Chinese automaker BYD has introduced its first pickup truck, the Shark, at a special event in Mexico City. The 2024 BYD Shark is a midsize pickup featuring a plug-in hybrid system capable of traveling over 500 miles on a single charge. This launch marks BYD’s first global debut outside China, highlighting Mexico’s significance to the company’s future plans amid the growing presence of Chinese electric vehicles in North America.
The Shark is designed to compete with models like the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Hilux, and Nissan Navara in international markets. Although BYD currently doesn’t offer vehicles in the U.S., the Shark could have a significant impact globally, particularly in Latin America and Asia where the pickup market is substantial. The truck will initially be produced in China, but BYD is expected to announce a new manufacturing location in Mexico soon, where the Shark might also be assembled.
The Shark’s design, crafted by Wolfgang Egger, BYD’s global design director with past experience at Alfa Romeo, Audi, and Lamborghini, features bold, masculine lines. It bears some resemblance to the Ford F-150 Lightning with its squared headlights and taillights, as well as a prominent light bar. The vehicle’s rugged look is complemented by a front rocker panel, wide wheel arches, and a high beltline, giving it an off-road appeal. The Shark has a 128.3-inch wheelbase, aligning with other midsize trucks and aiding its off-road capabilities.
Inside, the Shark showcases a mix of colors and design elements, including orange-painted air vents and toggle switches, contrast stitching, and a distinctive shifter. A central 12.8-inch rotative screen supports both portrait and landscape modes, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while a 10.25-inch driver’s display and a 12-inch head-up display provide essential driving information.
Under the hood, the Shark combines a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to produce a total of 430 horsepower. It can tow up to 5,511 pounds and has a payload capacity of 1,841 pounds. The truck can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds. The Shark’s EV-only range is 62 miles, with a combined range of 528 miles when fully charged and fueled. It supports fast-charging through its CCS1 port, with a 20 to 80 percent charge taking around 30 minutes.
The Shark features BYD’s new Dual Mode Off-Road chassis with intelligent all-wheel drive and three off-road modes: Sand, Snow, and Mud. It also offers remote interior access via the BYD App for functions like adjusting the AC, lowering windows, and locking or unlocking the vehicle.
Although the 2024 BYD Shark will not be available in the U.S., it will be offered in Mexico starting at approximately $53,440. There will be two versions available, the GL and GS, which share the same powertrain but may differ in equipment. Reservations for the Shark are already open in Mexico, with availability expected in the coming weeks.
