Why Tradies Are Side-Eyeing the BYD Shark 6
Tradies don’t trust the BYD Shark 6 because it’s Chinese and doesn’t smell like diesel, but surprise — it’s actually quick, comfy, quiet, and stacked with fancy tech you’d usually only see in a banker’s SUV.
Tradies don’t trust the BYD Shark 6 because it’s Chinese and doesn’t smell like diesel, but surprise — it’s actually quick, comfy, quiet, and stacked with fancy tech you’d usually only see in a banker’s SUV. It won’t tow a small house or survive a weekend in the bush with your feral mates, but for city runs and saving coin on fuel, it’s a bit of a weapon. No, it won’t dethrone the Hilux, but it might make a few tradies whisper “not bad” when no one’s listening.
The all new BYD Shark 6
Yeah, it’s a Chinese ute, and a hybrid one at that. For a lot of tradies, that combo sounds like a red flag straight away. If it doesn’t stink like diesel and handle years of punishment, then it’s “not a real ute”, right? Let’s be honest: letting go of the almighty Hilux is basically impossible. But hey, the BYD Shark 6 actually deserves a proper look-in.
Even though it’s similar in size, it’s not trying to be some budget Ranger bootleg. This thing pushes out 321 kW, 650 Nm, and does 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds — pretty bloody decent numbers that even put a few diesel only utes to shame. And if most of your driving is short city trips, you’ll barely notice your fuel bill. It’s got up to 800 km of combined range, and it’ll happily roll through short distances on electric only mode without breaking a sweat.
Tech That Belongs in a Luxury SUV
The tech is another win. Big screens, integrated 360 degree cameras, and an advanced driver assist system with features like emergency braking make it feel like driving a fancy modern SUV, but with the stance and practicality of a work ready ute. Basically, it’s giving luxury, but still shows up on site without looking out of place.
“The Shark 6 hits 0-100 faster than the apprentice chasing free smoko.”
The Limitations You Can’t Ignore
Now, it’s definitely not perfect. Towing tops out at 2500 kg, and even though the torque is solid, it’s still an AWD: no low range, no diff locks, not exactly a weapon for proper off road trips. So if you’re the hardcore type who lives out in the bush and needs a ute that can drag half your shed behind you, this probably isn’t your hero.
Built for City Tradies, Not Bush Bashers
But for tradies doing mostly city runs, shorter commutes, and jobs around town, it’s honestly a pretty solid fit. The electric range saves a heap of cash, it’s comfy, it’s loaded with features you’d normally pay extra for in other utes, and it’s quiet, which your neighbours will absolutely thank you for when you roll in after a long day.
So, it’s not snatching the crown from the Hilux anytime soon. But if you’re a tradie who spends more time in the suburbs than in the outback, wants decent grunt without a painful fuel bill, and needs something modern that won’t break the bank, the BYD Shark 6 is a surprisingly solid contender. BYD is shaking things up in the hybrid world, and this ute looks like it might actually win over a few sceptics.
Trending News
This is not a story about wealthy people whinging over expensive finishes. This is about ironclad contracts, untouchable builders and a client who says he was left with a rubbish penthouse and then threatened on top of it. The video has already gone viral, and what it shows is hard to ignore while the whole industry watches. This is exactly the kind of yarn that gets passed around on smoko, coffee in hand.