BYD Sime Motors has previewed the BYD Shark 6 during the BYD Tech Discovery event, which will be taking place at Plaza Arkardia, Desa Parkcity, from 14-16 November 2025. The preview marks the debut of the marque’s first model in the country to feature an internal combustion engine (ICE), powered by the BYD Dual Mode Offroad (DMO) plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.
The model is not due for launch yet, but rather as a showcase of its PHEV powertrain at the event, potentially gauging customer interest as well. Previously, BYD Malaysia Managing Director, Eagle Zhao has stated that the pickup truck is undergoing a feasibility study here in Malaysia, and given the model’s unfortunate premature demise in Thailand, it’s no surprise BYD might want to be a little more cautious here.
Nevertheless, the DMO PHEV powertrain is still a stark change in the company’s direction here in Malaysia, which until now, consists of only pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Here, the DMO powertrain – the off-road version of its DM-i PHEV system – pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which functions solely as a generator in a range extender layout, with two electric motors for an electric 4WD driveline.
In this configuration, the pickup truck boasts a combined output of 436 hp and 650 Nm of torque. This allows the pickup to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds, with fuel consumption as low as 2.0L per 100 km on a fully charged battery.
Powering the hybrid system is a 29.58 kWh battery, providing a pure electric range of up to 100 km (NEDC). Combined with the generator motor, BYD claims a total range of up to 800 km on a full tank. Charging is supported via 7 kW AC, taking two hours to go from 30-80%, or 55 kW DC, which recharges the battery from 30-80% in just 25 minutes. For added convenience, the pickup also supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality.
While BYD is typically known for its smooth, futuristic designs, the BYD Shark 6 takes a noticeably different approach — adopting a boxy, muscular, and utilitarian look to match its off-road focus. Up front, it features C-shaped headlights much like the Ford F-150, connected by a full-width light bar. A similar design continues at the rear, where another light bar spans the tailgate — an uncommon sight, especially for pickup trucks.
Much like the Americans, the BYD Shark 6 proudly sports an enlarged BYD wordmark across both the front grille and rear tailgate. Completing its rugged look are thick, squared-off black plastic wheel arches, a contrasting metallic front skid plate, roof rails, and dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels.
ALSO READ: 2025 BYD Seal 6 launched in Malaysia — RWD C-segment EV sedan, 485 km range, from RM100k
Inside, the BYD Shark 6 feels instantly familiar to the brand’s existing models but with a tougher, more rugged edge. Notably, the cabin features the marque’s signature 15.6-inch rotating infotainment display, a 10.25-inch letterbox-style instrument cluster, and a multi-function steering wheel similar to those in the BYD Seal 6 and Atto 2.
Unlike its more urban siblings, which favour minimalist centre consoles, the BYD Shark 6 comes generously equipped with buttons for all its off-road functions. Adding to its ruggedness are red accents on the air-con vent surrounds, centre cupholder, and upholstery stitching.
Would the BYD Shark 6 stand a chance against the multitude of pickup truck options available here? Only time will tell, but the model is certainly divisive to say the least, with the model pulled in Thailand before its actual launch due to low demand, while on the other end of the spectrum, crashing the Australian order-taking website due to overwhelming interest.
But if BYD Malaysia is after titles, they can still be the first PHEV pickup truck on sale here if they’re quick – before the PHEV variant of the JAC T9, which has already been teased for our markets, makes its debut.
ALSO READ: The BYD Racco kei EV aims to take the fight to the Japanese on their own turf
GALLERY
