales so far this year in Australia – not including Tesla and Polestar sales, which are reported separately. Led by the Hyundai Kona, the small SUV segment the Atto 2 will enter for BYD made up the third-largest chunk (6.4 per cent) of the new vehicle market, behind mid-size SUVs and just a few sales behind 4×4 utes. "This small SUV segment being a very large portion of the total market composition, volume-wise, is just an enormous growth opportunity for us to grow our brand and our volume," Mr Hasan said. While pricing is yet to be confirmed, the Atto 2 should be cheaper than the mid-size Atto 3, which starts from $39,990 before on-road costs – making it considerably more affordable than the new Kia EV3's $48,990 starting price. The Hyundai Kona Electric is priced from $54,000 before on-road costs. In China, the Atto 2 starts at ¥96,800 (A$20,835), which is less than the BYD Dolphin hatchback (¥99,800 or A$21,480) that's currently priced from $29,990 drive-away in Australia. Based on its specs in China – where it is called the BYD Yuan Up – the Atto 2 measures 4310mm long, 1830mm wide and 1675mm high, making it 145mm shorter than the Atto 3. However, it's larger than light SUVs such as the Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Qashqai – and the electric Jeep Avenger – but not as big as Australia's most popular SUVs, like the mid-size Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. Indeed, the Atto 2 has a 400-litre boot, which expands to 1370L of space with the second row folded. In China, the Atto 2 is offered with a single electric motor mounted to the front axle, with the choice of 70kW and 130kW power outputs. BYD Australia confirmed the 130kW/290Nm version will be standard here, and available in both 'Essential' and 'Premium' trim grades when it arrives Down Under. The Australian-spec Atto 2 will also have a 51.13kWh Lithium Ion Phosphate (LFP) 'Blade' battery and, while no driving range has been confirmed, it's larger than the 32kWh and 45.1kWh battery capacities available overseas, which enable a WLTP range of 312km. BYD Australia has confirmed few other specs, but the Atto 2 will have flush door-handles and a panoramic sunroof as standard, outside a cabin including synthetic leather seat trim and 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. Essential versions will feature a 10.1-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen, while the Premium grade will gain a 12.8-inch screen and a 360-degree surround camera. BYD has ambitious expansion plans, including a goal of exports accounting for half its global sales by 2030, which would be a significant achievement given the brand is not present in the US, the world's second largest auto market behind China. The brand was officially launched in Australia in 2022 under EVDirect, whose chief told CarExpert as recently as January this year that BYD plans to outsell long-time local market leader Toyota by 2027. EVDirect previously said BYD had ambitious plans to sell 100,000 vehicles per annum in Australia by 2026, by doubling its sales and launching up to five new models annually. Last year BYD sold 20,458 vehicles in Australia, where Toyota sold 241,296. MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from: The 2025 BYD Atto 2 has been confirmed for Australian showrooms, where smallest and most affordable electric SUV offered here by the Chinese automaker so far will arrive in the fourth quarter of this year. BYD Australia – which will take over local distribution of the brand from independent importer EVDirect next month – has announced the compact five-seat Atto 2 electric SUV will be offered here with a single electric powertrain and two model grades. Launched in China in March 2024, the BYD Atto 2 is sold under other names overseas, including Atto 3 Up, Yuan Pro and S1 Pro. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. It will be sold in Australia as the Atto 2 to underline its positioning, in terms of both size and price, below the brand's pioneering Atto 3 electric SUV with which it shares its platform, and will be aimed at rivals including the Kia EV3 and Hyundai Kona Electric. "As an SUV, the Atto 2 is very important," Sajid Hasan, BYD Australia senior product planning manager, told CarExpert. "What we've seen is that there's been a shifting of passenger cars to SUVs. What the hatch segment used to be has flowed into the small SUV segment, and then you got a lot of cross-pollination between the medium SUV segment and light SUV segments." SUVs have accounted for 59.8 per cent of all new vehicle sales so far this year in Australia – not including Tesla and Polestar sales, which are reported separately. Led by the Hyundai Kona, the small SUV segment the Atto 2 will enter for BYD made up the third-largest chunk (6.4 per cent) of the new vehicle market, behind mid-size SUVs and just a few sales behind 4×4 utes. "This small SUV segment being a very large portion of the total market composition, volume-wise, is just an enormous growth opportunity for us to grow our brand and our volume," Mr Hasan said. While pricing is yet to be confirmed, the Atto 2 should be cheaper than the mid-size Atto 3, which starts from $39,990 before on-road costs – making it considerably more affordable than the new Kia EV3's $48,990 starting price. The Hyundai Kona Electric is priced from $54,000 before on-road costs. In China, the Atto 2 starts at ¥96,800 (A$20,835), which is less than the BYD Dolphin hatchback (¥99,800 or A$21,480) that's currently priced from $29,990 drive-away in Australia. Based on its specs in China – where it is called the BYD Yuan Up – the Atto 2 measures 4310mm long, 1830mm wide and 1675mm high, making it 145mm shorter than the Atto 3. However, it's larger than light SUVs such as the Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Qashqai – and the electric Jeep Avenger – but not as big as Australia's most popular SUVs, like the mid-size Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. Indeed, the Atto 2 has a 400-litre boot, which expands to 1370L of space with the second row folded. In China, the Atto 2 is offered with a single electric motor mounted to the front axle, with the choice of 70kW and 130kW power outputs. BYD Australia confirmed the 130kW/290Nm version will be standard here, and available in both 'Essential' and 'Premium' trim grades when it arrives Down Under. The Australian-spec Atto 2 will also have a 51.13kWh Lithium Ion Phosphate (LFP) 'Blade' battery and, while no driving range has been confirmed, it's larger than the 32kWh and 45.1kWh battery capacities available overseas, which enable a WLTP range of 312km. BYD Australia has confirmed few other specs, but the Atto 2 will have flush door-handles and a panoramic sunroof as standard, outside a cabin including synthetic leather seat trim and 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster. Essential versions will feature a 10.1-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen, while the Premium grade will gain a 12.8-inch screen and a 360-degree surround camera. BYD has ambitious expansion plans, including a goal of exports accounting for half its global sales by 2030, which would be a significant achievement given the brand is not present in the US, the world's second largest auto market behind China. The brand was officially launched in Australia in 2022 under EVDirect, whose chief told CarExpert as recently as January this year that BYD plans to outsell long-time local market leader Toyota by 2027. EVDirect previously said BYD had ambitious plans to sell 100,000 vehicles per annum in Australia by 2026, by doubling its sales and launching up to five new models annually. Last year BYD sold 20,458 vehicles in Australia, where Toyota sold 241,296. MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 BYD Sealion 8 will be Chinese brand's first seven-seat SUV in Australia
The BYD Sealion 8 has been confirmed for Australian showrooms with a choice of two plug-in hybrid powertrains, and the brand's first three-row large SUV is to arrive here in the first quarter of 2026 (January-March). The Sealion 8 joins the BYD Atto 2 small SUV – also confirmed for Australia today – as the first new models confirmed for this market since the Chinese automaker announced it will take over local distribution of the brand on July 1. Pricing and equipment levels are yet to be announced for the first seven-seat BYD to be sold here, where it will rival existing large plug-in hybrid SUVs including the Kia Sorento PHEV and Mazda CX-80 PHEV. The Sealion 8 will also compete with the Chery Tiggo 9, which is due here in September, and MG QS seven-seat SUV – if MG decides to import the PHEV version in addition to pure petrol power. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite its size and seat count, the Sealion 8 is not expected to take over from the five-seat BYD Sealion 7 mid-size electric SUV (priced from $63,990 plus on-road costs) as the most expensive BYD offered in Australia. Sitting on the brand's new 5.0 platform, the Sealion 8's exterior design will introduce the brand's newer 'Loong Face' [sic] front-end styling to Australians, replacing the 'Dragon Face' theme seen on the pioneering BYD Atto 3 medium SUV and the BYD Seal mid-size sedan. The BYD Sealion 8 – sold as the BYD Tang L in China – rivals the Toyota Kluger in terms of size, measuring 5040mm long, 1996mm wide and 1760mm high. Its wheelbase is 2950mm – 100mm longer than a Kluger's and 244mm longer than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV's. There's also more boot space, with Chinese-market specs claiming 675 litres of cargo capacity, expanding to 960L with the third-row seats folded and 1960L behind the front seats. It's offered in six- and seven-seat configurations in China, but BYD Australia has confirmed the Sealion 8 will be sold here as a seven-seater in a traditional 2+3+2 layout. Two PHEV powertrains will be offered in Australia from launch, with the standard Sealion 8 using a 'DM-i' set-up, which sees a 110kW/220Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and a single front-axle electric motor producing 200kW/315Nm. The Sealion 8 will be the first BYD launched here with its 'DM-P' – which stands for 'Dual Mode Performance' – plug-in hybrid powertrain, which uses the same petrol engine but adds a second 141kW/360Nm rear-axle motor in a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup producing a combined 400kW/670Nm. Despite being a family-focused SUV, the Sealion 8 PHEV DM-P comes with an official 0-100km/h acceleration claim of just 4.9 seconds where the DM-I manages it in 8.6 seconds. Official China-market fuel consumption is 5.6L/100km, while a 35.6kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) 'Blade' battery provides an electric-only range of 150km under the lenient CLTC (China Light Vehicle Test Cycle) test standard. The entry-level Sealion 8 DM-I will use a 19kWh Blade battery, but will share the DM-P's 71kW DC (Direct Current) fast-charging capability enabling a 30 to 80 per cent battery top-up in 30 minutes. The Sealion 8 also features BYD's DiPilot 300 autonomous driving suite, which employs one LiDar, five radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors and 12 cameras to operate its adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and lane-centering systems, among other driver assist features. The cabin includes a 15.6-inch touchscreen which, like in other BYDs sold in Australia, can be rotated between landscape and portrait orientations, plus a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display. Leather-trimmed seats are standard in Chinese versions, and Australian vehicles are also expected – but not confirmed – to come standard with leather upholstery. China-market versions also offer a panoramic glass roof measuring 2.39m – covering all three rows – as well as 11 airbags and a 21-speaker surround-sound stereo in top-spec versions. While the plug-in hybrid Shark 6 dual-cab ute is responsible for the lion's share of BYD's sales growth so far in Australia, significant contributions from the Sealion 6 PHEV and Sealion 7 EV five-seat SUVs have boosted the brand's ongoing sales momentum. All three models have been launched here in the last 11 months, with slower sales of the battery-electric BYD Dolphin hatchback, Seal mid-size sedan and Atto 3 medium SUV not stopping the brand from posting a near-95 per cent year-to-date sales increase. Content originally sourced from: The BYD Sealion 8 has been confirmed for Australian showrooms with a choice of two plug-in hybrid powertrains, and the brand's first three-row large SUV is to arrive here in the first quarter of 2026 (January-March). The Sealion 8 joins the BYD Atto 2 small SUV – also confirmed for Australia today – as the first new models confirmed for this market since the Chinese automaker announced it will take over local distribution of the brand on July 1. Pricing and equipment levels are yet to be announced for the first seven-seat BYD to be sold here, where it will rival existing large plug-in hybrid SUVs including the Kia Sorento PHEV and Mazda CX-80 PHEV. The Sealion 8 will also compete with the Chery Tiggo 9, which is due here in September, and MG QS seven-seat SUV – if MG decides to import the PHEV version in addition to pure petrol power. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite its size and seat count, the Sealion 8 is not expected to take over from the five-seat BYD Sealion 7 mid-size electric SUV (priced from $63,990 plus on-road costs) as the most expensive BYD offered in Australia. Sitting on the brand's new 5.0 platform, the Sealion 8's exterior design will introduce the brand's newer 'Loong Face' [sic] front-end styling to Australians, replacing the 'Dragon Face' theme seen on the pioneering BYD Atto 3 medium SUV and the BYD Seal mid-size sedan. The BYD Sealion 8 – sold as the BYD Tang L in China – rivals the Toyota Kluger in terms of size, measuring 5040mm long, 1996mm wide and 1760mm high. Its wheelbase is 2950mm – 100mm longer than a Kluger's and 244mm longer than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV's. There's also more boot space, with Chinese-market specs claiming 675 litres of cargo capacity, expanding to 960L with the third-row seats folded and 1960L behind the front seats. It's offered in six- and seven-seat configurations in China, but BYD Australia has confirmed the Sealion 8 will be sold here as a seven-seater in a traditional 2+3+2 layout. Two PHEV powertrains will be offered in Australia from launch, with the standard Sealion 8 using a 'DM-i' set-up, which sees a 110kW/220Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and a single front-axle electric motor producing 200kW/315Nm. The Sealion 8 will be the first BYD launched here with its 'DM-P' – which stands for 'Dual Mode Performance' – plug-in hybrid powertrain, which uses the same petrol engine but adds a second 141kW/360Nm rear-axle motor in a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup producing a combined 400kW/670Nm. Despite being a family-focused SUV, the Sealion 8 PHEV DM-P comes with an official 0-100km/h acceleration claim of just 4.9 seconds where the DM-I manages it in 8.6 seconds. Official China-market fuel consumption is 5.6L/100km, while a 35.6kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) 'Blade' battery provides an electric-only range of 150km under the lenient CLTC (China Light Vehicle Test Cycle) test standard. The entry-level Sealion 8 DM-I will use a 19kWh Blade battery, but will share the DM-P's 71kW DC (Direct Current) fast-charging capability enabling a 30 to 80 per cent battery top-up in 30 minutes. The Sealion 8 also features BYD's DiPilot 300 autonomous driving suite, which employs one LiDar, five radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors and 12 cameras to operate its adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and lane-centering systems, among other driver assist features. The cabin includes a 15.6-inch touchscreen which, like in other BYDs sold in Australia, can be rotated between landscape and portrait orientations, plus a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display. Leather-trimmed seats are standard in Chinese versions, and Australian vehicles are also expected – but not confirmed – to come standard with leather upholstery. China-market versions also offer a panoramic glass roof measuring 2.39m – covering all three rows – as well as 11 airbags and a 21-speaker surround-sound stereo in top-spec versions. While the plug-in hybrid Shark 6 dual-cab ute is responsible for the lion's share of BYD's sales growth so far in Australia, significant contributions from the Sealion 6 PHEV and Sealion 7 EV five-seat SUVs have boosted the brand's ongoing sales momentum. All three models have been launched here in the last 11 months, with slower sales of the battery-electric BYD Dolphin hatchback, Seal mid-size sedan and Atto 3 medium SUV not stopping the brand from posting a near-95 per cent year-to-date sales increase. Content originally sourced from: The BYD Sealion 8 has been confirmed for Australian showrooms with a choice of two plug-in hybrid powertrains, and the brand's first three-row large SUV is to arrive here in the first quarter of 2026 (January-March). The Sealion 8 joins the BYD Atto 2 small SUV – also confirmed for Australia today – as the first new models confirmed for this market since the Chinese automaker announced it will take over local distribution of the brand on July 1. Pricing and equipment levels are yet to be announced for the first seven-seat BYD to be sold here, where it will rival existing large plug-in hybrid SUVs including the Kia Sorento PHEV and Mazda CX-80 PHEV. The Sealion 8 will also compete with the Chery Tiggo 9, which is due here in September, and MG QS seven-seat SUV – if MG decides to import the PHEV version in addition to pure petrol power. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite its size and seat count, the Sealion 8 is not expected to take over from the five-seat BYD Sealion 7 mid-size electric SUV (priced from $63,990 plus on-road costs) as the most expensive BYD offered in Australia. Sitting on the brand's new 5.0 platform, the Sealion 8's exterior design will introduce the brand's newer 'Loong Face' [sic] front-end styling to Australians, replacing the 'Dragon Face' theme seen on the pioneering BYD Atto 3 medium SUV and the BYD Seal mid-size sedan. The BYD Sealion 8 – sold as the BYD Tang L in China – rivals the Toyota Kluger in terms of size, measuring 5040mm long, 1996mm wide and 1760mm high. Its wheelbase is 2950mm – 100mm longer than a Kluger's and 244mm longer than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV's. There's also more boot space, with Chinese-market specs claiming 675 litres of cargo capacity, expanding to 960L with the third-row seats folded and 1960L behind the front seats. It's offered in six- and seven-seat configurations in China, but BYD Australia has confirmed the Sealion 8 will be sold here as a seven-seater in a traditional 2+3+2 layout. Two PHEV powertrains will be offered in Australia from launch, with the standard Sealion 8 using a 'DM-i' set-up, which sees a 110kW/220Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and a single front-axle electric motor producing 200kW/315Nm. The Sealion 8 will be the first BYD launched here with its 'DM-P' – which stands for 'Dual Mode Performance' – plug-in hybrid powertrain, which uses the same petrol engine but adds a second 141kW/360Nm rear-axle motor in a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup producing a combined 400kW/670Nm. Despite being a family-focused SUV, the Sealion 8 PHEV DM-P comes with an official 0-100km/h acceleration claim of just 4.9 seconds where the DM-I manages it in 8.6 seconds. Official China-market fuel consumption is 5.6L/100km, while a 35.6kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) 'Blade' battery provides an electric-only range of 150km under the lenient CLTC (China Light Vehicle Test Cycle) test standard. The entry-level Sealion 8 DM-I will use a 19kWh Blade battery, but will share the DM-P's 71kW DC (Direct Current) fast-charging capability enabling a 30 to 80 per cent battery top-up in 30 minutes. The Sealion 8 also features BYD's DiPilot 300 autonomous driving suite, which employs one LiDar, five radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors and 12 cameras to operate its adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and lane-centering systems, among other driver assist features. The cabin includes a 15.6-inch touchscreen which, like in other BYDs sold in Australia, can be rotated between landscape and portrait orientations, plus a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display. Leather-trimmed seats are standard in Chinese versions, and Australian vehicles are also expected – but not confirmed – to come standard with leather upholstery. China-market versions also offer a panoramic glass roof measuring 2.39m – covering all three rows – as well as 11 airbags and a 21-speaker surround-sound stereo in top-spec versions. While the plug-in hybrid Shark 6 dual-cab ute is responsible for the lion's share of BYD's sales growth so far in Australia, significant contributions from the Sealion 6 PHEV and Sealion 7 EV five-seat SUVs have boosted the brand's ongoing sales momentum. All three models have been launched here in the last 11 months, with slower sales of the battery-electric BYD Dolphin hatchback, Seal mid-size sedan and Atto 3 medium SUV not stopping the brand from posting a near-95 per cent year-to-date sales increase. Content originally sourced from: The BYD Sealion 8 has been confirmed for Australian showrooms with a choice of two plug-in hybrid powertrains, and the brand's first three-row large SUV is to arrive here in the first quarter of 2026 (January-March). The Sealion 8 joins the BYD Atto 2 small SUV – also confirmed for Australia today – as the first new models confirmed for this market since the Chinese automaker announced it will take over local distribution of the brand on July 1. Pricing and equipment levels are yet to be announced for the first seven-seat BYD to be sold here, where it will rival existing large plug-in hybrid SUVs including the Kia Sorento PHEV and Mazda CX-80 PHEV. The Sealion 8 will also compete with the Chery Tiggo 9, which is due here in September, and MG QS seven-seat SUV – if MG decides to import the PHEV version in addition to pure petrol power. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Despite its size and seat count, the Sealion 8 is not expected to take over from the five-seat BYD Sealion 7 mid-size electric SUV (priced from $63,990 plus on-road costs) as the most expensive BYD offered in Australia. Sitting on the brand's new 5.0 platform, the Sealion 8's exterior design will introduce the brand's newer 'Loong Face' [sic] front-end styling to Australians, replacing the 'Dragon Face' theme seen on the pioneering BYD Atto 3 medium SUV and the BYD Seal mid-size sedan. The BYD Sealion 8 – sold as the BYD Tang L in China – rivals the Toyota Kluger in terms of size, measuring 5040mm long, 1996mm wide and 1760mm high. Its wheelbase is 2950mm – 100mm longer than a Kluger's and 244mm longer than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV's. There's also more boot space, with Chinese-market specs claiming 675 litres of cargo capacity, expanding to 960L with the third-row seats folded and 1960L behind the front seats. It's offered in six- and seven-seat configurations in China, but BYD Australia has confirmed the Sealion 8 will be sold here as a seven-seater in a traditional 2+3+2 layout. Two PHEV powertrains will be offered in Australia from launch, with the standard Sealion 8 using a 'DM-i' set-up, which sees a 110kW/220Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and a single front-axle electric motor producing 200kW/315Nm. The Sealion 8 will be the first BYD launched here with its 'DM-P' – which stands for 'Dual Mode Performance' – plug-in hybrid powertrain, which uses the same petrol engine but adds a second 141kW/360Nm rear-axle motor in a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup producing a combined 400kW/670Nm. Despite being a family-focused SUV, the Sealion 8 PHEV DM-P comes with an official 0-100km/h acceleration claim of just 4.9 seconds where the DM-I manages it in 8.6 seconds. Official China-market fuel consumption is 5.6L/100km, while a 35.6kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) 'Blade' battery provides an electric-only range of 150km under the lenient CLTC (China Light Vehicle Test Cycle) test standard. The entry-level Sealion 8 DM-I will use a 19kWh Blade battery, but will share the DM-P's 71kW DC (Direct Current) fast-charging capability enabling a 30 to 80 per cent battery top-up in 30 minutes. The Sealion 8 also features BYD's DiPilot 300 autonomous driving suite, which employs one LiDar, five radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors and 12 cameras to operate its adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping, and lane-centering systems, among other driver assist features. The cabin includes a 15.6-inch touchscreen which, like in other BYDs sold in Australia, can be rotated between landscape and portrait orientations, plus a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display. Leather-trimmed seats are standard in Chinese versions, and Australian vehicles are also expected – but not confirmed – to come standard with leather upholstery. China-market versions also offer a panoramic glass roof measuring 2.39m – covering all three rows – as well as 11 airbags and a 21-speaker surround-sound stereo in top-spec versions. While the plug-in hybrid Shark 6 dual-cab ute is responsible for the lion's share of BYD's sales growth so far in Australia, significant contributions from the Sealion 6 PHEV and Sealion 7 EV five-seat SUVs have boosted the brand's ongoing sales momentum. All three models have been launched here in the last 11 months, with slower sales of the battery-electric BYD Dolphin hatchback, Seal mid-size sedan and Atto 3 medium SUV not stopping the brand from posting a near-95 per cent year-to-date sales increase. Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
BYD Shark 6 not threatened by Ford Ranger PHEV, says Chinese brand
The popularity of the BYD Shark 6 won't be significantly impacted by the imminent release of the Ford Ranger PHEV, which combines similar plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) powertrain technology with Australia's favourite dual-cab ute for the first time, says the local arm of the Chinese car manufacturer. On sale now priced from $71,990 before on-road costs ahead of first deliveries later this month, the Ford Ranger PHEV is the first electrified version of the locally developed Ranger, Australia's best-selling vehicle bar none in 2023 and 2024. The BYD Shark 6 beat Ford to the punch – as did the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV – in becoming the first ute to offer a PHEV powertrain, albeit with a smaller 1.5-litre petrol engine versus the Cannon Alpha's 2.0-litre petrol engine and the Ranger's 2.3-litre petrol unit. Yet the BYD also has a much lower $57,990 plus on-roads starting price than the Ranger PHEV (and the Cannon Alpha PHEV at $61,490 drive-away). Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Shark 6 has quickly become BYD's hottest ticket, accounting for more than half of the brand's total sales by the end of April this year – and almost three times the volume of its next-best seller, the Sealion 6 PHEV mid-size SUV. But the Ranger PHEV's arrival won't upset that momentum, says BYD Australia senior product planning manager Sajid Hasan. "I wouldn't say that we're worried," Mr Hasan told CarExpert. "We respect them, direct competitors, but we're more focused on ourselves and working to expand the Shark 6 lineup and see where that takes us." BYD Australia has already confirmed a bigger 2.0-litre powertrain is on the way for the Shark 6 – along with a cab/chassis body style – to match dual-cab ute category benchmarks including a 3500kg braked towing capacity. But the Shark 6's larger powertrain may not arrive until 2027, before which time electrified versions of an array of new and existing utes including the popular Toyota HiLux are expected to arrive in local showrooms. Therefore the Ranger PHEV will hold onto its capability advantage over the Shark 6 – albeit for a higher price – for the time being. "Genuinely, internally, there's a huge amount of respect for our competitors," BYD Australia and New Zealand Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Kate Hornstein told CarExpert. "We are the new kid on the block, so to speak, when we talk about Ford and it would be incredibly remiss of us to be dismissive of their new technology. "They have been doing this for a century – over a century – and we are very respectful of that, especially in the ute market. "But I do think when we carve out the customer for the Shark, and when we carve out the future product in this segment, I think – what I've seen from a customer perspective, not necessarily from a product perspective – that there are loyalists in both. "I think it's very hard for us to try and tell, let's say, a Ford loyalist to try something new, and that's okay. "I think we're in a fortunate position that unit adoption is so high that there's a place for all of us." MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from: The popularity of the BYD Shark 6 won't be significantly impacted by the imminent release of the Ford Ranger PHEV, which combines similar plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) powertrain technology with Australia's favourite dual-cab ute for the first time, says the local arm of the Chinese car manufacturer. On sale now priced from $71,990 before on-road costs ahead of first deliveries later this month, the Ford Ranger PHEV is the first electrified version of the locally developed Ranger, Australia's best-selling vehicle bar none in 2023 and 2024. The BYD Shark 6 beat Ford to the punch – as did the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV – in becoming the first ute to offer a PHEV powertrain, albeit with a smaller 1.5-litre petrol engine versus the Cannon Alpha's 2.0-litre petrol engine and the Ranger's 2.3-litre petrol unit. Yet the BYD also has a much lower $57,990 plus on-roads starting price than the Ranger PHEV (and the Cannon Alpha PHEV at $61,490 drive-away). Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Shark 6 has quickly become BYD's hottest ticket, accounting for more than half of the brand's total sales by the end of April this year – and almost three times the volume of its next-best seller, the Sealion 6 PHEV mid-size SUV. But the Ranger PHEV's arrival won't upset that momentum, says BYD Australia senior product planning manager Sajid Hasan. "I wouldn't say that we're worried," Mr Hasan told CarExpert. "We respect them, direct competitors, but we're more focused on ourselves and working to expand the Shark 6 lineup and see where that takes us." BYD Australia has already confirmed a bigger 2.0-litre powertrain is on the way for the Shark 6 – along with a cab/chassis body style – to match dual-cab ute category benchmarks including a 3500kg braked towing capacity. But the Shark 6's larger powertrain may not arrive until 2027, before which time electrified versions of an array of new and existing utes including the popular Toyota HiLux are expected to arrive in local showrooms. Therefore the Ranger PHEV will hold onto its capability advantage over the Shark 6 – albeit for a higher price – for the time being. "Genuinely, internally, there's a huge amount of respect for our competitors," BYD Australia and New Zealand Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Kate Hornstein told CarExpert. "We are the new kid on the block, so to speak, when we talk about Ford and it would be incredibly remiss of us to be dismissive of their new technology. "They have been doing this for a century – over a century – and we are very respectful of that, especially in the ute market. "But I do think when we carve out the customer for the Shark, and when we carve out the future product in this segment, I think – what I've seen from a customer perspective, not necessarily from a product perspective – that there are loyalists in both. "I think it's very hard for us to try and tell, let's say, a Ford loyalist to try something new, and that's okay. "I think we're in a fortunate position that unit adoption is so high that there's a place for all of us." MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from: The popularity of the BYD Shark 6 won't be significantly impacted by the imminent release of the Ford Ranger PHEV, which combines similar plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) powertrain technology with Australia's favourite dual-cab ute for the first time, says the local arm of the Chinese car manufacturer. On sale now priced from $71,990 before on-road costs ahead of first deliveries later this month, the Ford Ranger PHEV is the first electrified version of the locally developed Ranger, Australia's best-selling vehicle bar none in 2023 and 2024. The BYD Shark 6 beat Ford to the punch – as did the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV – in becoming the first ute to offer a PHEV powertrain, albeit with a smaller 1.5-litre petrol engine versus the Cannon Alpha's 2.0-litre petrol engine and the Ranger's 2.3-litre petrol unit. Yet the BYD also has a much lower $57,990 plus on-roads starting price than the Ranger PHEV (and the Cannon Alpha PHEV at $61,490 drive-away). Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Shark 6 has quickly become BYD's hottest ticket, accounting for more than half of the brand's total sales by the end of April this year – and almost three times the volume of its next-best seller, the Sealion 6 PHEV mid-size SUV. But the Ranger PHEV's arrival won't upset that momentum, says BYD Australia senior product planning manager Sajid Hasan. "I wouldn't say that we're worried," Mr Hasan told CarExpert. "We respect them, direct competitors, but we're more focused on ourselves and working to expand the Shark 6 lineup and see where that takes us." BYD Australia has already confirmed a bigger 2.0-litre powertrain is on the way for the Shark 6 – along with a cab/chassis body style – to match dual-cab ute category benchmarks including a 3500kg braked towing capacity. But the Shark 6's larger powertrain may not arrive until 2027, before which time electrified versions of an array of new and existing utes including the popular Toyota HiLux are expected to arrive in local showrooms. Therefore the Ranger PHEV will hold onto its capability advantage over the Shark 6 – albeit for a higher price – for the time being. "Genuinely, internally, there's a huge amount of respect for our competitors," BYD Australia and New Zealand Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Kate Hornstein told CarExpert. "We are the new kid on the block, so to speak, when we talk about Ford and it would be incredibly remiss of us to be dismissive of their new technology. "They have been doing this for a century – over a century – and we are very respectful of that, especially in the ute market. "But I do think when we carve out the customer for the Shark, and when we carve out the future product in this segment, I think – what I've seen from a customer perspective, not necessarily from a product perspective – that there are loyalists in both. "I think it's very hard for us to try and tell, let's say, a Ford loyalist to try something new, and that's okay. "I think we're in a fortunate position that unit adoption is so high that there's a place for all of us." MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from: The popularity of the BYD Shark 6 won't be significantly impacted by the imminent release of the Ford Ranger PHEV, which combines similar plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) powertrain technology with Australia's favourite dual-cab ute for the first time, says the local arm of the Chinese car manufacturer. On sale now priced from $71,990 before on-road costs ahead of first deliveries later this month, the Ford Ranger PHEV is the first electrified version of the locally developed Ranger, Australia's best-selling vehicle bar none in 2023 and 2024. The BYD Shark 6 beat Ford to the punch – as did the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV – in becoming the first ute to offer a PHEV powertrain, albeit with a smaller 1.5-litre petrol engine versus the Cannon Alpha's 2.0-litre petrol engine and the Ranger's 2.3-litre petrol unit. Yet the BYD also has a much lower $57,990 plus on-roads starting price than the Ranger PHEV (and the Cannon Alpha PHEV at $61,490 drive-away). Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Shark 6 has quickly become BYD's hottest ticket, accounting for more than half of the brand's total sales by the end of April this year – and almost three times the volume of its next-best seller, the Sealion 6 PHEV mid-size SUV. But the Ranger PHEV's arrival won't upset that momentum, says BYD Australia senior product planning manager Sajid Hasan. "I wouldn't say that we're worried," Mr Hasan told CarExpert. "We respect them, direct competitors, but we're more focused on ourselves and working to expand the Shark 6 lineup and see where that takes us." BYD Australia has already confirmed a bigger 2.0-litre powertrain is on the way for the Shark 6 – along with a cab/chassis body style – to match dual-cab ute category benchmarks including a 3500kg braked towing capacity. But the Shark 6's larger powertrain may not arrive until 2027, before which time electrified versions of an array of new and existing utes including the popular Toyota HiLux are expected to arrive in local showrooms. Therefore the Ranger PHEV will hold onto its capability advantage over the Shark 6 – albeit for a higher price – for the time being. "Genuinely, internally, there's a huge amount of respect for our competitors," BYD Australia and New Zealand Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Kate Hornstein told CarExpert. "We are the new kid on the block, so to speak, when we talk about Ford and it would be incredibly remiss of us to be dismissive of their new technology. "They have been doing this for a century – over a century – and we are very respectful of that, especially in the ute market. "But I do think when we carve out the customer for the Shark, and when we carve out the future product in this segment, I think – what I've seen from a customer perspective, not necessarily from a product perspective – that there are loyalists in both. "I think it's very hard for us to try and tell, let's say, a Ford loyalist to try something new, and that's okay. "I think we're in a fortunate position that unit adoption is so high that there's a place for all of us." MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
BYD Shark 6 ute lineup to grow further
The BYD Shark 6 lineup is set to expand, with the Chinese automaker telling CarExpert its dual-cab ute range must grow if the popular electrified hay-hauler is to make a long-term impact in Australia's hotly contested ute market. The BYD Shark 6 was released in Australia in early 2025 with just one dual-cab variant – the Premium model grade with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain and all-wheel drive – priced at $57,900 before on-road costs. Its launch campaign helped it become BYD's best-seller in Australia, making up almost half of its total sales so far this year and helping the brand to finish just outside the top 10 in May. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Yet after a strong first two months of sales, including 2026 vehicles in February and 2810 in March, Shark 6 deliveries fell to around half that in each of the past two months – 1293 in April and 1300 in May. Meanwhile, the Toyota HiLux claimed the number one spot overall for May with 4952 sales, meaning that on average the HiLux matched the Shark 6's monthly sales in a single week. While the Shark 6 is still exceeding BYD's pre-launch sales goal of 1000 sales per month, the brand is aware it needs to offer a wider variety of variants to make a serious dent in the segment alongside an ever-increasing number of rivals. It currently has plans for a cab/chassis version and importer EVDirect – which surrenders its distribution rights to BYD Australia from July 1 – previously confirmed the addition of a larger-displacement 2.0-litre PHEV powertrain. However, both of these Shark 6 derivatives remain some way off, with the business-friendly cab/chassis due in 2026 at the earliest, and the bigger engine due in 2027 or later. Speaking to CarExpert, BYD Australia's product chief Sajid Hasan confirmed new Shark 6 variants remain in the works. "Definitely – studies [are] happening for us to expand the pickup lineup," he said. Asked if this meant more Shark 6 variants or another ute, following the recent sighting of a mysterious camouflaged ute thought to be a restyled Shark 6 in China – or both – Mr Hasan focussed on the Shark 6. "I can't make any confirmations about that [a new ute in addition to the Shark 6], but given the size of the segment and the need to offer broad reach through different target customers…" "You've got your fleets, and you've got your private customers, your tradies, on-road customers, off-road customers, heavy towing usage," Hasan added. "It's just so broad it would be hard to do it through just the one." As the number of Shark 6 rivals increases, other automakers are offering Aussie ute buyers more choice from the get-go. The Kia Tasman – the Korean automaker's first pickup – will be available in a single 4×2 grade and five 4×4 variants when the all-new dual-cab hits Australian showrooms in July, although it won't offer a PHEV powertrain for now. The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is offered in two different grades as part of a broader lineup including non-plug-in hybrid and diesel versions, too. Both GWM's and BYD's electrified utes will face the Ford Ranger PHEV, which is due in local showrooms this month in four model grades, adding to an already comprehensive lineup offering a multitude of body types, equipment levels and powertrain choices. As the benchmark in the category, the Ranger's showroom offering has expanded significantly with new variants and special editions in recent years, such as the Wildtrak X, Sport, Platinum and others. The PHEV is one of several new Ranger variants Ford has added since launching its original Ranger Raptor back in 2018, followed by the new-generation Ranger and Ranger Raptor in 2022, with the heavy-duty Ranger Super Duty scheduled to arrive in 2026. Other brands such as Mitsubishi have also expanded their ute lineups, with cab/chassis and single-cab version of the Triton added to the new-generation lineup earlier this year. Apart from upcoming replacements for the HiLux and Nissan Navara, several all-new utes are also coming to Australia soon from MG, LDV, Foton, Chery, Geely, Deepal and Mahindra, and a range of new hybrid or all-electric utes is also expected to arrive here within the next few months and years, from brands including LDV, Isuzu, JAC, Kia and Hyundai. MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from: The BYD Shark 6 lineup is set to expand, with the Chinese automaker telling CarExpert its dual-cab ute range must grow if the popular electrified hay-hauler is to make a long-term impact in Australia's hotly contested ute market. The BYD Shark 6 was released in Australia in early 2025 with just one dual-cab variant – the Premium model grade with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain and all-wheel drive – priced at $57,900 before on-road costs. Its launch campaign helped it become BYD's best-seller in Australia, making up almost half of its total sales so far this year and helping the brand to finish just outside the top 10 in May. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Yet after a strong first two months of sales, including 2026 vehicles in February and 2810 in March, Shark 6 deliveries fell to around half that in each of the past two months – 1293 in April and 1300 in May. Meanwhile, the Toyota HiLux claimed the number one spot overall for May with 4952 sales, meaning that on average the HiLux matched the Shark 6's monthly sales in a single week. While the Shark 6 is still exceeding BYD's pre-launch sales goal of 1000 sales per month, the brand is aware it needs to offer a wider variety of variants to make a serious dent in the segment alongside an ever-increasing number of rivals. It currently has plans for a cab/chassis version and importer EVDirect – which surrenders its distribution rights to BYD Australia from July 1 – previously confirmed the addition of a larger-displacement 2.0-litre PHEV powertrain. However, both of these Shark 6 derivatives remain some way off, with the business-friendly cab/chassis due in 2026 at the earliest, and the bigger engine due in 2027 or later. Speaking to CarExpert, BYD Australia's product chief Sajid Hasan confirmed new Shark 6 variants remain in the works. "Definitely – studies [are] happening for us to expand the pickup lineup," he said. Asked if this meant more Shark 6 variants or another ute, following the recent sighting of a mysterious camouflaged ute thought to be a restyled Shark 6 in China – or both – Mr Hasan focussed on the Shark 6. "I can't make any confirmations about that [a new ute in addition to the Shark 6], but given the size of the segment and the need to offer broad reach through different target customers…" "You've got your fleets, and you've got your private customers, your tradies, on-road customers, off-road customers, heavy towing usage," Hasan added. "It's just so broad it would be hard to do it through just the one." As the number of Shark 6 rivals increases, other automakers are offering Aussie ute buyers more choice from the get-go. The Kia Tasman – the Korean automaker's first pickup – will be available in a single 4×2 grade and five 4×4 variants when the all-new dual-cab hits Australian showrooms in July, although it won't offer a PHEV powertrain for now. The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is offered in two different grades as part of a broader lineup including non-plug-in hybrid and diesel versions, too. Both GWM's and BYD's electrified utes will face the Ford Ranger PHEV, which is due in local showrooms this month in four model grades, adding to an already comprehensive lineup offering a multitude of body types, equipment levels and powertrain choices. As the benchmark in the category, the Ranger's showroom offering has expanded significantly with new variants and special editions in recent years, such as the Wildtrak X, Sport, Platinum and others. The PHEV is one of several new Ranger variants Ford has added since launching its original Ranger Raptor back in 2018, followed by the new-generation Ranger and Ranger Raptor in 2022, with the heavy-duty Ranger Super Duty scheduled to arrive in 2026. Other brands such as Mitsubishi have also expanded their ute lineups, with cab/chassis and single-cab version of the Triton added to the new-generation lineup earlier this year. Apart from upcoming replacements for the HiLux and Nissan Navara, several all-new utes are also coming to Australia soon from MG, LDV, Foton, Chery, Geely, Deepal and Mahindra, and a range of new hybrid or all-electric utes is also expected to arrive here within the next few months and years, from brands including LDV, Isuzu, JAC, Kia and Hyundai. MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from: The BYD Shark 6 lineup is set to expand, with the Chinese automaker telling CarExpert its dual-cab ute range must grow if the popular electrified hay-hauler is to make a long-term impact in Australia's hotly contested ute market. The BYD Shark 6 was released in Australia in early 2025 with just one dual-cab variant – the Premium model grade with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain and all-wheel drive – priced at $57,900 before on-road costs. Its launch campaign helped it become BYD's best-seller in Australia, making up almost half of its total sales so far this year and helping the brand to finish just outside the top 10 in May. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Yet after a strong first two months of sales, including 2026 vehicles in February and 2810 in March, Shark 6 deliveries fell to around half that in each of the past two months – 1293 in April and 1300 in May. Meanwhile, the Toyota HiLux claimed the number one spot overall for May with 4952 sales, meaning that on average the HiLux matched the Shark 6's monthly sales in a single week. While the Shark 6 is still exceeding BYD's pre-launch sales goal of 1000 sales per month, the brand is aware it needs to offer a wider variety of variants to make a serious dent in the segment alongside an ever-increasing number of rivals. It currently has plans for a cab/chassis version and importer EVDirect – which surrenders its distribution rights to BYD Australia from July 1 – previously confirmed the addition of a larger-displacement 2.0-litre PHEV powertrain. However, both of these Shark 6 derivatives remain some way off, with the business-friendly cab/chassis due in 2026 at the earliest, and the bigger engine due in 2027 or later. Speaking to CarExpert, BYD Australia's product chief Sajid Hasan confirmed new Shark 6 variants remain in the works. "Definitely – studies [are] happening for us to expand the pickup lineup," he said. Asked if this meant more Shark 6 variants or another ute, following the recent sighting of a mysterious camouflaged ute thought to be a restyled Shark 6 in China – or both – Mr Hasan focussed on the Shark 6. "I can't make any confirmations about that [a new ute in addition to the Shark 6], but given the size of the segment and the need to offer broad reach through different target customers…" "You've got your fleets, and you've got your private customers, your tradies, on-road customers, off-road customers, heavy towing usage," Hasan added. "It's just so broad it would be hard to do it through just the one." As the number of Shark 6 rivals increases, other automakers are offering Aussie ute buyers more choice from the get-go. The Kia Tasman – the Korean automaker's first pickup – will be available in a single 4×2 grade and five 4×4 variants when the all-new dual-cab hits Australian showrooms in July, although it won't offer a PHEV powertrain for now. The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is offered in two different grades as part of a broader lineup including non-plug-in hybrid and diesel versions, too. Both GWM's and BYD's electrified utes will face the Ford Ranger PHEV, which is due in local showrooms this month in four model grades, adding to an already comprehensive lineup offering a multitude of body types, equipment levels and powertrain choices. As the benchmark in the category, the Ranger's showroom offering has expanded significantly with new variants and special editions in recent years, such as the Wildtrak X, Sport, Platinum and others. The PHEV is one of several new Ranger variants Ford has added since launching its original Ranger Raptor back in 2018, followed by the new-generation Ranger and Ranger Raptor in 2022, with the heavy-duty Ranger Super Duty scheduled to arrive in 2026. Other brands such as Mitsubishi have also expanded their ute lineups, with cab/chassis and single-cab version of the Triton added to the new-generation lineup earlier this year. Apart from upcoming replacements for the HiLux and Nissan Navara, several all-new utes are also coming to Australia soon from MG, LDV, Foton, Chery, Geely, Deepal and Mahindra, and a range of new hybrid or all-electric utes is also expected to arrive here within the next few months and years, from brands including LDV, Isuzu, JAC, Kia and Hyundai. MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from: The BYD Shark 6 lineup is set to expand, with the Chinese automaker telling CarExpert its dual-cab ute range must grow if the popular electrified hay-hauler is to make a long-term impact in Australia's hotly contested ute market. The BYD Shark 6 was released in Australia in early 2025 with just one dual-cab variant – the Premium model grade with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain and all-wheel drive – priced at $57,900 before on-road costs. Its launch campaign helped it become BYD's best-seller in Australia, making up almost half of its total sales so far this year and helping the brand to finish just outside the top 10 in May. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Yet after a strong first two months of sales, including 2026 vehicles in February and 2810 in March, Shark 6 deliveries fell to around half that in each of the past two months – 1293 in April and 1300 in May. Meanwhile, the Toyota HiLux claimed the number one spot overall for May with 4952 sales, meaning that on average the HiLux matched the Shark 6's monthly sales in a single week. While the Shark 6 is still exceeding BYD's pre-launch sales goal of 1000 sales per month, the brand is aware it needs to offer a wider variety of variants to make a serious dent in the segment alongside an ever-increasing number of rivals. It currently has plans for a cab/chassis version and importer EVDirect – which surrenders its distribution rights to BYD Australia from July 1 – previously confirmed the addition of a larger-displacement 2.0-litre PHEV powertrain. However, both of these Shark 6 derivatives remain some way off, with the business-friendly cab/chassis due in 2026 at the earliest, and the bigger engine due in 2027 or later. Speaking to CarExpert, BYD Australia's product chief Sajid Hasan confirmed new Shark 6 variants remain in the works. "Definitely – studies [are] happening for us to expand the pickup lineup," he said. Asked if this meant more Shark 6 variants or another ute, following the recent sighting of a mysterious camouflaged ute thought to be a restyled Shark 6 in China – or both – Mr Hasan focussed on the Shark 6. "I can't make any confirmations about that [a new ute in addition to the Shark 6], but given the size of the segment and the need to offer broad reach through different target customers…" "You've got your fleets, and you've got your private customers, your tradies, on-road customers, off-road customers, heavy towing usage," Hasan added. "It's just so broad it would be hard to do it through just the one." As the number of Shark 6 rivals increases, other automakers are offering Aussie ute buyers more choice from the get-go. The Kia Tasman – the Korean automaker's first pickup – will be available in a single 4×2 grade and five 4×4 variants when the all-new dual-cab hits Australian showrooms in July, although it won't offer a PHEV powertrain for now. The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is offered in two different grades as part of a broader lineup including non-plug-in hybrid and diesel versions, too. Both GWM's and BYD's electrified utes will face the Ford Ranger PHEV, which is due in local showrooms this month in four model grades, adding to an already comprehensive lineup offering a multitude of body types, equipment levels and powertrain choices. As the benchmark in the category, the Ranger's showroom offering has expanded significantly with new variants and special editions in recent years, such as the Wildtrak X, Sport, Platinum and others. The PHEV is one of several new Ranger variants Ford has added since launching its original Ranger Raptor back in 2018, followed by the new-generation Ranger and Ranger Raptor in 2022, with the heavy-duty Ranger Super Duty scheduled to arrive in 2026. Other brands such as Mitsubishi have also expanded their ute lineups, with cab/chassis and single-cab version of the Triton added to the new-generation lineup earlier this year. Apart from upcoming replacements for the HiLux and Nissan Navara, several all-new utes are also coming to Australia soon from MG, LDV, Foton, Chery, Geely, Deepal and Mahindra, and a range of new hybrid or all-electric utes is also expected to arrive here within the next few months and years, from brands including LDV, Isuzu, JAC, Kia and Hyundai. MORE: Everything BYD Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
BYD Shark 6 not threatened by Ford Ranger PHEV, says Chinese brand
The popularity of the BYD Shark 6 won't be significantly impacted by the imminent release of the Ford Ranger PHEV, which combines similar plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) powertrain technology with Australia's favourite dual-cab ute for the first time, says the local arm of the Chinese car manufacturer. On sale now priced from $71,990 before on-road costs ahead of first deliveries later this month, the Ford Ranger PHEV is the first electrified version of the locally developed Ranger, Australia's best-selling vehicle bar none in 2023 and 2024. The BYD Shark 6 beat Ford to the punch – as did the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV – in becoming the first ute to offer a PHEV powertrain, albeit with a smaller 1.5-litre petrol engine versus the Cannon Alpha's 2.0-litre petrol engine and the Ranger's 2.3-litre petrol unit. Yet the BYD also has a much lower $57,990 plus on-roads starting price than the Ranger PHEV (and the Cannon Alpha PHEV at $61,490 drive-away). Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The Shark 6 has quickly become BYD's hottest ticket, accounting for more than half of the brand's total sales by the end of April this year – and almost three times the volume of its next-best seller, the Sealion 6 PHEV mid-size SUV. But the Ranger PHEV's arrival won't upset that momentum, says BYD Australia senior product planning manager Sajid Hasan. 'I wouldn't say that we're worried,' Mr Hasan told CarExpert. 'We respect them, direct competitors, but we're more focused on ourselves and working to expand the Shark 6 lineup and see where that takes us.' Supplied Credit: CarExpert BYD Australia has already confirmed a bigger 2.0-litre powertrain is on the way for the Shark 6 – along with a cab/chassis body style – to match dual-cab ute category benchmarks including a 3500kg braked towing capacity. But the Shark 6's larger powertrain may not arrive until 2027, before which time electrified versions of an array of new and existing utes including the popular Toyota HiLux are expected to arrive in local showrooms. Therefore the Ranger PHEV will hold onto its capability advantage over the Shark 6 – albeit for a higher price – for the time being. 'Genuinely, internally, there's a huge amount of respect for our competitors,' BYD Australia and New Zealand Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Kate Hornstein told CarExpert. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'We are the new kid on the block, so to speak, when we talk about Ford and it would be incredibly remiss of us to be dismissive of their new technology. 'They have been doing this for a century – over a century – and we are very respectful of that, especially in the ute market. 'But I do think when we carve out the customer for the Shark, and when we carve out the future product in this segment, I think – what I've seen from a customer perspective, not necessarily from a product perspective – that there are loyalists in both. 'I think it's very hard for us to try and tell, let's say, a Ford loyalist to try something new, and that's okay. 'I think we're in a fortunate position that unit adoption is so high that there's a place for all of us.' MORE: Everything BYD
