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

For those wanting more space than than a LandCruiser 300 Series for a lot less money, the facelifted LDV D90 expected to hit local dealerships in a matter of months.

The facelifted 2023 LDV D90 launched in China this week, and there’s a good chance the new-look four-wheel-drive will make it to Australia next year.

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.

It took roughly five months for the facelifted T60 ute to arrive into Australian dealerships after it was first revealed as the MG Extender in March 2021 – with MG, Maxus, and LDV all owned by Chinese car giant SAIC.

The post New-look 2023 LDV D90 debuts overseas, Australian launch likely appeared first on Drive.

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