BYD Shark 6 vs GWM P500
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The GWM P500 wins on money kept: 64% retained after three years vs 53%, worth about R 12 865 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Shark 6 | P500 | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 989 900 | R 799 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 17 302/m | R 13 981/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 73% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 53% | 64% |
| Value after 3 years | R 522 760 | R 509 896 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 467 140 | R 290 004 |
| Value after 5 years | R 375 020 | R 398 772 |
| Our tier | Chinese (new entrant) | Chinese (established) |
BYD Shark 6 →
The Shark 6 brought plug-in hybrid power to the SA bakkie market in April 2025 at R959,900. Its 321kW output outguns every Hilux and Ranger, though towing capacity and off-road hardware trail the established ladder-frame players. It sells in a single Premium specification.
Known for: first plug-in hybrid bakkie in sa
GWM P500 →
GWM's flagship bakkie arrived in August 2024 to fight the Ranger and Amarok on space and luxury rather than just price. Buyers choose between a 2.4 turbodiesel and a powerful petrol hybrid. It is still new to the market, so long-term resale is unproven.
Known for: flagship bakkie spec at mid-range money
Common questions
Which holds value better, the BYD Shark 6 or the GWM P500?
The GWM P500. It keeps about 64% of its price after three years against 53% for the BYD Shark 6, a gap of 11 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The BYD Shark 6 loses about R 467 140 over three years and the GWM P500 loses about R 290 004. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the BYD Shark 6 runs about R 17 302 per month and the GWM P500 about R 13 981, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.