The LDV D60 is a mid-size SUV built on SAIC Maxus's MERA platform, officially launched in the Chinese domestic market in August 2019 under the "SAIC MAXUS D60" nameplate. As the second SUV offering rolled out under SAIC Motor's MAXUS brand, it was tasked with driving crucial sales breakthroughs in the passenger vehicle segment.
Between 2022 and 2023, the model was marketed in right-hand-drive markets such as Australia as the "LDV D60", forming an integral part of the brand's globalisation strategy. The brand's heritage traces back to the UK-based LDV company and its MAXUS brand founded in 1896, which was acquired by SAIC Motor in 2009 before the establishment of the wholly-owned subsidiary SAIC Maxus in 2011, ensuring technical continuity and brand repositioning.
Dimension-wise, the D60 measures 4,720 mm long, 1,860 mm wide, and 1,736 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,760 mm, placing it firmly in the mid-size SUV category. In China, the D60 was offered via the C2B customisable "Spider Smart Selection" purchasing model; at launch, five recommended variants were introduced, starting with the manual Lexiang Edition at RM99,800 and topping out with the automatic Zunxiang Edition at RM149,800, spanning an overall price range of RM93,800 to RM167,800. Internationally, the vehicle was primarily exported with a 1.5T engine to markets including Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, serving as one of SAIC Maxus's core models for international SUV expansion.
The exterior of the LDV D60 adopts MAXUS's signature "Gathering from Eight Directions" design philosophy. The front fascia centres visually on a large octagonal radiator grille, finished with chrome triangular mesh detailing to enhance depth. It features a split-headlamp setup, with slim upper LED daytime running lights (DRLs) merging into the chrome grille surround, while the lower "fang-style" clusters house matrix LED headlamps. At the rear, a full-width LED light bar is paired with dual twin-exit exhaust finishers and a silver skid plate for a planted, well-layered look. The profile is defined by a sharp character line running from the headlamps to the taillights, complemented by a floating roof design that lends the SUV an athletic stance.
The D60 offers five seating layouts across 5-, 6-, and 7-seater configurations, along with over 100 factory customisation options. The cabin comes in seven colour schemes, with central infotainment touchscreen options ranging from 8.0-inch, 10.4-inch, to 14.0-inch displays. Upholstery choices include genuine leather, synthetic leather, and Alcantara suede combinations, while a two-tone dashboard trim elevates overall cabin quality.
The LDV D60 was offered with several powertrain options across different markets and lifecycle stages. Early models were powered by SAIC's "NetBlue" 1.3T three-cylinder and 1.5T four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines; the 1.3T unit developed 120 kW (approx. 163 PS) and 230 Nm of torque, while the earlier 1.5T version delivered 124 kW (approx. 169 PS) and 250 Nm.
From the 2023 model year onwards, the 1.5T powerplant was uprated to deliver 133 kW (approx. 181 PS) and 285 Nm of torque. Transmission options initially comprised a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which were later superseded across the range by a 7-speed wet DCT, delivering noticeable gains in shift smoothness and long-term reliability. Configured with a front-wheel-drive (FWD) layout, the D60 reaches a top speed of 185 km/h, with a combined NEDC fuel consumption rating of 7.9 L/100 km.
Underneath, the D60 rides on an all-wheel independent suspension setup comprising front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link configuration, offering commendable bump absorption and lateral stability for its segment. The Electric Power Steering (EPS) system and chassis were calibrated by international chassis specialists to strike a practical balance between handling composure and ride comfort. Braking is handled by ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes, complemented by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) to suit everyday urban driving needs.
The D60's cabin emphasises digital connectivity and personalisation. High-spec variants are equipped with a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch portrait-oriented HD infotainment touchscreen, integrating GPS navigation, live traffic updates, Bluetooth telephony, connected services, and over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities. The system runs on the Zebra Zhixing connected OS, jointly developed by SAIC Motor and Alibaba, supporting intelligent voice commands to control in-car functions such as power windows, air conditioning, and media playback.
On the comfort front, a panoramic sunroof comes standard across the entire range to enhance cabin airiness. Higher trims add a Qi wireless smartphone charging pad, 64-colour ambient interior lighting, automatic climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, a hands-free powered tailgate, and a Head-Up Display (HUD), catering comprehensively to the practical needs of family buyers.
In terms of safety, the D60 utilises high-tensile steel extensively throughout its reinforced cage body structure to enhance crash energy absorption. Six airbags (dual front, front side, and full-length curtain airbags) are fitted as standard across the range, alongside ISOFIX child seat anchor points, providing comprehensive occupant protection.
Active safety is bolstered by a Level 2.5 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite, incorporating Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC with Stop & Go), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Auto Brake Hold. Higher-spec variants also feature a 360-degree surround-view camera system and Automated Parking Assist (APA) to ease tight parking manoeuvres.
During its initial domestic launch in China, the LDV D60 drew keen interest thanks to its C2B build-to-order approach, value-for-money pricing, and versatile cabin space; however, its subsequent sales momentum waned, turning the model into a textbook case of critical acclaim failing to translate into showroom success. Full-year sales in 2022 and 2023 languished at the bottom of its segment, with just 347 units delivered in 2023. By early 2024, the vehicle range had been officially marked as discontinued in the Chinese market.
In overseas markets, the D60's positioning and rollout strategy saw significant revisions. Between 2019 and 2020, the brand planned to introduce the D60 as a crucial export model for markets such as Australia, with sales slated to begin in 2020. However, the rollout did not proceed as scheduled; by 2022, local motoring media confirmed that the model would not be introduced to Australia, and in overseas communications from 2025 to 2026, the vehicle is predominantly badged as the "Maxus D60", with the D60 under the LDV nameplate gradually fading from mainstream international markets.
The D60's lukewarm domestic market reception underscores the challenges of transitioning a brand from commercial vehicles into passenger cars, alongside the perils of product homogenisation in China's cutthroat mid-size SUV price war. Nevertheless, the C2B customisation expertise, passenger-oriented platform tuning, and global development know-how accumulated through the D60 have provided vital technical groundwork for the evolution of subsequent MAXUS passenger vehicle models.
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