BYD has announced the launch date for its Shark plug-in hybrid ute, which will taken place in Mexico next week.

    The announcement was made via a post on X (formerly Twitter), in which BYD pinned a May 14 launch in Mexico City as the Shark’s official global debut.

    An undisguised version of the Shark was spied in April, with previous reports confirming the ute will share its DMO platform with the Bao 5 from the emerging Fang Cheng Bao brand.

    A fully electric version is expected to follow, while previous overseas reports have suggested the Shark will use a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated to two electric motors in its PHEV form.

    It’s expected the Shark will produce a total system output of 365kW of power.

    On the outside, the Shark features a full-width LED light bar with C-shaped headlights on either side, with a large BYD logo placed front and centre above a rugged silver bash plate.

    Black front and rear bumper mouldings are also present alongside sizeable wheel arch cladding, and a rear sports bar has been fitted behind the rear window.

    Black accents also feature around the vehicle, including on the side steps and window pillars.

    Interior photos previously published have shown a centre console-mounted shifter, physical toggle switches, a free-standing digital instrument cluster and a rotatable infotainment screen.

    The Shark’s price has not yet been revealed, however it’s expected to be BYD’s most expensive model in Australia above the top-spec Seal sedan, which is priced at $68,798 before on-road costs.

    MORE: Everything BYD

    Max Davies

    Max Davies is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Max studied journalism at La Trobe University and stepped into the automotive world after graduating in late 2023. He grew up in regional Victoria, and with a passion for everything motorsport is a fan of Fernando Alonso.

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