BYD testing smaller ‘Baby Shark’ ute in South America

BYD appears set to expand its ute line-up with a second, smaller model spotted testing in South America, positioned beneath the Shark 6 and aimed at the region’s compact pickup segment.

Images published by Chinese outlet AutoHome show the yet-to-be-named ute wearing blue camouflage during on-road testing. The model, informally dubbed the “Baby Shark”, adopts more crossover-like styling than the larger Shark and sits on a unibody architecture rather than a body-on-frame platform. Its proportions place it alongside established South American compact utes including the Fiat Toro, Chevrolet Montana and Ram Rampage.

The smaller ute had previously appeared in patent applications. The latest sightings suggest a footprint of around five metres, notably shorter than the 5.45-metre Shark, with a front end aligned to BYD’s earlier Dragon Face design language and overall styling reminiscent of the Sealion 6.

Under the skin, the model is understood to share key foundations with the pre-facelift BYD Song Plus — sold locally as the Sealion 6 — including much of the front bodywork. The rear tub and tail-light treatment appear closer to the Shark, blending elements from both vehicles.

Interior images circulating online point to further component sharing. The dashboard layout, touchscreen, steering wheel, vents and centre console closely resemble the Sealion 6, indicating the smaller ute will be priced below the Shark as BYD looks to broaden its appeal in the region.

Unlike the plug-in hybrid Shark, which pairs a 1.5-litre engine with twin electric motors producing 321kW, the Baby Shark is expected to use simpler combustion-based hardware. Spy photos show an exhaust outlet on the prototype, with reports suggesting petrol or ethanol-compatible engines, and potentially a lower-cost hybrid option.

South America’s strong market for compact, passenger-car-based pickups makes the region a logical target for the new model. BYD is expected to produce the ute at its Brazilian plant — the former Ford facility it acquired in 2024 — allowing it to avoid import tariffs.

Whether the Baby Shark will be offered outside Latin America is not confirmed. Patent filings originating in Europe indicate BYD is considering a wider rollout, though no markets have been publicly named. A compact, monocoque-based ute with optional electrification would be a distinctive entrant in markets such as Australia and New Zealand if it were to be introduced.