All round goodness, power, efficient, comfort, versatile
The initial Pre-Order was agonising. 4 month wait, but it worth it!
The delivery was swift, a brief walkthrough, connection to android auto, then you were on your way!
FIRSTLY, there is no physical manual, it must be downloaded via the infotainment system, AFTER the built in SIM card is activated. So the interim, being part of a great many forums to get information is paramount!
SECONDLY, the sticker of the advertised 2l/100kms relates to the first 100kms of any trip, including most of the EV battery, BEFORE the petrol generator kicks in for the remainder of the test.
So if you plan on buying and only using HEV, expect the fuel usage to be higher than 2L/100km. Anyone else able to charge at home with the supplied charger will get from 70% to 100% within about 8 hours. I've personally got a 15A plug at home so can charge at almost 3KW effectively halving that time.
THIRDLY, I moved out of a V8 Bi-Turbo Diesel Q7 and can say the two drive pretty damn similar.
Power delivery for obvious reasons cant do a hard launch like the Q7, however the delivery itself rolls on smooth and powerful. Handling is stiffer in the Shark, with minimal roll too. It is much faster than the Q7, with HEV driving coming in at about the same economy as well. Q7 - 8.8l/100km, Shark 6 (Race mode, HEV - 8.7l/100km). I will say the tank on the Shark is considerably smaller, and yes, does require more frequent filling when driving in HEV. Unlike the Q7, there are weeks I solely use EV mode. Twice a day doing the school drop off and pick up being the main reason. Combining fuel costs only, the Q7 would get around 1,200kms per tank, the Shark around 700kms. I've travelled around 15,000kms in six months and being a lease vehicle have been able to monitor consumption - petrol only. Fuel cost (91oct) has been $1000, for that distance, with obvious charging in between, but not frequent. Compared to nearly $1.90p/l of diesel, the Q7 comes in at more than double the fuel cost.
Lastly, the service centre I've dealt with have been great, any question answered promptly and work carried out efficiently, well done Esther!
It did take 6 months to have the bull bar and canopy installed, however, I believe that backlog is now pretty much finalised.
Summary- I've owned many brands over the years, researching the market as new R&D projects come to light. BYD was ahead of the competition and with the SHARK 6, even as a concept initially stood out.
Camping is easier now with the 240v, no more butane gas cartridges, kettle, microwave, Starlink, work from anywhere, or trade use charging your batteries for your tools, let alone able to use an extension lead for bench saws or the like... WOW!
Being a tradie myself with no intention of doing Beer O'clock or Gunshot Creek, this vehicle will go most places I'd ever want or need to go!
BYD in my opinion have shaken up the market showing legacy brands that innovation, quality and price, can work when packaged right.
Two things I miss compared to the Q7, LOUD MUSIC and memory seats. I'm 6'2", my wife 5'3"...