• It has been officially confirmed that the new Toyota Hilux rival from BYD will be named the “Shark.”
  • The BYD Shark was spotted in Mexico without any camouflage on, revealing its exterior design in full.
  • The pickup will ride on BYD’s DMO architecture featuring a plug-in hybrid setup with nearly 480 hp of power.

BYD announced that its first ever electrified pickup will be called “Shark”. The mid-size truck will feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain and is set to make its world premiere this week at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, ahead of its launch in global markets.

However, just before the official unveiling in China, photos of the truck without camouflage surfaced online, offering a complete view of its exterior design. Reportedly captured in Mexico City, these spy shots provide the most detailed look yet at the BYD Shark.

More: New BYD Electrified Pickup Coming In 2024 With 480 HP, Heading To Mexico, Australia

The BYD Shark’s front end immediately grabs attention with its lighting signature, which bears a uncanny resemblance to the Ford F-150 Lightning. Large headlights connected by a full-width LED bar evoke the electric Ford truck’s design, while the rest of the body features generic styling cues common in midsize pickup trucks. Generous use of plastic cladding, an aluminum-style skid plate at the front, side steps, and a roll bar on the rear bed all contribute to the BYD Shark’s off-road-ready workhorse appearance.

The Chinese carmaker has confirmed that the Shark measures 5,457 mm (214.8 inches) long and 1,971 mm (77.6 inches) wide, with a 3,260 mm (128.3 inches) wheelbase. This makes it larger than the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, which is why the company refers to it as a ‘mid- to full-size’ truck.

BYD recently provided us with photos of camouflaged prototypes captured during development testing. These images were succeeded by a mysterious dark teaser, coinciding with the announcement of the truck’s name.

It has been confirmed that the pickup will be based on the DMO Super Hybrid Off-road Platform. The plug-in hybrid setup is expected to deliver nearly 480 hp (358 kW / 487 PS) of power, paired with an intelligent electric four-wheel-drive system, providing it with proper off-road capabilities.

The Shark will feature a lithium iron phosphate BYD Blade battery integrated into a steel frame chassis. Latest reports suggest the truck will offer an electric range of approximately 100 km (62 mph) and a combined range of up to 1,000 km (620 miles). Additionally, rumors are circulating about a potential fully electric version that may be introduced in the future.

Full details on the BYD Shark will be unveiled later this week. Expect a market launch in China, followed by selected global markets, including Australia and Mexico, before the end of 2024.

 BYD Shark Pickup Mimics Ford F-150’s Lightning Signature, Packs 480 HP Bite

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