New-look 2023 LDV D90 debuts overseas, Australian launch likely

Badged in its home country as the Maxus Lingdi – which translates as ‘Territory’ – the D90 has received significant changes to its front end, echoing a design LDV debuted on the T60 ute back in 2021.

The Lingdi is believed to share much of its platform and mechanical components with the T60 – in similar way as the Ford Everest is based on the Ranger, the Fortuner is based on the HiLux, and the SsangYong Rexton is based on the Musso – but with the convenience of a covered boot area and the option of up to seven seats.

However, with a length of 5214mm and a width of 2016mm, the LDV Lingdi is longer and wider than the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series – as well as having a 100mm longer wheelbase at 2950mm.

As with the T60, the Lingdi is powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine producing 160kW and 500Nm, but is reportedly aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system to reduce emissions and keep fuel consumption under 10 litres per 100km. A turbo-petrol engine is also said to be on the way.

An eight-speed automatic transmission made by ZF comes as standard on the turbo-diesel, with part-time four-wheel drive and low-range available for off-road duties.

As LDV designs all of its vehicles in left-hand-drive and right-hand-drive, it’s expected to be only a matter of time before the model makes its way to Australia – though a representative wouldn’t say whether the Lingdi was a lock for our market just yet.

“We consider all models that will be made available in right-hand-drive and for our market, but there is nothing specific to confirm at this stage,” a spokesperson for LDV Australia told Drive.