BYD Shark 6 vs GWM Canon Alpha: Hybrid Pickups Head-to-Head

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The BYD Shark 6 has been officially launched in Pakistan, marking the country’s first plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) pickup truck. In a segment long dominated by traditional diesel and petrol-powered pickups, the Shark 6 is a game-changer, and it shows that the EV revolution is speeding up in Pakistan.

To see if the BYD Shark 6 lives up to its innovative promise, we’ve placed it head-to-head with its closest international rival, the GWM Canon Alpha, another hybrid contender renowned globally. Although the Canon Alpha is not yet available in Pakistan, GWM recently showcased it at the PakWheels New Expo, hinting at its future potential in the local market. Let’s dive into a comprehensive comparison to find out which pickup truly delivers the best blend of power, efficiency, and tech-savvy features.

Engine and Performance

The GWM Canon Alpha features a conventional hybrid layout, equipped with a 9-speed gearbox, a single electric motor, and a strong towing capability. The BYD Shark 6 features a dual-motor setup that uses BYD’s proprietary Longitudinal EHS system combines the engine and electric motor to work together as a single transmission, without using a traditional gearbox.

Both are AWD hybrids. The BYD Shark 6 uses an electric motor on the rear axle and software to control power to all wheels; it doesn’t have a traditional mechanical link (center driveshaft or center differential) between the axles. The GWM Cannon Alpha, on the other hand, uses a traditional AWD setup, featuring front and rear locking differentials, a low‑range transfer case, and a 9‑speed automatic transmission that integrates the engine and electric motor. Power is delivered mechanically through driveshafts to all wheels.

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Feature GWM Canon Alpha BYD Shark 6
Engine Type 2.0T Gasoline, turbo, hybrid Hybrid: 1.5T + Dual Electric Motors
Combined System Max Power (HP) 402 430
Combined System Max Torque (Nm) 750 650
Transmission 9-speed automatic Longitudinal EHS System
Drivetrain AWD AWD
0-100 km/h Acceleration (s) N/A 5.7
Battery Capacity 37.1KWh 29.58 kWh
Electric Range 110 Km (NEDC Standard) 100 km (NEDC Standard)
Combined Range 880 Km (NEDC Standard) 800 km (ADR 81/02 Standard)
Fuel Economy 58 Km/l 50 Kmpl (when battery = 25%-100%)
Towing Capacity (kg) 3,500 (with brakes), 750 (without) 2,500 (with brakes), 750 (without)

Dimensions

Both vehicles are nearly identical in size and road presence. The Canon’s wheelbase is slightly longer, and its wading depth is 100 mm higher than that of the Shark 6, but its weight and the rest of its dimensions are almost identical.

Feature GWM Canon Alpha BYD Shark 6
Length (mm) 5,445 5,457
Width (mm) 1,991 1,971
Height (mm) 1,924 1,925
Wheelbase (mm) 3,350 3,260
Ground Clearance (mm) 224 230
Wading Depth (mm) 800 700
Turning Radius (m) 6.5 6.75
Kerb Weight (kg) 2,526 2,710
Gross Vehicle Mass (kg) 3,310 3,500

 

Interior Features

Both interiors feature electrically adjustable seats, wireless charging, and extensive infotainment goodies, with BYD offering two extra speakers on the entertainment side. A notable distinction between the two interiors is that the Canon Alpha features partial leather seating, whereas the Shark 6 provides full leather upholstery throughout the cabin.

Feature GWM Canon Alpha BYD Shark 6
Upholstery Partial Leather Artificial Leather
Driver’s Seat Adjustment 8-way electric, with lumbar 8-way electric, with lumbar
Passenger Seat Adjustment 6-way electric 4-way electric
Seats Comfort Massage, Ventilation Ventilation, Heated
Infotainment Screen 14.3-inch 15.6-inch rotating
Speakers 10 Infinity Speakers 12 Dynaudio Premium
Digital Instrument Cluster 12.3” 10.25”
Wireless Charger Yes Yes 
Rear USB/Power Yes Yes
AC Zones Dual zone, rear vents Dual zone, rear vents
Keyless Entry/Start Yes Yes

 

Exterior Features

Both vehicles present comprehensive exterior lighting and good electrical features in side mirrors, both have the same rim sizes, but Canon takes the lead in front headlamps due to the auto high-low feature.

Feature GWM Canon Alpha BYD Shark 6
Headlamps Intelligent LED, auto high-low LED, manual height adjust
DRL, Tail Lamps, Fog Lamps LED LED
Wipers Rain sensing Rain sensing
Side Mirrors Electric, heated, retractable Electric, heated, retractable
Roof Rails Yes Yes
Power Tailgate Yes Not stated
Wheels 18” alloy 18” alloy
Tyre Size 265/60 R18 265/65 R18

 

Safety Features

Both trucks deliver a robust suite of advanced safety features, including AEB, 360° cameras, and lane support systems. Overall, both pick-ups come equipped with fully loaded, advanced safety features that you can expect from an upper-budget vehicle.

Feature GWM Canon Alpha BYD Shark 6
Airbags 6 Airbags 6 Airbags
ISOFIX Child Seats Yes Yes
360° Camera Yes Yes
Parking Sensors Front/rear Front/rear
Adaptive Cruise Control Yes Yes
Lane Keep/Lane Departure Yes Yes
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)/ Front Collision Warning (FCW) Yes Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring Yes Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert/Brake Yes Yes
Driver Fatigue Monitor Yes Yes
TPMS Yes Yes
Hill Descent/Hill Start Assist Yes Yes
Electronic Stability/Traction Yes Yes

Both the GWM Canon Alpha and BYD Shark 6 deliver impressive technology, safety, and comfort. The Canon Alpha is not yet available in Pakistan, although GWM showcased it at the PakWheels New Expo, hinting at future possibilities. Meanwhile, the BYD Shark 6 has officially arrived, marking its territory as Pakistan’s first-ever plug-in hybrid pickup truck.

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