BYD's Fangchengbao brand has brought its Shark pickup truck to the Chinese market, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) off-roader that was previously sold overseas. The model was showcased at a media event in China, according to Autohome, which reported on the vehicle's specifications and first impressions from a short off-road drive.
Powertrain and platform
The Shark rides on the same DMO platform as the Fangchengbao Bao 5 SUV, featuring a body-on-frame construction for rigidity. It is powered by a 1.5T engine producing 143 kW (about 192 hp) and dual electric motors with a combined output of 320 kW (about 429 hp), split as 170 kW front and 150 kW rear. This gives the truck electric all-wheel drive, with torque, acceleration and range figures still under wraps.
The suspension uses double wishbones at both ends, a setup that Autohome said delivers a surprisingly comfortable ride for a pickup. During a riverbed and tropical-forest drive, the chassis absorbed continuous bumps well, with no excessive bouncing on paved roads, the outlet noted. The Shark has an approach angle of 31 degrees and a departure angle of 22 degrees (20 degrees with an optional tow hitch), plus 210 mm of ground clearance.
Interior and equipment
Inside, the Chinese-market Shark differs slightly from the overseas version, with a more sculpted centre console and a mechanical-looking lower dashboard. It comes with a W-HUD head-up display, a 10.2-inch instrument cluster and a 15.6-inch central touchscreen running BYD's DiLink system. The rear floor is flat, and the seatback angle is 117 degrees for passenger comfort. USB, USB-C and 220V power outlets are provided for rear-seat passengers.
The cargo bed measures 1,520 mm by 1,500 mm by 517 mm and includes a lighting lamp and an external power socket, useful for camping or worksite use. The truck also supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) discharge and can tow trailers, bikes or motorcycle racks. An optional bed cover and a modified show car with a roof platform and reinforced bed were also displayed.
Autohome noted some shortcomings: only one trim level and three exterior colours are planned for China, versus three trims and five colours overseas. The Shark also lacks a sunroof and offers only standard adaptive cruise control, not the more advanced driver assistance some buyers might expect from a Fangchengbao product. The tailgate is power-operated but must be closed manually and is heavy, and the optional bed ladder sits a bit high.
Pricing has not been announced, but Autohome estimates a starting price between 180,000 and 220,000 yuan (about $25,400 to $31,000), with a well-equipped top trim possibly reaching 250,000-260,000 yuan (about $35,200 to $36,600). These are Chinese guide prices before taxes and incentives. Rivals include the GWM Poer, the Shanhai Pao Hi4-T, the Jiangling Daoda and the JAC Hunter PHEV, all of which start in the 180,000-220,000 yuan range. The Shark's CLTC range has not been published; when it is, expect a WLTP estimate roughly 15-20% lower.