LDV's next HiLux, Ranger ute rival for Australia leaked, due next year (2024)

What will become the first new ute from Chinese car giant LDV in Australia in eight years has been exposed in images published online, before an expected domestic market showroom debut by the end of this year.

While the LDV pick-up is set to offer diesel and electric versions in China – where it will be sold under the Maxus brand – it may launch in Australia only with battery power.

The diesel may follow at a later date, but it is not yet confirmed to do so.

LDV Australia has previously advised the new four-wheel-drive ute is due locally in early 2025, likely to replace the current, slow-selling eT60 electric ute – and initially be sold alongside the ageing diesel T60.

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Prices are yet to be announced, but it may not be any cheaper than the $92,990 plus on-road costs eT60.

The images and details above and below were uploaded to a Chinese government website, and re-shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Tycho de Feijter, a Dutch journalist specialising in Chinese cars, as well as news outlet Lai Times.

The reports claim the electric model will be powered by two electric motors – developing 138kW at the front, and 216kW at the rear – with four-wheel drive and a 190km/h top speed.

A combined power output of 354kW is suggested – assuming the motors produce peak power in unison – and a braked towing capacity of "around" 3.5 tonnes is claimed, according to Lai Times.

It is a significant upgrade over the current LDV eT60, which uses a single 130kW electric motor on the rear axle, hits a speed limiter at 120km/h, and has a towing capacity of just 1000kg.

The Interstellar X's battery pack reportedly uses lithium iron phosphate chemistry similar to BYD and base-model Tesla electric cars, but a capacity is not listed, nor is a driving range.

However, what is listed is a payload of just 320kg for the electric model, according to information re-shared by Mr de Feijter.

It is unclear if this will be upgraded before reaching Australia – or only relates to the tray capacity – given it would not be sufficient for five adults of average mass seated in the vehicle, let alone any weight in the tub.

Meanwhile, reports claim the diesel version will be powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine developing 165kW, with a 180km/h top speed, four-wheel drive, 2230kg kerb weight, 940kg payload, and 3.5-tonne tow rating.

It compares to a 160kW 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel in the current T60 Max on sale in Australia, capable of towing three tonnes.

Measuring 5500mm long, 2005mm wide and 1860mm tall, on a 3300mm wheelbase, the Interstellar X is 130mm longer overall, 87mm wider and 30mm longer in wheelbase than a Ford Ranger, but 26mm lower.

The tub is said to measure 1561mm long, 1610mm wide (likely to the tray sides, not between the wheel arches) and 535mm deep – compared to 1547mm long, 1584mm wide and 529mm deep for a Ford Ranger.

It's reported there will be a choice of 18-inch or 20-inch wheels, multiple rear suspension layout options, and a large panoramic sunroof.

The approach angle is said to be 29 degrees, and the departure angle between 25 and 15 degrees, depending on whether a towbar is fitted.

Photos included in the Chinese government filing suggest there will be a secondary fold-down flap in the upper section of the tailgate – similar to a Chevrolet Silverado pick-up – which can allow for longer loads in the tub, or act as a step when the tailgate is lowered.

More details of the 2025 Maxus Interstellar X – or the name it will be sold under in Australia – are due imminently, ahead of a Chinese launch by the end of the year.

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