BYD Shark 6 vs smart #1
Two electric cars go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BYD Shark 6 starts from $55,900 before on-road costs, while the smart #1 opens at $54,900. That makes the smart #1 the more affordable entry point by $1,000.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $61,490 and $60,390 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Shark 6 and smart #1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the BYD Shark 6 and 96% for the smart #1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the BYD Shark 6.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. The smart #1 adds a 360-degree camera that the BYD Shark 6 misses.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Shark 6 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen, while the smart #1 gets a 12.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Shark 6 stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L that you will not find on the smart #1. The smart #1 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BYD Shark 6 uses a Hybrid producing 321kW and 650Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout.
The smart #1 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The BYD Shark 6 has the clear power advantage at 321kW vs 200kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 29.6kWh (BYD Shark 6) vs 66kWh (smart #1), giving WLTP ranges of 100km and 420km.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Shark 6 measures 5,457mm long on a 3,260mm wheelbase, 1187mm longer than the smart #1 at 4,270mm (2,750mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Shark 6 generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the BYD Shark 6 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m diameter
Average
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Shark 6) vs 5 years / 150,000km (smart #1). The BYD Shark 6 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Shark 6 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the smart #1 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The BYD Shark 6 and smart #1 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The BYD Shark 6 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Shark 6 and smart #1?
The smart #1 is the cheapest at $54,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Shark 6 by $1,000.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BYD Shark 6 uses the least fuel at 2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Shark 6 and smart #1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The smart #1 has the largest boot at 203L.
Which can tow the most?
The BYD Shark 6 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Shark 6 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Shark 6 makes the most power at 321kW.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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