BYD brings a pickup truck with an impressive range
Tesla’s Chinese competitor BYD is launching its next major attack: The company has unveiled a powerful pick-up truck called Shark. But it comes with a catch.
Hardly any other Chinese manufacturer currently inspires Western car manufacturers with as much awe as BYD. The manufacturer’s vehicles are almost always at the top level and are still available in almost all price ranges. Even top dog Tesla trembles before this competitor from the Far East.
Now, according to Gizmochina.com, the company has unveiled its latest model at a press conference in Mexico, targeting friends of the big guns. BYD is bringing a massive pick-up truck onto the market under the name “Shark”. However, the plug-in hybrid will initially only appear in North, Central and South America as well as Australia. A possible release in China is being considered, but there is currently no mention of Europe.
Range of up to 840 kilometers
The car turns out to be a real powerhouse. The BYD Shark is equipped with two engines. On the front axle, 170 kilowatts with a torque of 310 Newton meters provide traction, while the rear axle pushes with 150 kilowatts and 340 Newton meters.
With this combination, the Bolide accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.7 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 160 kilometers per hour. The car can travel up to 100 kilometers purely electrically using its 29.58 kilowatt-hour battery. Combined with the combustion engine, it can cover a distance of an impressive 840 kilometers. According to BYD, gasoline consumption is 7.5 liters per 100 kilometers.
State-of-the-art technology inside
Inside, BYD relies on the latest technology and equips the Shark with a 10.25-inch instrument display and a central 12.8-inch touchscreen for infotainment control. The car also has a futuristic-looking 12-inch head-up display. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available for smartphone integration.
A 360-degree camera system in combination with a 180-degree chassis camera is designed to provide maximum all-round visibility and make maneuvering the 5.46×1.97×1.93 meter vehicle easier. The BYD Shark will be available in a GL and a GS version, although the differences between these variants remain unclear. The Shark GL is available from the equivalent of 49,300 euros. The Shark GS starts at around 53,100 euros.
