New Aussie-bound Chinese ute confirmed: Next-generation Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max rivalling 2025 LDV T60 breaks cover with both electric and diesel powertrains

What looks to be the next-generation version of LDV’s popular T60 ute has broken cover in China, thanks to images and documents filed to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

According to information published overseas, the new-generation truck is significantly larger than the T60. It measures 5500mm long, 2005mm wide, and 1860mm tall and it is slightly smaller than the GST concept which previewed it.

The pictures show a radically-styled vehicle wearing Chinese domestic Maxus badging as opposed to export-market LDV badging. It’s rear badgework translates to ‘Interstellar X’. For context, the current diesel LDV T60 Max is marketed as the Maxus Interstellar in China, suggesting that this will be a next-gen replacement.

Chinese manufacturers do frequently offer older versions alongside new versions of nameplates, so this could also be a possibility for the Australian market.

The new truck was shown in both electric and diesel forms, with distinctive styling. Data from the MIIT has the dual-motor EV producing 138kW on the front axle, and 216kW on the rear axle, although its max carrying capacity is limited to just 320kg.

The diesel version will reportedly swap out the current 2.0-litre bi-turbo unit for a new 2.5-litre engine, producing 165kW (up from the current 160kW). The diesel version can carry significantly more weight, with a payload of 940kg. The brand is targeting a 3500kg towing capacity this time around, as opposed to the 3000kg rating applied to the current T60 Max.

Battery capacity or range is yet to be revealed, but expect the new ute to use an LFP unit (likely from SAIC’s joint venture with CATL as is used in the eDeliver 7) as opposed to an NMC unit. Driving range will need to be more competitive than the current eT60’s 330km, which it gets from a huge 88.55kWh battery pack.

The interior was not shown in the filing documents, but the GST concept has a dash-spanning multimedia screen and a more minimalist but utilitarian design language.

Speaking to CarsGuide at the launch of the eDeliver 7 electric van, LDV’s managing director Dinesh Chinappa, said the new-generation ute was due in Australia before the end of 2024 but may not launch until 2025.

"We expect to be posting production orders for the electric version of the GST before this year is finished, whether we launch this year or next year is yet to be determined," he said.

"We've launched late in the year before and on analysis it might not be the best decision [...] but we expect to be ordering the car later this year."

Chinappa also told CarsGuide that the critically-panned eT60 was a “necessary step” in preparing fleet customers for this next-generation version, which will offer a higher level of capability and appeal to a wider audience.

LDV is down 21.8 per cent in the first half of 2024 off the back of an ageing range which is facing increased competition from other low-cost rivals like SsangYong, as well as new metal like Mitsubishi’s new Triton. No doubt much of its hopes in 2025 will lie on the shoulders of this new ute.

It recently updated the existing diesel T60, introducing a new Plus variant which includes missing active safety equipment and new cabin technology. CarsGuide has recently come to understand the now-dated D90 seven-seat ladder-frame SUV is due for a similar upgrade later this year.