LDV D90 vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class
What's the difference?

LDV D90

$14,800 - $26,880

2020 price

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Mercedes-Benz G-Class

—

2025 price

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Summary

2020 LDV D90

2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

By Tom White

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Diesel Twin Turbo 4, 2.0L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Diesel

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

9.1L/100km (combined)

Electric range

434 km

Energy consumption

23.1 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

116.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Makes more sense as a diesel
People-mover practicality
Affordable

Performance (on- and off-road)
G-Turns!
Quality

Dislikes

Terrible software
Cheap interior
A bit unwieldy to drive

Firm ride
No spare tyre on Edition One
Tailgate door opens right-to-left

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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2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Summary

Imagine jumping in the time machine, zapping back to the late 1970s and bringing the team that produced the original Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen into 2025 and showing them where their creation has landed close to half a century later.

They’d be amazed a vehicle looking so much like their military-focused, first-generation model even existed! And once they’d absorbed that incredible fact they’d be stunned to see what lurks under its familiar bodywork.

Because this is the most recent iteration of what’s now referred to as the G-Glass, the pure-electric G580 featuring four individually controlled electric motors - one at each wheel - collectively producing enough energy to power a small town.

Stay with us as we explore this take-no-prisoners EV 4WD that has multiple show-stopping, high-tech party tricks lurking up its sleeve.

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Deep dive comparison

2020 LDV D90 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

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

As per the 1979 original, the current G-Class is produced by Magna Steyr in Arnie’s home town of Graz in Austria. And many fundamental things haven’t changed since then. But clearly this EV monster’s exotic electric powertrain is a huge departure.

It retains impressive off-road ability and straight-line speed. But will it hit the mark with top-end luxury 4WDers? Short story, this thing is wild, and it will be irresistible for a likely narrow band of tech-focused ‘must have the latest and greatest’ buyers. Nothing like impressing friends and family with a tank turn.

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

LDV D90 vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

LDV D90 vs Mercedes-Benz G-Class
What's the difference?