Last year we bought a BYD Shark ute to see how well the Chinese-made plug-in hybrid would perform in the real world.

To put it to the test, we planned a trip across the Simpson Desert – an iconic 4×4 adventure that sits on the bucket list of many Australian four-wheel drivers, if they haven’t done it already. To get it ready for the trip, we kitted it out with off-road hardware from some of our most trusted aftermarket suppliers before pointing it west.

Our BYD is now heading over the block at Slattery Auctions, but before it goes to a new owner, we’ll take a look at what was involved in the build and how it all performed.

Toughening it up with Ironman 4×4

First stop for the Shark was the team at Ironman 4×4 headquarters in Dandenong South. Ironman partnered with BYD long before the Shark was launched to develop a range of accessories to improve the capability of the ute in the Aussie bush, so the team had exactly what we needed. 

For improved frontal protection, the crew fitted an Ironman Raid replacement front bumper, featuring a top hoop with an integrated light bar, cube side lights, a powder-coated finish, underbody protection and a pair of front 2.5-tonne-rated recovery points – which proved essential once the Shark hit the desert dunes. The Raid bar is winch-compatible and constructed from 4mm aluminium to keep weight down, and is ADR-compliant and crash-tested.

For added ground clearance and improved ride and control, an Ironman IM 2.5 ‘Heavy’ suspension kit was installed, comprising Ironman’s latest monotube shocks and matching raised coil springs. This resulted in a 30mm increase in ground clearance and improved driving both on- and off-road. It wasn’t available at the time, but in the months since our install, Ironman 4×4 has released a GVM upgrade suspension kit for the Shark, increasing payload from 790kg to 1140kg.

Rear-end set-up tailored for desert exploration

Rear-end protection came by way of a Hayman Reese X-Bar, with the added benefits of three built-in rated recovery points as well as an integrated tow hitch. 

The Shark was starting to look more suited to the desert travel we had planned. It looked more purposeful again once we bolted on a set of Raceline alloy wheels wearing 285/60R18 Cooper Discoverer AT3 tyres. Not only did the bigger wheels and tyres look the part, but with their LT construction and rugged tread, they were less prone to damage and better suited to off-road desert conditions, where we were running lower tyre pressures for the sandy tracks.

A matching wheel and tyre wouldn’t fit under the back in the standard location, so it was strapped up top on a Rola Titan Tray roof rack, along with extra fuel cans, a set of Maxtrax and an Ironman awning.

Our good friends at MSA hadn’t seen a BYD Shark before we invited them on board, so they flew down to Melbourne with a toolbox and a truckload of MSA gear to see what would fit. It was no trouble for them and, in just a few hours, the Shark had a set of full-length MSA aluminium roller drawers installed, along with a drop slide to carry a dual-zone Evakool fridge.

While the Evakool fridge kept food and drinks at the right temperature, the drop slide made it easy to access over the tailgate. The MSA drawers are silent warriors, holding anything and everything securely inside while still being easy to access when needed.

Keeping everything in the back of the Shark secure and protected from the elements, the team at Ultimate Offroad fitted a Centurion canopy from Utemaster to the top of the BYD tub. The tough but good-looking Centurion canopy protects the contents of the ute while offering easy access via three large opening doors, making it quick and convenient to access gear wherever you take it.

Simpson Desert adventure

With our LandCruiser 79 along for support, the Shark left the security of the suburbs for the Australian outback, reaching the western edge of the Simpson Desert via Mt Dare.

Loaded with extra fuel and supplies, the two vehicles entered the dunes and it soon became obvious that the BYD would struggle when cresting the softer sand dunes. Using Icom UHF radios between the two vehicles and a Maxtrax recovery kit, the Cruiser helped it over when needed. 

The real challenge came when it was time to cross Eyre Creek, which was flowing after recent rain in the desert. With the Cruiser and a recovery strap on standby, the BYD made the crossing.

With thanks

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