Chinese carmaker BYD has revealed full details of its first double-cab pickup, promising heady performance and a stacked spec in return for £47,290.

The Shark is of the plug-in hybrid genus, using a combination of petrol and electrons to deliver a maximum output of 430hp/650Nm and propel it to 62mph in just 5.7sec. Few pickups have ever gone quicker.

Firepower comes from a pair of electric motors – 228hp/310Nm on the front axle and 201hp/340Nm on the rear – and a longitudinally mounted 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine.

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The latter is predominantly employed as a generator, either to feed the motors directly or top up the battery.

If used on its own – such as during high-speed motorway cruising when internal combustion is particularly efficient – it can deliver up to 148hp/240Nm.

Capacity of the accompanying fuel tank is 60 litres, while that of BYD’s Blade lithium iron phosphate battery is 32.2kWh.

Together, that’s enough for 419 miles according to the official figures, with electric-only range pegged at 55 miles.

Quoted combined economy is 80.7mpg, or 29.4mpg with the battery depleted.

A full recharge from 15% takes just over three hours through a three-phase 11kW AC charger.

Using standard 55kW DC setup will get it from 30% to 80% in 21min.

Undercarriage

While the powertrain stats look favourable against diesel-powered rivals, there are some concessions.

For one, the Shark comes in heavy – its 2,710kg kerb weight roughly 700kg up on an Isuzu D-Max.

This, and the choice of double wishbone suspension front and rear, results in an underwhelming 790kg maximum payload and 2,500kg towing capacity.

Consequently, it doesn’t qualify as a commercial vehicle and VAT will remain in the pocket of the taxman.

Though there is just a single trim level, it is rich in standard equipment.

© BYD

Included is a “vehicle-to-load” system that allows up to 6.6kW to be channelled through on-board power sockets to run external devices – whether tools, coffee machine or hairdryer.

Also part of the package are heated and ventilated front “sports” seats clad in faux (vegan, apparently) leather, a 12 speaker Dynaudio sound system and the ability to remotely control cabin temperature prior to getting in.

Then there’s the 10.25in digital instrument panel and head-up display, and a vast 15.6in infotainment screen with wireless phone connection and 360deg cameras.

Orders books are open now, with deliveries due later in the year.