BYD Shark 6 MEG coming for Ford Ranger Raptor

BYD is developing an even more potent version of the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid 4x4 dual cab ute to take on the maniacal Australian-developed Ford Ranger Raptor!

And carsales understands the basis for the higher performance Shark 6 is hiding in plain sight under the skin of an SUV called the FangChengBao Bao 5 that is currently sold in China.

The Bao 5 shares its ladder frame and dual motor-single engine DMO (dual mode off-road) powertrain with the Shark 6 but adds a heap of extra capability.

The Shark 6 goes on-sale in Australia October 29 when its expected $60,000 plus on-road costs pricing will also be announced.

It will be the first PHEV ute offered in Australia.

We’ve already driven it and can vouch for its stunning straight-line performance. BYD claims the 321kW/650Nm Shark 6 can rip from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds, which already pips the muscled-up turbo-petrol V6 Ranger Raptor.

But BYD has made it clear the Shark 6 as it stands as on-road oriented off-roader that is intended to drive nicely on bitumen and as such it lacks true off-road aids like diff locks and trick long-travel suspension.

When carsales asked whether there would be a hero version of the BYD Shark 6 to lock horns with the Ranger Raptor, the CEO of Australian BYD importer EVDirect didn’t mince his words: “Definitely on the drawing board … [it’s] active,” said David Smitherman.

And he confirmed its wanted in Australia: “Absolutely … it’s in discussions it’s fair to say.

“It’s what the market wants right and that’s what we are keen to do.

“It just builds the brand, you do these things for halo effect, credibility a bit of fun along the way and more [people] talk about it,” said Smitherman.

The Toyota Prado-sized Bao 5 comes standard with a whopping combined output of 505kW and 770Nm, plus height adjustable hydraulic active suspension and three differential locks.

It claims a 4.8 second 0-100km/h time – faster than many sports cars.

And while the Raptor drinks like a fish the hybrid Bao 5 claims a slightly unbelievable 125km electric range and a 1200km CLTC total cruising range with one tank of fuel.

The prospect of all that extra performance and technology underpinning the BYD Shark 6 is mouth-watering and would certainly address any concerns about its off-road ability.

The Raptor has high-end technology including Live Valve Fox shocks and significant input via the specialist Ford Performance division.

Nevertheless, Smitherman was convinced BYD could deliver a competitive product.

“The great news is BYD has 110,000 engineers so everything is possible. The challenge will be we’ve just got to make the numbers [for a business case] work.”

The good news is even if the Shark 6 MEG struggles to get off the drawing board, the Bao 5 is yet another model EVDirect wants to eventually bring to Australia.

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