2024 BYD Shark teased instead of revealed

The 2024 BYD Shark was a shock no-show on the opening day of the Beijing auto show yesterday, when the Chinese brand instead released a quartet of teaser images of its all-new electrified dual-cab 4x4 ute, suggesting its world debut is still imminent.

The images posted via BYD’s social media channels give us a close-up view of the plug-in hybrid ute’s tub, wheels, flanks, guards and tech highlights, including digital key compatibility and a dedicated phone app.

Dozens of comments asking about pricing, spec and release details from around the globe underscore the significance of this model and the likely impact it will have on the light commercial markets around the world including Australia.

BYD has responded to none of them, leaving fans to interpret what they will from the images, however, there are no major surprises given the Shark was spotted – in the same colour – undisguised in Mexico last week.

The bottom of the body is circumnavigated with bush-friendly plastic cladding, the tyres are road-focused if slightly taller than the rubber typically fitted to to utes riding on 18-inch wheels and an over-rail tubliner will be included as standard, along with what looks to be a GWM-style integrated step within the tailgate, plus plastic sidesteps.

BYD previously locked-in an April 25 reveal for the Shark at the Beijing show, but even the brand’s bullish local boss Luke Todd has been silent on the topic this week.

Todd has traditionally been outspoken on the capabilities and sales potential of future BYD models, having recently posted a video of the Shark testing at Lang Lang and promising it will go on sale here this year.

Australia will be one of the key export markets for the Shark, which is set to offer plug-in hybrid efficiency for diesel money or possibly even less.

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