New LDV T60: Aussie pricing and specs

LDV Australia has launched its new LDV T60 Max that’s headlined by a 160kW biturbo diesel engine fitted standard across the Chinese brand’s 4x4 dual-cab ute range.

Replacing the previous 2.8-litre single-turbo oiler, the new 2.0-litre engine confirms the 2021 LDV T60 Max as Australia’s most powerful four-cylinder turbo-diesel ute, outgunning – on paper at least – top-selling rivals like the Ford Ranger Bi-Turbo (157kW) and Toyota HiLux (150kW), while equalling them for maximum torque.

The engine is based on the D20 unit currently powering the seven-seat LDV D90 SUV, but in the T60 Max the engine produces 20Nm more torque – 500Nm from 1500-2400rpm.

It’s a significant step up from the 110kW/360Nm of the previous LDV T60 range or the 120kW/375Nm in limited-edition LDV T60 Trailrider 2 guise.

The new engine comes with the choice of an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission in addition to a six-speed manual, with a four-model line-up comprising the base-spec LDV T60 Max Pro (auto or manual) and flagship LDV T60 Max Luxe (auto or manual).

The long-wheelbase T60 ‘Mega Tub’ is not yet available, but LDV Australia says the model will return to the T60 Max line-up shortly and is currently in the final stages of development.

LDV quotes fuel consumption figures of 9.2L/100km for manual variants and 9.3L/100km for autos. That compares with 8.8L/100km and 9.6L/100km respectively for the outgoing T60, while fuel tank capacity has dropped slightly from 75 litres to 73L.

Despite the higher output, the T60 continues with a 3000kg maximum towing limit – 500kg under that of most rivals but matching that of the GWM Ute.

And while the LDV T60 Max range remains far more affordable than most of its non-Chinese competitors, pricing has increased by $5000 across the board.

The line-up now starts from $33,990 for the entry-level LDV T60 Max Pro manual and tops out at $40,490 for the LDV T60 Max Luxe automatic (drive-away pricing for ABN holders).

The ZF eight-speed auto adds $2000 over the manual.

Available only in a 4x4 dual-cab ute format with rear tub, the LDV T60 Max’s body essentially carries over, with the same dimensions, ground clearance and off-road geometry.

While visually falling a little short of the striking ‘Maxus’ concept ute shown in China in mid-2020, the new T60 Max range features refreshed styling with a new larger grille with horizontal louvres, slimmer LED headlights, a new front bumper and a new plastic moulding on the tailgate emblazoned with ‘T60 MAX’.

Visually distinguishing it from the T60 Max Pro, the T60 Max Luxe comes with a dark front grille and chrome side mirror caps.

Inside, the old 10-inch multimedia touch-screen has made way for a larger 10.25-inch unit with higher-quality display and an updated electronic architecture, with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The heating and cooling controls have been redesigned, and now sit just below the multimedia display, while in auto models the gear shift has a new design that closely resembles that found in the D90.

Climate control and (non-adaptive) cruise control are standard across the range, while Luxe variants add keyless entry/start, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, auto-folding side mirrors and leather-trimmed seating with six-way electronic adjustment and seat heating for the driver and front passenger.

All variants receive a spray-in bed liner and four tie-down anchor points, but the predecessor’s roof rails have been dropped from the line-up, as have side steps and the sport bar.

The new line-up continues with the predecessor’s safety package, spanning staples like stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, auto headlights/wipers and six airbags, with Luxe variants also receiving lane departure warning and a 360-degree panoramic camera.

Other standard features include tyre pressure monitoring, fatigue alert, LED lighting with LED daytime running lights, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors, but the T60 Max misses out on semi-autonomous driving aids such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

The ladder-frame chassis continues, with double-wishbone front and leaf-spring rear suspension in two states of tune – ‘heavy-duty’ for the T60 Max Pro and ‘comfort’ for the T60 Max Luxe.

There’s rack-and-pinion hydraulic power steering (and a 12.6m turning circle), along with disc brakes at all four corners and 17-inch alloy wheels fitted across the range with 245/65R17 highway tyres.

Gross vehicle mass is 3050kg for Pro variants and 2900kg for Luxe variants, with kerb weights ranging from 2115kg to 2150kg.

The ute’s maximum payload limit has fallen, to 935kg for the Pro manual (down 90kg), 925kg for the Pro auto (down 70kg), and 750kg for both Luxe variants (down 65kg).

All LDV T60 Max variants have a BorgWarner ‘Intelligent Real-Time on Demand’ system said to direct torque where it’s needed most to enhance traction.

With a part-time four-wheel drive system with dual-range transfer case, drivers can select from two-wheel drive high-range, four-wheel drive high range or four-wheel drive low range.

Hill descent control is standard across the line-up, while Luxe variants also receive an electro-hydraulic locking rear differential.

The new LDV T60 Max range is backed by a five-year/130,000km factory warranty, with complimentary roadside assistance over that period.

Sydney-based importer and distributor Ateco Automotive currently lists 96 LDV dealers within its network, with representation in every Australian state and territory, and says it will announce a capped-price servicing scheme for the T60 Max in the near future.

Read our review of the new LDV T60 Max here.

How much does the 2021 LDV T60 Max cost?
Pro manual – $33,990
Pro auto – $35,990
Luxe manual – $38,490
Luxe auto – $40,490
* Drive-away pricing for ABN holders

Related: Upgraded LDV T60 ute to pack 160kW twin-turbo diesel