BYD used the Goodwood Festival of Speed to introduce the Shark, its first pickup truck built for the European market. The model brings with it a new take on the brand’s hybrid technology, called Super Hybrid DMO, short for Dual Mode Off road, a system specifically engineered for rugged, off road capable trucks rather than the passenger cars BYD is best known for.
A pickup built around Super Hybrid DMO
The core of the Shark is its Super Hybrid DMO powertrain. Unlike the DM-i hybrid systems seen on other BYD models, this configuration was developed for tougher applications, featuring four wheel drive, a body on frame construction, and dedicated driving modes suited to low grip surfaces.
The truck itself is a substantial vehicle, measuring 5.457 meters in length, with a five seat double cab layout and a 1,200 liter cargo bed. Despite its size and working truck credentials, BYD has clearly aimed for the comfort and equipment levels typically associated with premium SUVs.
Two electric motors plus a 1.5 turbo petrol engine
Mechanically, the Shark relies on two electric motors, one on the front axle and one on the rear. The front motor produces 231 hp and 310 Nm of torque, while the rear motor delivers 204 hp and 340 Nm. Combined system output reaches 436 hp, with total torque of 650 Nm.
The internal combustion engine is a 1.5 liter turbocharged four cylinder petrol unit producing 150 hp and 240 Nm. Its main job is to act as a generator, feeding the electric motors and helping recharge the battery whenever the hybrid system calls for it.
Performance figures are notably strong for the segment. The Shark sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 180 km/h.
Up to 90 kilometers of electric range and 675 kilometers overall
The 32.2 kWh Blade battery allows for up to 90 kilometers of pure electric driving, enough to cover a large share of daily commuting or short distance professional trips without ever calling on the combustion engine.
Total range extends to 675 kilometers. Charging on three phase AC power tops out at 11 kW, taking the battery from 15 to 100 percent in roughly 3.2 hours. On DC fast charging, power reaches 55 kW, enough to go from 30 to 80 percent in just 21 minutes.
Vehicle to Load function expands its working and outdoor use
One of the most interesting features of the Shark is its 6 kW Vehicle to Load function. The system can power external devices through two integrated outlets, useful for work tools, camping equipment, household appliances, or any gear that needs a mobile power source. On a pickup truck, this kind of capability can be genuinely useful on job sites, on trips, or during outdoor activities, removing the need for a separate generator.
Body on frame construction with smart four wheel drive
The DMO platform uses a body on frame structure, a technical choice aimed at maximizing toughness, durability, and articulation capability off road. The Blade battery is integrated into the vehicle structure through Cell to Chassis technology, which also contributes to overall rigidity.
Suspension is handled by double wishbones on both axles, a setup intended to balance on road comfort with capability over rough terrain. The smart four wheel drive system includes four dedicated modes: sand, mud, snow, and gravel. Hill Descent Control is standard as well, useful on steep, uneven descents.
Towing capacity, payload, and dimensions
Maximum towing capacity reaches 2,500 kg, payload capacity is rated at 790 kg, and the cargo bed offers 1,200 liters of volume. The truck’s dimensions confirm its full size positioning.
Shark specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 5,457 / 1,971 / 1,925 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,260 mm |
| Unladen weight | 2,710 kg |
| Gross weight | 3,500 kg |
| Combustion engine | 1.5 turbo petrol, 4 cylinder |
| Electric motors | 231 hp front + 204 hp rear |
| Combined power | 436 hp |
| Combined torque | 650 Nm |
| Battery | BYD Blade LFP, 32.2 kWh |
| 0 to 100 km/h | 5.7 seconds |
| Top speed | 180 km/h |
| Electric range | 90 km |
| Total range | 675 km |
| WLTP consumption | 3.5 to 9.6 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 23 g/km |
| Max towing capacity | 2,500 kg |
| Payload | 790 kg |
| Cargo bed volume | 1,200 liters |
| AC/DC charging | 11 kW / 55 kW |
| Vehicle to Load | 6 kW, 2 outlets |
A shark inspired design
The name Shark carries over into the design language as well. The front end is wide and vertical, dominated by a continuous light signature connecting the headlights. The grille and lower bumper reinforce the sense of strength, while the bodywork relies on sculpted surfaces and solid proportions.
The side profile emphasizes the truck’s mass, with pronounced wheel arches, plastic body cladding, and side steps. The roofline stays fluid, giving the cabin an almost suspended look relative to the lower body. At the rear, a full width light bar integrates the taillights and reinforces the sense of stability. 18 inch wheels with larger tires complete the rugged look, without losing attention to visual detail.
A cabin focused on comfort, space, and practical controls
Inside, the Shark aims to bring pickup functionality closer to that of a large SUV. The cabin seats five, uses soft touch materials, and features heated and ventilated sport front seats designed with long trips in mind.
The dashboard includes a 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.6 inch central infotainment display. Ergonomics also account for professional use, with a column mounted gear selector freeing up console space and large physical controls designed to be usable even while wearing work gloves.
Rich standard equipment
The Shark will be offered in a single, well equipped trim level. Standard equipment includes vegan leather upholstery, a 12 speaker Dynaudio sound system, a head up display, navigation, a voice assistant, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 50W wireless charging, 360 degree parking sensors, a surround view camera, and keyless entry.
On the safety side, the truck includes intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, front and rear traffic monitoring with automatic braking, collision avoidance systems, active lane keeping, blind spot detection, Hill Hold Control, 7 airbags, Isofix mounts, child presence detection, and tire pressure monitoring. This equipment list currently reflects the UK market, with European Union specifications still being finalized.
Five colors will be available: Atlantis Blue as the standard shade, along with Obsidian Black, Polar White, Grey Green, and Sunrise Orange. Standard wheels are 18 inch two tone black and silver units, with a full black option also available.
Also in Scandinavia?
Whether the Shark will make its way to Nordic driveways is a separate question from whether it will be sold in Europe at all. Sweden looks like the most likely Nordic market for the truck, given its more moderate taxation on plug in hybrid and hybrid vehicles compared to its neighbors. Norway and Denmark, on the other hand, are expected to be left out of the picture. Both countries apply steep registration taxes tied to a vehicle’s weight and emissions, and a heavy, combustion assisted pickup like the Shark would likely end up prohibitively expensive once local taxation is factored in, making it a tough sell against the fully electric alternatives that already dominate those two markets.
