BYD has launched a more powerful version of its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid bakkie in South Africa.

The new Shark 6 Performance produces 350kW and 700Nm of torque.

That makes it more powerful than the Shark 6 Premium, which offers 321kW and 650Nm.

The Premium model had already taken the title of South Africa’s most powerful bakkie from the Ford Ranger Raptor, which produces 292kW and 583Nm.

The Shark 6 Performance can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 5.5 seconds.

That is 0.2 seconds quicker than the Premium and 0.3 seconds faster than the Ranger Raptor.

More power and towing ability

The extra power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.

The Premium model uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine.

Both versions use the same dual electric motor setup.

BYD has also increased the Shark 6 Performance’s maximum braked towing capacity from 2 500kg to 3 500kg.

That makes it better suited to towing boats, caravans, trailers, work equipment and other heavy loads.

The new model also adds Crawl Mode for off-road driving.

BYD said the system automatically manages speed, power delivery and braking on difficult surfaces, allowing the driver to focus on steering.

Up to 80km electric range

The Shark 6 Performance uses the same 29.58kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery.

BYD says it can deliver up to 80km of electric driving on the WLTP cycle.

The battery supports up to 7kW AC charging, allowing a full charge in about five hours.

On DC power, it can charge from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes at up to 55kW.

With a full battery and a 60-litre fuel tank, the bakkie offers a combined WLTP range of up to 640km.

Price and features

Inside, the Performance gets a new column-mounted gear selector on the right side of the steering wheel.

It also gets a larger 15.6-inch infotainment screen, replacing the 12.8-inch display in the Premium.

The system now runs Google Automotive Services, which brings built-in Google Maps and selected Google Play Store apps.

The Shark 6 Performance costs R1 149 000.

The Premium is priced at R989 900, while the Ford Ranger Raptor starts at R1 307 300.

The new model is available in Outback Orange, Obsidian Black, Snowy White and Atlantis Grey.