Update: Eagle eyed reader Andra suggested the interior picture had been flipped. We took a closer look and agree so we’re flipping it back and so yes it clearly does show a RHD ute! If you think any of the other pictures need to be flipped let us know.
More spy pictures are emerging of the as yet unnamed BYD pickup truck. Most importantly there are pictures indicating that right-hand drive models are already being tested. This means that it will almost certainly be heading to the Australian market and possibly the South African market soon.
Chinese media has been keen on talking about the RHD version of this car being spied but as you will see none of the pictures clearly show the steering wheel on the right. However, if you look at the windscreen wipers, on the near head on spy shot, these appear to be positioned for a car driven from a seat on the right.
BYD has been working on a pickup for several years. I even spied test mules when visiting the factory in November 2022. Patent pictures appeared back in October 2023 and so with the increasing number of spy shots a launch should not be far off with deliveries likely this year. Chinese media claim sales will begin in Australia in the second half of 2024.
Interior shots show a large floating center screen and the center console layout is largely carried over from the Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5 (Leopard 5). This may indicate the pickup is closely related to the FCB Bao 5. The truck will likely feature a head up display and there is speculation that this will be an augmented reality unit from Huawei.
So far there is no definite news on drivetrain but it is expected to be available as both a PHEV and all-electric. Some Chinese sources claim the pickup might gain hydraulic active suspension but this is probably unlikely with it more likely having the DiSus-C rather than DiSus-P as the later system is for BYD’s more high-end models.
The truck has a rugged square look about it with vertical double LED headlights and C-shaped daytime running lights. It will come as a dual-cab five seater.
If the Chinese reports are correct Australians should get an electric ute from BYD soon and we expect a South African bakkie to be not far behind.
