The new 2025 LDV T60 has been leaked online in the form of the Chinese Maxus Star X and Maxus Star EV, confirming its similarity to the LDV GST concept shown in 2023.
A tweet on X by Tycho de Feijter has outlined powertrain details, including the expected diesel variant. It will reportedly feature a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine with 165kW, with a top speed of 180km/h. This is not too far from the LDV T60 Max Plus we tested earlier this year.
Despite what other news local outlets have reported, the diesel is expected to arrive locally, as demand remains strong and it fits with the brands current portfolio.
LDV’s engineering approach favours EVs initially, with the capability to accommodate ICE versions if required. We saw this with the MIFA people mover, whereby a lot of the ergonomics and design features were carried over from the MIFA 9 EV – which was the progenitor of the petrol version.
The electric version of the SAIC Maxus Interstellar X EV combines 138kW front and 216kW rear electric motors for a combined output of 354kW. This should give it excellent performance, challenging that of the upcoming 2025 Kia Tasman EV ute, which is expected to produce around 400kW and 800Nm. It should also be able to grab attention thanks to an expected 3500kg towing capacity.
Most importantly, it will improve massively on today’s eT60 – which may have been the first electric ute on the Australian market, but with a dismal 130kW/310Nm, and 330km of driving range, and 1000kg towing capacity, it has found little, if any love locally.
Weirdly though, early information suggests a puny 320kg payload versus the diesel-powered Star X equivalent’s far more respectable 940kg effort.
Dimensions have increased compared with today’s T60, with between 5500 and 5630mm in length, 2005mm of width and between 1860 and 1874mm of height. Wheelbase stretches to 3300mm. Tray length is 1561mm, with a standard spray-in tub-liner like today’s T60, but it’s unclear if a replacement for the MegaTub will eventuate, with its class-leading 1800mm length.
Visually, both versions appear similar, with a monocoque-looking design. One possibility is that the sailplane and rear quarter panels are seamlessly integrated to give the appearance of unibody, but still able to be swapped for an aftermarket tray such as a TipTop or Tiger Tray with trundle tray and ladder rack, if required.
