The 2024 LDV T60 Max Plus is the latest addition to the ever-expanding ute lineup in Australia, designed to deliver improved on-road comfort, increased capability, and more wow-factor inside compared with the existing T60 range.
LDV has enjoyed decent success with the T60 since it launched in Australia about seven years ago. According to VFACTS new vehicle registration figures, the Chinese company has sold 2155 4×4 T60s so far this year (through April). That makes it the 10th most popular model out of 13 models.
This review vehicle was supplied to us by Central Coast LDV.
2024 LDV T60 Max Plus: Specifications
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder
Output: 160kW@6000rpm / 500Nm@1500-2400rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: RWD/4WD with locking rear diff
Wheels: F & R: 18×7.5, 265/60
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 2173kgPower-to-weight: 13.58:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 8.9L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 73L/Diesel
Power efficiency: 17.97kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.20 seconds*
0-100km/h: 10.09 seconds*
60-110km/h: 8.19 seconds*
Starting price: $50,516
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 LDV T60 Max Plus: How much does it cost?
Starting from $45,990 drive-away for ABN holders ($50,516 drive-away for non-ABN), the LDV T60 Max Plus presents itself as a competitive option. However, this price doesn’t really position it attractively against other emerging contenders in the segment.
The new Plus variant is the flagship, which means it’s not the cheapest 4×4 ute on sale. There are others, such as the GWM Canon 4×4 (from $38,990 drive-away) and SsangYong Musso 4×4 (from $40,000 drive-away) that are less than the cheapest T60 4×4 as well; the T60 Pro, which starts from $41,042 drive-away.
LDV provides a seven-year/200,000km warranty and five-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance. Servicing is every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
2024 LDV T60 Max Plus: Interior & packaging
Stepping inside the T60 Max Plus, the new tech-focused interior immediately stands out. The dashboard has been redesigned to incorporate two 12.3-inch digital screens spanning across the dash, making up the infotainment and gauge cluster. This modern setup looks sleek and improves functionality somewhat over the previous setup; it opens up new possibilities such as side-view camera displays during turning.
The new operating system offers intuitive control for various vehicle functions, including the advanced driver assistance systems such as lane-keeping aid and speed zone monitoring. You can pair up your phone with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, and listen to tunes via an average six-speaker sound system.
Additional interior upgrades include a repositioned gear-shifter to a column-mounted setup, creating extra storage space in the central tunnel. This area now houses a raised wireless charging pad as well. The Plus also adds adaptive cruise control, heated steering wheel, electronic park brake, and a set of black-painted 18-inch alloy wheels with matching black exterior trimmings.
Passenger space is good for this class but the driving position isn’t. Once again we see a Chinese vehicle not offering reach adjustment for the steering column. The seat also seems to sit pretty high even in its lowest setting, further tarnishing the driving position. Rear passengers get climate vents and charging ports, and a flip-down arm rest and cup holders. All very good for this class.
2024 LDV T60 Max Plus: Powertrain & handling
Under the bonnet, the T60 Max Plus retains its comparatively small 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, delivering a near-class-leading 160kW at 4000rpm and 500Nm from 1500rpm. It is one of the most powerful diesel four-bangers in its class, trumped by the HiLux GR Sport (165kW). The engine benefits from remapped software, ensuring a more linear power delivery that enhances drivability both on and off the road, LDV says.
Matched up to that is an eight-speed automatic by renowned transmission giant, ZF. This means it should be strong and reliable for years to come. However, the calibration could do with more work in our view, as it can jump around a bit, shifting gears for seemingly no real reason, and sometimes it will hold a gear for longer than you might expect or need.
Fuel economy is rated at 8.9L/100km on the combined cycle. The manual version uses slightly more, at 9.3L/100km. Neither of these figures are particularly good for this class, with many rivals stamped at around 8.0L/100km, and with bigger engines. This unit passes Euro 5 emissions standards and has an average output of 232g/km.
For the first time, the T60 Max Plus features a coil-spring rear suspension setup. It’s a significant upgrade that aims to improve ride comfort and handling across various surfaces. The new suspension also enhances payload capability, making the T60 Max Plus even more versatile for both work and leisure activities. Payload jumps from 750kg in the Luxe to 830kg in the auto Plus, and 840kg in the manual Plus.
On the road the ride remains jiggly and firm, but clearly improved over the old leaf spring system. Now it seems to manage smaller bumps and corrugations with more compliance, instead of skipping over the top. It feels more planted, albeit still quite rigid. A live-axle arrangement remains at the back.
The BorgWarner Real-Time Torque on Demand system further enhances traction, automatically adjusting to road conditions and allowing manual selection of 2WD, 4H 4WD, and 4L 4WD for challenging terrains.
Approach and departure angles stack up ok against some rivals, with 27 degrees of clearance at the front and 24 degrees at the back. Ground clearance is measured at 220mm. A rear diff lock comes standard on all but the entry Pro variant. The standard highway terrain ‘Giti 4×4’ tyres are going to be one of the first limitations for serious off-road enthusiasts.
2024 LDV T60 Max Plus: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Powerful engine: With 160kW and 500Nm, the T60 Max Plus is one of the most powerful four-cylinder diesel engines in its class.
- Advanced dash: The 12.3-inch integrated infotainment and driver display elevate the T60 Max Plus’s tech credentials, helping it stand out in its class.
- Enhanced ride comfort: The new coil-spring rear suspension provides a smoother ride and better handling, enhancing overall driving comfort and composure over the leaf-spring setup.
2024 LDV T60 Max Plus: Key considerations before you buy
- Fuel economy: Despite improvements, the fuel consumption figures of 8.9L/100km for the auto and 9.3L/100km for the manual are still higher than many competitors.
- Limited payload: While the new suspension helps accommodate increased payload to 830kg (automatic) and 840kg (manual), these figures are still slightly lower than some rivals.
- Interior refinement: Although the new interior design is a significant step up, some competitors offer more premium materials and finishes, which could be a consideration for buyers seeking a more refined feel.
2024 LDV T60 Max Plus: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
Final word
The 2024 LDV T60 Max Plus delivers on its promise of being a versatile, reasonably capable and value-packed ute. Its updates in suspension and in-car tech help it stand out in the Aussie market. However, long-term reliability and resale value still have lingering question marks over their heads.