2024 LDV T60 Max Plus price and specs: Chinese ute gets major tech, safety upgrade

06/05/2024

The LDV T60 ute has received a substantial upgrade, bringing with it a new, more high-tech interior, different suspension and, at long last, autonomous emergency braking.

Called the 2024 LDV T60 Max Plus, the overhauled ute slots in above the existing T60 Max range. It’s in showrooms now.

It’s priced from $45,990 drive-away for Australian Business Number (ABN) holders in manual guise, with the auto costing an extra $2000. LDV is also offering a Mega Tub version, priced at $49,490 drive-away for ABN holders.

2024 LDV T60 Max Plus price and specs: Chinese ute gets major tech, safety upgrade

Under the skin it retains the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel as T60 Max models, producing 160kW of power and 500Nm of torque, though LDV says it has remapped the engine software “to ensure a more linear delivery of that power”.

The leaf spring rear suspension of the T60 Max has been swapped out for a multi-link setup which LDV says results in greater control, a more comfortable ride, as well as higher payload and ground clearance figures.

Payload is 800kg in the T60 Max Plus Mega Tub, 840kg in the T60 Max Plus manual and 830kg in the T60 Max Plus auto. That’s up from Luxe and Mega Tub versions of the regular T60 Max, where it’s between 730kg and 750kg. Ground clearance is up 5mm to 220mm.

Electric power steering is also new to the T60 line, with selectable Standard and Sport modes, as is an electric park brake.

The T60 Max Plus heralds the long-awaited arrival of autonomous emergency braking (AEB) in LDV’s ute range, leaving Mahindra as the only brand to not offer this feature in this segment.

However, the manual model misses out on AEB, as well as adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. All three are standard on automatic models.

Inside, there’s a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system – up from the 10.25-inch unit in the T60 Max, and now with Android Auto – plus a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

These sit within the same assembly for a wraparound look, and the infotainment uses a new operating system.

LDV hasn’t simply stuck in a larger screen, however, with the interior receiving a substantially new look. There’s a new, more driver-focused dashboard and, in auto models, a column-mounted shifter.

This has allowed LDV to angle the centre console upwards in auto models, with a wireless charging pad on top and a new storage cavity underneath. LDV hasn’t released images of the T60 Max Plus manual’s interior.

There are three USB ports up front, while LDV promises a quieter interior thanks to additional soundproofing between the engine and the bulkhead.

The T60 Max Plus range builds on the T60 Max Luxe in terms of standard equipment, which means inclusions like leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a surround-view camera.

Joining the equipment list are features like a lockable tailgate and power-folding, heated exterior mirrors.

Externally, it’s distinguished from carryover T60 Max models with gloss black trim on parts like the grille, door handles and exterior mirrors.

“The Aussie ute market is a key battleground for OEMs as the vehicles have to be truly multi-purpose, bridging the gap between work necessity and lifestyle choice,” says LDV Australia general manager Dinesh Chinnappa.

“We’ve listened to feedback from the market and worked closely with our colleagues in China to ensure the T60 range remains competitive.

“T60 Max Plus is a new model that has key technical, specification and safety updates to complement its position as one of the most powerful four-cylinder utes you can buy.”