BYD Shark 6 Cab-Chassis Priced at $55,900: What You Lose vs the Ute

The cab-chassis version of the BYD Shark 6 has been leaked on industry price guide Redbook ahead of its official launch. The Dynamic variant will cost $55,900 before on-roads, making it $2,000 cheaper than the current Premium pick-up.

The price difference is similar to rivals like the Ford Ranger XLT V6 ($1,900), Toyota HiLux SR5 ($1,500), and Mitsubishi Triton GSR ($2,300). But unlike those vehicles, the Shark 6 cab-chassis removes more than just the tray.

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What Gets Removed

The Dynamic trim strips out several comfort and convenience features to hit the lower price point. According to Redbook and New Zealand market information, buyers will lose:

The slower charging speed may be a concern for fleet buyers who need quick turnaround times. The drop from 55kW to 40kW means a couple of minutes longer waits at public charging stations.

What Stays the Same

Despite the equipment cuts, the Dynamic keeps the core mechanical package that made the Shark 6 popular.

The 110kg weight reduction comes from removing the steel tray and some equipment. This could improve efficiency slightly, though the claimed 2.0L/100km figure assumes a fully charged battery.

Targeting Fleet Buyers

BYD is clearly aiming the cab-chassis at commercial customers. Last year, 86% of Shark 6 sales went to private buyers. That compares to roughly 20-25% private sales for the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

The cab-chassis should help BYD tap into the fleet market, where buyers prioritise value and capability over luxury features. The $55,900 price point positions it competitively against established players.

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The Bigger Picture

The Shark 6 was Australia's 18th best-selling vehicle in 2025 with 18,073 sales. That's impressive for a vehicle offered in just one trim and body style.

More interesting: it attracted more private buyers than the Toyota HiLux, despite being a plug-in hybrid in a market dominated by diesel utes.

A more powerful 2.0L turbo PHEV variant has been approved for Australia. It's rated to tow 3,500kg and has appeared in ute form, but not yet as a cab-chassis. If BYD brings that version to market, it could compete directly with heavy-duty diesel utes.

Price Pressure

BYD Australia's former importer EVDirect admitted in February 2025 that headquarters was pushing for price increases. CEO David Smitherman said the company was trying to hold the $57,900 price point, but it wasn't easy. “I think we're under pressure to put the price up, that's for sure. But at this point we're trying to hold that, and that's not easy.”

The Shark 6 Premium is currently offered at $57,900 driveaway in some states, a saving of $1,500 to $4,500 depending on location. That suggests there's room for the Premium price to rise, creating a bigger gap between it and the Dynamic cab-chassis.

When Will It Launch?

BYD hasn't announced an official launch date, but the Redbook listing suggests it's coming soon. The cab-chassis is already on sale in New Zealand, so Australian deliveries could start within weeks.

For fleet buyers and tradies who don't need heated seats or a head-up display, the Dynamic cab-chassis offers the same powertrain and towing capacity as the Premium ute. The $2,000 saving is modest, but it gets you into a plug-in hybrid ute that can run on electric power for daily driving and switch to petrol for longer trips.