BYD Shark 6 Domestic Version Renamed Leopard, Launch Imminent with Top Speed Boosted to 180 km/h

The plug-in hybrid pickup BYD Shark 6 has officially completed its domestic MIIT filing in China and will enter retail channels under the name "Leopard Shark". This marks the model's first localized launch in the Chinese market following its overseas debut — though pricing and official launch timing remain unannounced.

Dimensions & Platform: Engineered for Off-Road Use

Filing documents confirm the Leopard Shark is built on the brand's proprietary DMO Super Hybrid Off-Road Platform — shared with Leopard's existing rugged SUV lineup. Overall dimensions are 5457 mm (L) × 1971 mm (W) × 1925 mm (H), with a wheelbase of 3260 mm; cargo bed measures 1520 mm (L) × 1530 mm (W) × 515 mm (side wall height), delivering typical utility-pickup loading capability.

Powertrain: Dual Motor + 1.5T Engine, Top Speed Raised to 180 km/h

The domestic version features a 1.5T turbocharged gasoline engine paired with dual permanent-magnet synchronous motors. The engine delivers peak power of 143 kW (net power: 135 kW); front-axle motor peaks at 170 kW (continuous: 80 kW), rear-axle motor at 150 kW (continuous: 70 kW). Combined motor output reaches 320 kW peak, and with refined electronic control calibration, top speed climbs to 180 km/h — a clear 20 km/h increase over the 2025 overseas version's 160 km/h limit.

Specs & Equipment: Balancing Commercial Utility and Off-Road Capability

Filing data shows curb weight at 2710 kg, gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) at 3495 kg, rated payload at 460 kg, and maximum towing capacity at 2500 kg. Approach and departure angles stand at 31° and 22° respectively (departure angle drops to 20° when equipped with dedicated tow hooks). The battery pack uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry supplied by FinDreams Battery; Bosch-supplied ABS ensures braking safety. Exterior personalization options include front fascia trim and optional hand-lettered English badging on the rear.

Strategic Rationale: Export Pressure Spurs Domestic Push

This domestic rollout coincides with a temporary dip in BYD Shark 6 export volumes — industry monitoring shows a 25% year-on-year decline in overseas sales during H1 2026. Analysts view this move as BYD's pivotal step to introduce premium new-energy pickups into the home market via the Leopard brand, aligning with surging domestic demand for versatile new-energy commercial vehicles. Concurrent data reveals Leopard brand sales hit 27,907 units in June 2026 — up 5.9% month-on-month and 47.6% year-on-year — accounting for 1.7% of China's new-energy passenger vehicle market that month.