BYD’s flagship electric SUV enters the market with specifications that raise eyebrows among even the most seasoned automotive journalists.
“They’ve essentially thrown down the gauntlet to everyone–Tesla for technology, Land Rover for off-road capability, and BMW for luxury,” remarked James Thornton, our senior test engineer, as he walked around the vehicle during our first check-over.BYD’s flagship electric SUV entered the market with specifications that raised eyebrows among even the most seasoned automotive journalists boasting a claimed 620km range, advanced terrain management systems, and its proprietary Blade Battery technology, the Shark 6 seemed determined to devour both established luxury EVs and traditional off-roaders in one appetizer.
“They’ve essentially thrown down the gauntlet to everyone – Tesla for technology, Land Rover for off-road capability, and BMW for luxury,” commented our senior test engineer James Thornton as he circled the vehicle with me when we did an initial check.
BYD’s flagship electric SUV comes to the market with specs that raise eyebrows even among the most jaded automotive journalists.
Initial Impressions Look GoodOur first day with the Shark 6 involved ordinary road testing, where it passed through our evaluation process with aplomb.
The instantaneity of torque from both motors (combined 510 horsepower) proved to be a great high-adrenaline experience when accelerating, and the battery management system maintained consistent high power even when repeatedly tested.
“This isn ‘ t anything like the Chinese cars we’ ve seen,”Powertrain editor Sarah Mitchell remarked.
In addition to giving the batteries a full workout, we found the power distribution to be unexpectedly sophisticated on all surfaces, especially when loose.
But the cabin, too, was an impressive and thoughtful piece of work from Wolfsburg with materials intelligent although falling down somewhat short for German luxury class – but showing some good ergonomic features and integration of genuinely useful technology.
The Beer O’Clock Hill Challenge
For evidence, look no farther than day two as we pointed the Shark toward Beer O’Clock Hill – a place with a name derived from weary riders who were looking for some relief after climbing its rough, rocky slopes and rugged obstacles.
“It ‘ s not a supremely tough test off-road, but it ‘ s perfect in this category,”The off-road evaluator Michael Davis put things in perspective.
At first things were starting to look promising, with the Shark’s terrain management system quickly adapting to the more rugged conditions ahead.
The air suspension – something previously rare in Chinese cars – raised the ride height effectively as I selected “Off-Road” on its 15-inch center touchscreen display which was almost overwhelming with options.
When Technology Meets Terrain
The first inklings of trouble started to descend upon us as we began the actual ascent into Beer O’Clock Main Trail, most famous of all trails on this hill.
Despite the best electronic terrain management system yet, the Shark’s considerable weight – a common failing for batteries-only powered electric vehicles – was beginning to count against it on surfaces that loosened up and ruts deepened.
“This is when you can almost hear all the computers just going nuts,” Davis pointed out, as all four wheels spun furiously in an effort to find grip on the broken granite face.
What happened next highlighted both the advantages and limitations of highly computerized off-road systems.
When the Shark 6 encountered a particularly challenging section with cross-axle ruts, its systems kicked into protection mode. It substantially reduced power to prevent damage to the electrical components.
“Here’s where it gets tricky for EVs, juggling performance with self-protection,” came Thornton’s insight.
“Traditional off-roaders might overheat things, yet still chuck power out. The Shark is saving its expensive systems from abuse, which makes economic sense yet is a straightjacket in these scenarios.”
Thermal Management Challenges
After an unsuccessful first attempt, the systems were left to sit for a while before they were approached again with slightly different lines through obstacles.
This time we were able to make it to about 70 percent of the way up the trail before once again having to pull over because thermal management systems were fighting a losing battle with such sustained high output requirements.
“This isn’t just a BYD problem,” Davis put it into context.
“In other electric off-roaders as well, we’ve had similar issues. The combination of heavy batteries, high power demands for long periods and poor cooling when crawling slowly are creating a perfect storm for EV off-road use.”
The real shame was that the vehicle’s systems apparently had no means of telling us what was actually going on. So instead we had to guess at the limitations.
The splendid 15-inch display continued showing off-road angles and wheel articulation data but gave no heads-up whatsoever on forthcoming power limits until they were actually in effect.
Redemption on the Return Journey
Not everything was disheartening, however.
On the return trip, we found that Shark 6’s regenerative braking worked wonders in keeping control down steep slopes: arguably better than your old-fashioned engine braking is ever going to do for many ICE off-roaders.
According to Mitchell,”With this cellar model of regenerative braking there is an almost totally controlled drop
that hardly even uses the friction brakes.”
The lightness of some of the sections here allows EV architecture to shine clearly.
The Shark displayed impressive abilities in terms of water fording when it crossed a stream, with tight battery and electronic components that mean a claimed wading depth of 600mm (and we have not seriously had any trouble proving this).
A Live One but Not for Champions
Our Beer O’Clock Hill outing with the The The BYD Shark 6 disclosed a car of ill-concealed stiletto be strives that was so has not yet succeeded in resolving all the questions it sets itself.
In daily driving or for simple off-pavement forays, the NO. 6 Shark is borrowed time from an unknown brand which just five years ago few Australian’s new existed at all.
“It’s a matter of perspective”, Thornton echoed as we returned to base camp.
“Only a few years ago, Chinese electric cars were not taken more seriously than a joke But now they have come up with models able to take 80% of what every manufacturer does – and without doubt at prices which are much lower. And we cannot but predict that look out for the next generation; another big step will no doubt be under way.”
Yet for those who have true four-wheeling expeditions in mind, this may not quite be the time: they can wait until electric off-roaders the second generation comes along – or just keep chugging away with that proven diesel 4x 4 as they take on their most challenging trails.
