BYD ute spied without camouflage ahead of this year’s launch

The first electrified ute made by BYD has been photographed out in the wild wearing nothing to hide its design.

Images of the yet-to-be-named model were posted on the South Korean website Autospy, showing off its rather boxy appearance that bears little resemblance to other models made by the Chinese carmaker.

While the ute’s ‘BYD’ badges were however covered up in the spy shots, likely in an attempt to disguise its identity, there was no fooling us as the model looks exactly like the computer-generated patent images that were leaked last year.

It’s a design we’re fairly familiar with in New Zealand, not for the fact that it’s a dual-cab ute, but because the BYD’s front end looks a lot like the Ford Ranger’s thanks to its C-shaped daytime running lights and rugged lower bumper.

Also shown are a few angles of the ute’s interior which includes a rotating central infotainment touchscreen and a digital driver’s instrument panel that shows it could travel in excess of 1000km.

Based on the driving range and the glaringly obvious engine symbol on the dash, the model shown is likely the plug-in hybrid variant. That means it features a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to two electric motors, supposedly adding up to a power output of 365kW.

A fully electric version is also due out after the PHEV, but nothing has been said about its technical specifications just yet.

According to reports from across the ditch, the ute has already been seen testing on the streets of Australia, meaning we can expect its launch by the middle of 2024.

Concerning New Zealand availability, Brand Manager of BYD New Zealand Warren Willmot confirmed to Stuff that the ute will arrive here later this year.