BYD has announced it will be adding more features across the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute range.
During a presentation, BYD Australia chief product officer Sajid Hasan announced the Shark 6 would soon receive Google Automotive Services, while an off-road mode launched on the Shark 6 Performance would also be rolled out across the lineup.
“Technology side, we didn’t just sit still. The Premium and the Performance versions will have a new software ecosystem,” Mr Hasan said, revealing that Google Automotive Services would be incorporated into the vehicle’s infotainment system, featuring Google Assistant voice recognition.
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“We’ve launched that on the Sealion 8, which adds a whole suite of additional tech and entertainment that you’ll be able to access in the vehicle by using a Google account, and then you can download further Google apps to watch content on or do [other] things,” he added.
“And this doesn’t require your phone at all, so it’s not Android Auto or [Apple] CarPlay. It’s using the vehicle’s embedded SIM card to access the internet to access these services.”
However, Mr Hasan says it won’t replace BYD’s DiLink infotainment system, but will rather be “a whole other sub-ecosystem” of infotainment.
While the Shark 6 Dynamic will miss out on this Google app integration – helping to add some differentiation between it and the Premium on which it’s based – the Chinese car brand has confirmed both the Dynamic and the Premium will receive Crawl Mode.
Already standard on the new Performance model, Crawl Mode simulates low-range gearing for loose surfaces, reducing throttle sensitivity and improving traction control at lower speeds, and can be used in conjunction with Hill Descent Control.
Crawl Mode also has a tug-of-war function, which can be used to help tow other vehicles out of danger when off-roading, or for those who wish to play the game with another car.
BYD says Crawl Mode will be rolled out via over-the-air updates in the near future.
