"Old, superseded technology": BYD hammers Toyota hybrids as it prepares to launch its own hybrid ute and SUV to take on the HiLux and RAV4 - and the Chinese brand says it wants Toyota's number-one sales crown!

BYD has fired a not-so-subtle shot at Toyota and its hybrid fleet, describing conventional hybrids as "old and superseded technology" as it prepares to launch its new ute and SUV in Australia.

Toyota is a market leader in hybrid tech, accounting for more than 80 per cent of hybrid sales in Australia. But BYD has had a dig at the "older-style technology hybrids on sale by other brands", suggesting its incoming plug-in hybrid solution is more modern and efficient.

"BYD will be introducing the first of its DM-I Electric Platform Hybrids into the Australian market. These new type of vehicles will be going head-to-head with existing older-style technology hybrids on sale by other brands," the Chinese marque said in a statement.

"With the additional supply chain strength this will enable us to offer more advanced vehicles to customers who in some cases may still be on a waiting list for what we believe is old and superseded technology.

"With the BYD ultra-low emission Electric Platform Hybrids (EPH), these are ground-up electric vehicles with highly advanced dual-motor technology allowing for ultra-low emission petrol drive to facilitate extremely long driving range, eliminating range anxiety whilst still enjoying the benefits of driving an electric vehicle."

The news comes as BYD pulled the covers off a new service centre in Sydney's Mascot, which the brand says will spearhead a massive Australian expansion as it prepares to have four models on sale in 2024.

Billed as a "considerable expansion plan in partnership with local distribution partner EVDirect", BYD says the move will help it reach its ambition of being a top-five brand in Australia – on its way to number one.

BYD says the move will help it reach its ambition of being a top-five brand in Australia – on its way to number one.

"The expansion plans will underpin the lofty goals of BYD to be a top-five brand in Australia with aspirations of reaching the number-one spot," BYD said in a statement.

"The expansion includes the opening of an additional 30 new retail outlets and more service locations within the next 18 months. With this announcement comes the commitment from BYD to hold additional stock of EVs in Australia.

"BYD is demonstrating to be a leader of the EV transition in Australia and this further commitment positions BYD as a company that can supply the increasing demand for electric vehicles with Australia."

The first of BYD's dual-motor hybrids to arrive in Australia will be the long-awaited ute, with EV Direct's Luke Todd telling CarsGuide it will travel 100kms in pure electric mode, or around a 1000kms when the petrol tank and battery are combined.

"For Australia, in my opinion, I'm so happy that we ended up bringing this one first and not the pure electric, which will come probably a year or so later," he says.

The news comes as BYD pulled the covers off a new service centre in Sydney's Mascot, which the brand says will spearhead a massive Australian expansion as it prepares to have four models on sale in 2024.

"It is the best of both worlds – 100kms range on pure electric, and then switch over to the dual-motor technology. So we're going to have a vehicle of circa-1000kms, if not more range, but when you're driving around the city you'll be fully electric."

The same plug-in hybrid technology exists in the brand's U8 luxury SUV - also confirmed for Australia - which is equipped with a mega powertrain. This pairs a small 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with four electric motors - one at each wheel - to deliver a staggering 880kW and 1280Nm.

That's a lot of grunt, and it helps counter the U8's 3.5-tonne weight, with the big SUV capable of clipping 100km/h in a performance-car rivalling 3.6 seconds.

That said, BYD is yet to confirm specifics of the ute's powertrain, though it has confirmed it will feature a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine.