SAIC MAXUS Lingdi

Model Overview

The SAIC MAXUS Lingdi is a mid-to-large-size rugged ladder-frame SUV under the SAIC MAXUS banner. Officially launched in November 2022, it marks a significant strategic push by SAIC MAXUS into the hardcore off-road SUV segment. The Lingdi is available in both diesel and petrol powertrain options; the diesel version was initially launched with a price tag ranging from RM228,800 to RM279,800; in June 2023, the petrol line-up debuted with three variants—Elite, Luxury, and Flagship—priced between RM199,800 and RM255,800. The SUV is offered in 5-seater, 6-seater, and 7-seater configurations, going head-to-head with segment rivals like the Lynk & Co 09, Exeed VX, and Beijing BJ60.

Design Language

The Lingdi sports an aggressive, utilitarian design language, anchored by an imposing polygonal smoked front grille with an intricate criss-cross black mesh insert. The leading edge of the bonnet proudly displays the "MAXUS" lettering, flanked by split LED headlamps and a mecha-styled front bumper that gives it an edgy, rugged road presence. Moving to the sides, the SUV incorporates a floating roof design, paired with chunky off-road wheel arch claddings and ruggedised side skirts for a muscular, robust stance. At the rear, it gets full-width LED tail lamps, a dual-exit exhaust setup, and a large recessed trapezoidal number plate recess, delivering a well-defined, layered look. Dimension-wise, the Lingdi measures 5,046 mm long (5,214 mm with the optional tow hitch module), 2,016 mm wide, and 1,876 mm tall, with a generous 2,950 mm wheelbase. Wheel options include 18-inch and 20-inch alloy rims, with the 18-inch units available with all-terrain (AT) tyres. Exterior colour choices include Pearl White, Metallic Black, and Metallic Grey, with the Luxury and Flagship trims further offering Competitive Orange, Spruce Green, and dual-tone exterior schemes.

Inside, the Lingdi features a rugged-themed cabin with a symmetrical T-shaped dashboard layout. Tech duties are handled by a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster alongside a 12.3-inch floating infotainment touchscreen. Transmission controls are managed via a steering column-mounted gear stalk. The seats boast diamond-quilted upholstery, while higher-spec variants add premium creature comforts including heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, 64-colour ambient lighting, tri-zone automatic climate control, a JBL sound system, and an Alcantara headliner. The interior is available in solid Black or a two-tone Brown and White finish.

Powertrain & Performance

The Lingdi offers a choice between petrol and diesel powertrains. The petrol version is powered by SAIC's "3rd-generation NetBlue NF2" 2.0-litre turbocharged high-output petrol engine, kicking out 192 kW (approx. 261 PS) and 410 Nm of torque. The diesel variant features a 2.0-litre SAIC π Bi-Turbo twin-turbodiesel engine, previously recognised as one of the 2020 "China Heart" Top Ten Engines. It generates 160 kW (approx. 218 PS) and a hefty 500 Nm of torque. The diesel mill also integrates a 48V mild-hybrid system (SAIC MAXUS Xuanyuan Power technology) utilising a Valeo 48V BSG motor. Both engines come mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. The diesel model achieves 0-50 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, completing the century sprint (0-100 km/h) in under 9 seconds. The petrol version delivers a WLTC combined fuel consumption rating of 10.9 L/100 km. Fitted with a 75-litre fuel tank, it offers a total cruising range exceeding 1,000 km on a full tank. It runs on RON 92 petrol. The SUV also boasts a 2,500 kg braked towing capacity.

Chassis & Handling

Underneath, the chassis is a key highlight of the Lingdi. Built on a heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis, it is paired with a purpose-built off-road suspension setup. Up front is a double-wishbone independent suspension, while the rear features a heavy-duty 5-link live axle suspension. For off-road traction, the Lingdi comes standard with a BorgWarner part-time 4WD system, with selected top-tier trims packing "triple differential locks" (centre, rear axle, and front axle differential locks). Engaging 4L (low-range 4WD) provides a 2.64:1 torque multiplication. It also features the ATS 2.0 All-Terrain System, offering up to 10 preset terrain modes and 27 selectable driving combinations. Off-road credentials include an approach angle of 28°, a departure angle of 26°, a minimum ground clearance of 230 mm, and a maximum water-wading depth of 800 mm. Steering is managed by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Stopping power comes from ventilated disc brakes all around, supported by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold. It rides on 265/60 R18 tyre specifications.

Cabin & Features

On the tech front, the Lingdi comes equipped with the Spider Link 2.0 operating system integrated with Tencent TAI intelligent infotainment. The system supports Tencent Maps navigation, Internet of Vehicles (IoV) connectivity, voice command recognition, smartphone mirroring, and onboard multimedia streaming apps. Dual-screen interplay is seamlessly integrated between the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the 12.3-inch centre touchscreen. Convenience features include a 15W wireless smartphone charging pad, sensorless Bluetooth digital key, and a panoramic glass sunroof. Cabin-wise, the 2,950 mm wheelbase translates into vast interior room—offering 850 mm of effective second-row legroom and 780 mm for the third row. Even with all seats in place, the boot can swallow three 20-inch luggage bags; folding down both the second and third rows expands the cargo area to a cavernous 2.3 m × 1.5 m flat deck with up to 2,400 litres of volume. Practicality is further enhanced by 14 dedicated storage compartments spread across 9 cabin zones.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety-wise, the Lingdi comes equipped with front dual airbags, front side airbags, and full-length curtain airbags. For active safety, it gets a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), with Level 2+ available as an option on selected variants. Key driver aids include Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC with Stop & Go from 0-130 km/h, capable of auto-resuming follow within 3 minutes of stopping), Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR), Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), and Door Opening Warning (DOW). The SUV also incorporates a 540° panoramic surround-view monitor (including a transparent chassis underbody view), allowing drivers to toggle multiple viewing angles and eliminate blind spots entirely. Furthermore, the Lingdi includes an "Off-Road Expert Mode" that feeds real-time driving data such as altitude, ambient temperature, pitch and roll angles, and transmission oil temperature.

Market Performance & Overview

Since its debut, the Lingdi has seen relatively muted sales performance. In October 2024, monthly sales stood at 31 units, bringing cumulative year-to-date sales to 181 units by October; total full-year sales in 2025 hovered around 389 units. Consumer feedback highlights its cavernous cabin space and bold styling as major strong points. Owners have praised its generous kit list, effortless adaptive cruise control on long hauls, and confident off-road capability courtesy of its high ground clearance; on the flip side, complaints have surfaced regarding sluggish infotainment OTA updates, NVH body resonance in select units, and front axle oil seepage. Overall, armed with key selling propositions such as a ladder-frame chassis, part-time 4WD with "triple locks", a 2.0T bi-turbodiesel with 48V mild hybrid tech, an ultra-long 2,950 mm wheelbase, and Level 2 ADAS, the Lingdi carves out a distinctive niche in the RM200,000 to RM280,000 large off-road SUV segment. However, hampered by brand visibility, dealership and aftersales network reach, and stiff market competition, there remains substantial room for improvement in its sales traction.