At BYD Nelson, we’re absolutely thrilled to celebrate a huge milestone: the BYD Shark 6 has been named the 2025 DRIVEN Car Guide New Zealand Car of the Year.
Even better? This marks BYD’s second consecutive win, following last year’s victory with the Sealion 6. For a brand to take the top honour two years in a row is rare — but for BYD, it simply reinforces what our team and customers already know: innovation, efficiency, and outstanding real-world performance are at the heart of everything we do.
The BYD Shark 6 brings the same award-winning thinking as the Sealion 6, but this time it’s redefining one of NZ’s most competitive segments: the ute.
Powered by BYD’s advanced dual-motor off-road (DMO) plug-in hybrid system, the Shark 6 combines:
A large plug-in battery for genuine EV driving
A 1.5L petrol engine acting mostly as a generator
AWD capability
80–100km of electric-only range
DC fast charging compatibility
Up to 800km combined range from a full battery and tank
This means most Shark 6 owners can run daily errands, work trips, and commutes purely on electric power — while still enjoying long-distance freedom for weekends, towing, or roadies around Aotearoa.
The Shark 6 isn’t just efficient — it’s seriously powerful. With a combined output of 321kW, it out-muscles even some of the most well-known utes on the market. Yet what impresses people most is how smooth, refined, and confident it feels on the road.
Customers who have already taken delivery here in Nelson are telling us things like:
“It’s the quietest and smoothest ute I’ve ever driven.”
“The EV range covers almost all my weekday driving.”
“The power outlets are a game changer for work.”
Speaking of power outlets…
One of the most talked-about features is the Shark 6’s Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability.
With six power outlets — three in the tray, two inside, and one via the charge port — the Shark 6 can run tools, appliances, camping gear, or even a coffee machine. And if the battery gets low? The petrol engine can run as a generator to keep everything powered.
Whether you’re on the job site or off-grid for the weekend, it’s an incredibly versatile setup.
This award means a lot to the BYD team globally, but here in Nelson we’re especially proud. We’ve already handed over several Shark 6s, and the feedback has been phenomenal. Our customers are loving the blend of EV efficiency, hybrid convenience, power, and next-level tech.
The Shark 6 isn’t just a ute. It’s the start of a new era for hardworking Kiwis who want capability and sustainability without compromise.
If you haven’t driven one yet, now’s the perfect time.
Book your test drive at BYD Nelson today and see why the Shark 6 is New Zealand’s Best New Vehicle of 2025.
We’d love to show you what all the excitement is about.
Read the original article on Driven Car Guide NZ.