BYD has confirmed the Mako mid-size plug-in hybrid ute for South American markets, with launch scheduled for September 2026 in Brazil.
The vehicle features a flex-fuel plug-in hybrid powertrain producing 175 kW and offering approximately 100 km of electric-only range.
Production will take place at BYD's Camaçari plant in Bahia, Brazil. BYD Australia is reported to be evaluating the model for potential release in right-hand-drive markets.
The Mako is positioned below the larger Shark 6 and is expected to be branded as Shark 5 in other export markets, including Europe and potentially Australia.
Design and Background
The Mako's design is derived from the BYD Sealion 5 (Song Pro) SUV, with similar front-end styling. Flex-fuel capability allows operation on ethanol, leveraging Brazil's ethanol infrastructure.
Both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations are expected. The vehicle will compete with models such as the Ford Maverick, Ram Rampage, and Fiat Toro in Brazil.
Export versions for Europe (Shark 5) may have a less powerful system (around 160 kW) with up to 90 km electric range.
Market Context
BYD acknowledges that early sales of the Shark ute in Brazil were below expectations, and the Mako's localized design and production aim to better meet local preferences.