BYD Shark 6 SUV 2027: Toyota Prado and Ford Everest-style rival sidestepped to protect Denza B5 and B8

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BYD has confirmed it’s unlikely it will introduce an SUV version of the Shark 6 dual-cab ute as it could risk compromising its emerging Denza sibling brand in Australia.

Launching only a few months ago with B5 and B8 large SUVs, Denza has set its sights on establishing itself in the luxury segment in the same way BYD is targeting the mainstream.

Speaking at the launch of the updated Shark 6, Sajid Hasan, who serves as the chief product officer at both BYD and Denza, told Chasing Cars he wouldn’t rule out an SUV-style Shark 6 like the Ford Everest or Toyota Prado in the future, but said it was unlikely for the time being.

“There’s the potential for a [Shark 6 SUV] to compete too closely with the B5 and B8, and that’s something that we’re not looking to do,” he said.

“The Denza B5 and B8 are really important models for the Denza brand, from not just a brand-building perspective but from a sales volume perspective and for their [dealer] network.”

“But I think that an opportunity like that already exists with B5 and B8, and the value equation you’re getting with B5 is already really strong.”

Although offering a similar pitch with plug-in hybrid drivetrains and tech-filled interiors at the forefront, the B5 is notably limited to five seats when many large SUVs offer seven – and it’s also considerably more expensive.

Though well-priced for a luxury-pitched SUV, the B5’s entry figure of $74,990 plus on-road costs is well north of a BYD Shark 6 Premium ($57,900) and likely out of reach for some BYD buyers. To get seven seats with genuine off-road capability, buyers will need to stretch to the entry-level B8 ($91,000 before on-road costs).

These price points are also far above the entry price of well-established nameplates such as the Ford Everest ($58,990) and Isuzu MU-X ($49,900).

A BYD-branded Shark 6 SUV would be more likely to start around $61,000, though it would need to forgo niceties such as the Denza’s more high-performance drivetrain and long interior feature list to reach this level.

Cheaper Denza B5 more likely than Shark 6 SUV

Hasan told Chasing Cars at the launch of the Denza B5 and B8 earlier this year that his team worked hard to bring down the price point of its two core models so it could effectively cut through in the already saturated large SUV market – but he’s now suggested the B5’s entry price could come down even further if needed.

“We could look at expanding that line-up and reassessing the grade strategy, the price points and all those things are possible,” he said.

As standard, the B5 is equipped with locking front and rear differentials, genuine leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable front seats and a 16-speaker stereo – all niceties which could potentially hit the chopping block to bring prices down further.