Upgraded LDV D90 here soon

BY MATT BROGAN | 2nd Dec 2024

LDV has announced significant changes to its seven-seat D90 SUV range, which is due in Australian showrooms within weeks priced from $40,990 drive-away for ABN holders packing a new engine that is both more powerful and more fuel-efficient plus an extra tonne of braked towing capacity.

The newly introduced model will be offered from $43,147 drive-away for retail buyers, or $4210 more than the outgoing D90 Mode (two-wheel drive, petrol). The mid-tier D90 Executive is now available from $47,358 drive-away for retail buyers (an increase of $4211), while the flagship D90 Executive 4WD is priced from $51,042 (or $4210 more than the outgoing model).

In what marks the most significant update to the model since it went on sale locally in 2018, all grades of the simplified three-variant range are equipped with a more powerful turbo-petrol engine mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission (previously a six-speed auto).

LDV’s Blue Core turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol utilises a Miller cycle valve train arrangement to improve combustion efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.

With variable cam timing, the unit is said to output 184kW of power (+24kW) at 5500rpm and 410Nm of torque (+60Nm) 2500-3500rpm while returning combined cycle fuel economy of as low as 9.1 litres per 100km (-1.1L/100km) in two-wheel drive guise and 9.4L/100km (-1.5L/100km) in four-wheel drive format – a reduction of 13.8 per cent.

The model requires 95 RON premium unleaded petrol and features a 75-litre fuel tank. Braked towing capacity increases to 3000kg (+1000kg) with a 300kg tow ball down weight

LDV Australia says a diesel version of the MY25 LDV D90 is under evaluation for the local market but has yet to advise timing. Limited stocks of the outgoing LDV D90 Executive 4WD Diesel remain available priced from $52,095 drive-away.

The MY25 D90 is considered a “major redesign of the original model” and includes new body panels from the front doors forward, fender flares, frontal and rear facias, and a slightly wider and taller stance thanks in part to the new 18-inch alloy wheel and tyre package (with full-size spare).

A more rugged appearance is further imparted by new ‘vertically stacked’ bi-LED headlights and LED taillights.

The now-larger LDV D90 measures 5046mm in length (+41mm), 2249mm in width (+84mm, including mirrors), and 1876mm in height (+1mm), but continues to ride on the same 2950mm wheelbase.

Despite an increased front- (+44mm to 1644mm) and rear track (+44mm to 1664mm), the D90 retains a 12.0 metre turning circle.

Inside is a completely new dashboard with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch widescreen instrument display, standard across all models.

New switchgear, synthetic leather upholstery, Android Auto connectivity, integrated dash cam, lane keeping and lane change assist, anti-dooring assist, and a fatigue monitor also join the line-up.

The features join current standard inclusions like Apple CarPlay connectivity, DAB+ digital radio reception, Bluetooth connectivity, eight-speaker sound, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and ignition, electric folding and heated wing mirrors, multi-zone climate control, steering wheel paddle shifters, USB-A and C charging ports in all seating rows, ventilation outlets in all seating rows, roof rails, side steps, and fender flairs.

The LDV D90 Executive adds to these inclusions with a powered sunroof, powered tailgate, dual wireless device charging pad, LED ambient cabin lighting, a heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rear privacy glass, height and reach adjustable steering column, and eight-way electronic driver seat adjustment with four-way lumbar support.

Finally, the range-topping D90 Executive 4WD gains a four-wheel drive system with Crawl Control, rear and centre differential locks, and multi-mode all-terrain system.

All LDV D90 variants continue to offer an extensive itinerary of standard active and passive safety equipment including six airbags, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, electric park brake, front and rear acoustic parking sensors, hill descent control, hill hold assist, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear-view camera, stability control, traffic sign recognition, and tyre pressure monitoring.

The seven-seat range further offers two ISOFIX (second row outboard positions) and three top-tether child seat mounts (also in the second row).

Available paint hues include Natural White, Metal Ash, Metal Black and Spruce Green. Premium paint colours attract a $500 price premium while two-tone paint adds $2000 to the list price. Two tone hues include Concrete Grey and Natural White, both offered with a contrasting black roof.

LDV backs the D90 with a seven-year / 200,000km warranty and five-year / unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance package.

The first service is due at six months or 5000km (whichever comes first), with routine servicing set otherwise at 12 months or 10,000km (again, whichever comes first).

“We are pleased to finally bring this important model update to Australian customers in time for the summer holiday season,” said LDV Australia general manager Dinesh Chinnappa.

“Australians have a strong sense of adventure and a keen eye for value, and we believe the new LDV D90 ticks both of those boxes.”