BYD Trinidad Unveils the BYD Shark

Lafast Motors, the official distributor for BYD vehicles in Trinidad, recently unveiled the brand’s latest addition to its lineup, the BYD Shark. This all-new hybrid pickup marks a bold step forward, combining electrified performance with rugged utility.

The Shark is driven by a 1.5L turbocharged engine paired with BYD’s cutting-edge hybrid technology, anchored by their blade battery system. Together, this setup churns out an impressive 321kW and 650Nm of torque, allowing the Shark to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. That’s sports car territory...in a pickup.

Visually, the BYD Shark has a commanding presence. Its design is bold yet refined, with a wide front that features a connected headlight and light bar design, all centered around a prominent BYD emblem. It rides on sturdy 265/65 R18 tyres, ready to tackle everyday roads or weekend adventures.

Step inside, and you’re met with a surprisingly upscale cabin. Leather appointed seats with electronic adjustment and lumbar support offer a premium feel, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel retains physical shortcut buttons, a thoughtful touch in today’s touchscreen heavy world. Tech lovers will appreciate the 10.25-inch LCD infotainment screen, a fully digital gauge cluster, wireless phone connectivity, and more. BYD has also packed the Shark with a suite of safety features to ensure peace of mind for both driver and passengers. Practical touches like generous door pockets round out the well-considered interior.

I had the opportunity to do a ride-along with seasoned rally driver Ryan Peyrau as he put the BYD Shark through its paces on a light off-road course. Despite the rough terrain, the double wishbone suspension (front and rear) soaked up bumps with ease. The approach and departure angles of 31° and 19.3° respectively, gave Ryan the confidence to attack obstacles with precision, while the AWD system kept the Shark planted and composed throughout. We were all impressed, by how capable and balanced the Shark felt.

It would be exciting to properly test the Shark across a broader range of environments, exploring its various drive modes and how it handles the unpredictable situations pickup owners may face.

For now, the BYD Shark has made a strong first impression. It’s fast, refined, and tech-forward, bringing everyday comfort, rugged practicality, and innovative hybrid power into one compelling package.