LDV D90 vs Audi SQ7
What's the difference?

LDV D90

$14,800 - $26,880

2020 price

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Audi SQ7

—

2024 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

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Summary

2020 LDV D90

2024 Audi SQ7

By Tom White

By John Law

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.0L

Twin Turbo V8, 4.0L

Fuel Type

Diesel

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

9.1L/100km (combined)

12.1L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Makes more sense as a diesel
People-mover practicality
Affordable

Growling V8 soundtrack
Spacious, classy cabin
Impressive ride and handling

Dislikes

Terrible software
Cheap interior
A bit unwieldy to drive

Lacks clever interior storage
Engine is thirsty
Expensive to service

2020 LDV D90 Summary

It’s pretty hard to miss the LDV D90.

Mainly because it is gigantic; it's one of the biggest SUVs you can buy. In fact, I’d say what’s drawn you to this review is maybe you’ve seen one of these behemoths trucking past, and you’re wondering what the LDV badge is all about and how this relatively unknown SUV stands up against popular rivals and other notable newcomers.

To get one confusing thing out of the way, LDV once stood for Leyland DAF Vans, a now-defunct British company which has been brought back to life by none other than China’s SAIC Motor – yes, the same one which also resurrected MG.

So, is this MG big brother worth looking into? We took the recently released diesel version of the D90 on test for a week to seek some answers…

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2024 Audi SQ7 Summary

The Audi Q7 has come in for its second facelift as it enters its ninth year of production while the younger Q8 is in for its first refresh.

But these two aren't like the Mitsubishi ASX and Eclipse Cross pair; Audi's MLB underpinnings were cutting edge at their launch 2015 and remain stand-out in the class with advanced suspension and chassis tech, connectivity and refinement.

A host of small visual and performance tweaks aim to make the range-topping SQ7 we're driving even better. But should you make the sensible seven-seat decision or go a little rogue and choose the sloping-roofed SQ8?

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Deep dive comparison

2020 LDV D90 2024 Audi SQ7

Verdict

Looking for a cheap, powerful diesel SUV with huge cabin space and a humane third row for adults? The D90 is a really sound offering, especially considering the price of entry for this top-spec diesel which should resonate with Aussies a bit better than the petrol version.

It has plenty of issues that could be ironed out, but they’re all so small and not sale-breaking it’s almost annoying how much better the D90 could be with just a little work. Rivals should be looking over their shoulder for what comes next.

Verdict

There are newer options than the current Audi SQ7 and SQ8, including those which use the same platform, but don't write these luxury large SUVs off just yet.

It's a rare thing that a vehicle costing $200,000 has an air of pragmatism about it, but the SQ7 does. Its sensible leather upholstery, decent practicality, towing capability and near-excess of interior space make it a great family wagon.

As a counterpoint, the sharper looking SQ8 has minimal trade-off in comfort and interior room (at least for five) and is the kind of statement piece you'd expect for the price — especially in one of its loud paint colours.

Whichever way you leap, it's true that while the SQ7 and SQ8 are ageing, they are doing so gracefully and remain a superb option in this segment.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.

LDV D90 vs Audi SQ7 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

LDV D90 vs Audi SQ7
What's the difference?