The next vehicle I’m reviewing is a little different, because I’ll admit — I might be a bit biased. This one’s actually my own car: the BYD Shark!
When I ordered my Shark back in November 2024, there wasn’t a BYD dealership in Darwin yet, so I had to take the plunge without a test drive. However, we always recommend doing a test drive if it’s available. Thankfully, that’s changed now — there’s finally a local dealership, so anyone considering one can take it for a spin before committing. I bet you’ll love it as much as I do!
First Impressions
When we first picked up our car, my husband and I were both surprised by how big it is. It’s much larger in person than we expected! The next thing that really stood out was how quiet it is.
The 1.5L turbo high-power hybrid system makes the drive incredibly smooth and nearly silent compared to any other ute out there. It also gives us around 800 km of combined range (around 100 km electric-only) — fantastic for long drives or our weekly trips to school and work.
Charging the car is super easy — just plug it in overnight, and you’re good to go in the morning. It’s simple, convenient, and fits perfectly into our daily routine.
Being a plug-in hybrid means you can enjoy electric-only short trips (for lower running costs) while still having the petrol backup for long drives or remote adventures.
Technology & Features
My absolute favourite feature has to be the 360-degree surround-view camera — and the 3D camera too. Parking this big vehicle is a breeze, even in tight spaces. The image quality is clear, sharp, and super responsive — honestly, the best I’ve seen in any car.
The large rotating touchscreen is another standout. Both the main and driver displays are fully customisable, and my kids love changing wallpapers and settings.
Front and rear parking sensors work seamlessly, clearly showing how close you are to any obstacles — perfect for city driving or off-road exploring.
Safety & Driver Assist
The Shark comes packed with a comprehensive safety suite, including:
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
These systems add a lot of peace of mind, especially when driving a larger vehicle.
Comfort & Interior
The interior feels incredibly comfortable and spacious. The synthetic leather seats are well made, and the finishes feel premium. I especially love the ventilated cooling seats — ideal for the Darwin build-up or after a good workout, I use these all the time. You can even turn them on with voice activation, which is such a cool touch, literally!
There are plenty of cup holders (two in front, two in the back), plus rear air-conditioning vents and charging points — essentials for family trips.
Practicality
We added the manual Tonneau cover, and I’m so glad we did. It’s perfect for storing the camping and fishing gear. Or esky & trolly for the adventures to the water park with the kids. Especially useful now that the wet season is here, keeping everything nice and dry.
There are also three 230V outlets in the tray, which are great for charging tools or powering up the camping gear.
Towing Capacity
Although very capable, the towing capacity (2,500 kg) is slightly less than some diesel rivals, but it’s perfect for our family and city driving. Towing isn’t something we need, so this suits us perfectly.
Value for Money
At around $60,000, I think the BYD Shark offers excellent value for money. You get an impressive mix of technology, comfort, safety, and practicality for the price.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the BYD Shark has exceeded my expectations. It’s a stylish, comfortable, and tech-packed hybrid ute that’s perfect for families, adventurers, and anyone who wants something a little different from the usual diesel options.
Salary Packaging
Of course, I also salary package my Shark to make the most of the available benefits — it’s a smart way to save on running costs and tax. If you’d like to learn more about how salary packaging could work for you, reach out to our friendly team. We’d love to help you get behind the wheel of your car of choice!
