BYD plans to add one second ute extends its range and appears to be smaller and more car-like than the existing Shark 6.
These photos were published by a Chinese website AutoHomeand were recorded in South America. While the existing Shark 6 is 5.45m long, the “Baby Shark” is significantly shorter and appears to be around five meters or less long.
The new model also eschews the traditional body-on-frame design of the Shark 6 and instead relies on a unit or monocoque construction typical of passenger cars. In fact, the smaller ute appears to have a double wishbone suspension.
Probably due to its car-based origins, the Baby Shark’s front design is more reminiscent of the Atto 3 EV than the Shark 6 ute.
Previous patent images indicate that the Baby Shark is based on the Song Plus, a pre-facelift version of the SUV we know as the Sealion 6. The Baby Shark and Song Plus appear to be almost identical right down to the B-pillar.
From this point on, the design of the Baby Shark turns towards the Shark 6, particularly in the design of the tub and taillights.
These spy images of the baby shark’s interior confirm our earlier assessment. Although covers cover much of the interior, the air vents, center tunnel, steering wheel, instrument panel and touchscreen appear to have been lifted directly from the Sealion 6.
There is a very healthy market for light vans based on passenger cars in South America, dating back to the 1980s. While the early models were two-door vehicles based on small Polo-sized vehicles, size inflation has crept in over the last decade, so crew cab models are now the norm.
Popular models include the Chevrolet Montana (4.7 m), Renault Oroch (4.7 m), Fiat Toro (4.9 m) and Ram Rampage (5.0 m). Only the old Volkswagen Saveiro with an extended cab manages to be less than 4.5 m long.
The presence of an exhaust suggests that the Baby Shark will have a plug-in hybrid system rather than a pure electric powertrain
It will be interesting to see how competitively priced the new ute will be, especially as none of its local rivals have introduced electrification. The majority use naturally aspirated engines that can run on gasoline or a biofuel blend.
The Baby Shark will likely be made in Brazil to avoid tariffs. In 2021, Ford switched to full importer and closed its factory in the Brazilian state of Bahia, which was subsequently purchased by BYD.
The factory finally reopened in October, although the plant’s restart was delayed due to a police raid in late 2024 in which Brazilian authorities said they rescued 163 Chinese nationals from “slave-like” conditions.
There’s no word yet on whether BYD will offer the Baby Shark outside Latin America, but the earlier patent leak came from Europe. If sold in Australia, it would be a unique offering due to its monocoque construction, smaller size and plug-in hybrid powertrain.
MORE: Explore the BYD showroom
