2023 Lingdi: All-new Maxus SUV based on the T90

Maxus is another British brand that the Chinese car company SAIC has acquired. It continues to make an impact in the Philippine automotive market with models like the G50 making a splash in the MPV segment and the D90 and D60 in the SUV sector.  In China, it has released a model that piqued our interest, the Mira 9 E-MPV, which is the G50’s distant electric cousin. 

Even with the buzz around the Mifa 9 E-MPV still pretty high, the brand is set to release a large SUV named “Lingdi” in China. It measures 5,046 mm long, 2,016 mm wide, 1,876 mm tall, and comes with a wheelbase of 2,950 millimeters. 

It uses a 2-liter turbocharged diesel engine pumping out 218 PS. Being based on the T90 pickup, the Lingdi may adopt the truck’s 6-speed MT or 8-speed AT. We will have to wait for further announcements on whether they also will release a hybrid or full EV model since Maxus’ Mifa 9 is purely electric. They may carry over the technology as the months roll by.    

Maxus T90

Like the T90, the Lingdi will sport a huge grille with very sharp thin running lights, which puts the high beams in the front bumper. It will have a high ground clearance and wide wheel arches with plastic cladding all around. When it comes to the rear of the vehicle, the large SUV will sport a roof spoiler and will have an LED light bar running across the tailgate. There looks to be a dual exhaust but since this is a Chinese SUV, they maybe faux exhausts. Lastly, there are 4WD and Bi-Turbo badging showing us possible variants in the Lingdu model line. 

Inside, there is a white-brown faux leather color scheme, three-spoke steering wheel, wireless phone charging pads and two cup holders on the center aisle. We also have what looks like climate control buttons under the two massive air vents in the middle. Lastly, we see a touchscreen infotainment screen and what looks like a digital instrument cluster. 

Maxus D90 Pro

The Lingdi is so far a China-exclusive model that has similarities with the D90 SUV. We aren’t sure where to place the Lingdi as it is supposed to be released today, the 26th of August. I guess we will have to wait for more news from Maxus / SAIC. Will they even bring it in locally? If they do, where they put it in their local line up? Would you like to see the Lingdi here on out roads?