BYD’s Shark plug-in hybrid pick-up has secured a maximum five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, strengthening its position as a technology-packed alternative to conventional pick-up trucks. The result highlights the model’s crash protection, child safety features and advanced driver assistance systems as BYD continues expanding its European vehicle lineup.
The BYD Shark DMO achieved strong results across all four Euro NCAP assessment categories, including an 86% score for Child Occupant Protection and 87% for Safety Assist. The pick-up also recorded 82% for Adult Occupant Protection and 74% for Vulnerable Road User Protection.
The rating follows an earlier assessment by Australasian safety organisation ANCAP, supplemented by additional evaluations from Euro NCAP.
Euro NCAP highlighted the Shark’s performance in several crash tests, including frontal-offset, full-width frontal and side-impact evaluations. The model also demonstrated effective protection for child occupants, with positive results for the 6- and 10-year-old child dummies in side-impact testing.
Another notable feature is the child presence detection system, which can warn the driver if it detects that a child may have been left inside the vehicle.
The Shark’s driver assistance technology also contributed to its five-star result. Its autonomous emergency braking system performed well when responding to cyclists and showed a good response to motorcyclists, helping the pick-up achieve its 74% score for Vulnerable Road User Protection.
In the Safety Assist category, Euro NCAP recognised the effectiveness of the emergency braking system in responding to other vehicles, alongside the lane-departure support system and speed assistance technology. The latter can automatically adjust the speed limiter based on detected local speed limits.
Beyond its safety credentials, the BYD Shark is designed to combine the practicality of a traditional work truck with the efficiency and comfort associated with electrified SUVs.
Its Super Hybrid DMO powertrain combines two electric motors with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The front electric motor produces 231PS and 310Nm of torque, while the rear motor delivers 204PS and 340Nm.
Combined system output reaches 436PS and 650Nm of torque, allowing the Shark to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 5.7 seconds.
A 32.2kWh BYD Blade Battery supports electric driving, with the manufacturer quoting an electric-only range of up to 90km. With a fully charged battery and a full fuel tank, the plug-in hybrid pick-up offers a combined driving range of up to 419 miles.
The battery is integrated into the vehicle’s ladder-frame platform using BYD’s Cell-to-Chassis technology, which incorporates the battery into the vehicle structure.
The BYD Shark features a double-cab configuration with seating for five, targeting customers who need a versatile vehicle for work, family use and outdoor activities.
Its cabin includes vegan-leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 12-speaker Dynaudio sound system. Technology highlights include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display and a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, voice assistance, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Additional equipment includes a 50W wireless smartphone charger, remote cabin heating and cooling through the BYD app, keyless entry and start, and a 360-degree camera with front and rear parking sensors.
The Shark also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing external electrical devices to draw power from the vehicle through onboard power sockets. This capability adds versatility for work sites, camping trips and other outdoor activities.
The Shark’s result marks the ninth five-star safety rating achieved by BYD since the brand entered the European passenger-car market in 2022, according to the company.
Other BYD models recognised with five-star ratings include the Dolphin Surf, Dolphin, Seal, Seal U DM-i and Sealion 7. The latest result reinforces the brand’s emphasis on combining electrified powertrains with active safety technology and occupant protection.
BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li said the result demonstrates how the company’s research and development capabilities can translate into practical benefits for customers. She also highlighted the Shark’s combination of work-ready capability, SUV-like comfort and electric driving efficiency.
The BYD Shark DMO is available to order in the UK for £47,295, including VAT. With its five-star Euro NCAP rating, high-output hybrid powertrain and extensive standard equipment, the pick-up adds another electrified option to a segment traditionally dominated by diesel-powered models.
