With the first customer units scheduled to arrive in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2024, LDV has released details about what we can expect from its upcoming seven-seater SUV, the D90, when it makes landfall on local shores as the second model — following the T60 bakkie — in the automaker’s SA portfolio.
However, before local introduction, the company has brought in a duo variants for final homologation and to provide customers with a glimpse of the newcomer. The models in question are the D90 Elite and D90 Flagship, both of which it seems likely to make up the SA line-up.
As standard, both of these specification levels include the firm’s Black Package, which adds gloss-black finishes to several exterior items. The latter includes the door handles, side mirrors, roof rails, and roof-mounted rear spoiler.
The D90’s large front grille is flanked by LED headlamps. Tapered clusters incorporating the daytime-running lights are sited below the bonnet. ‘Round back, an LED light back spans the tailgate, connecting the rear lamps, which make use of the same lighting technology.
Stepping inside the leather-trimmed cabin, both trim grades are equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The touch-enabled item incorporates niceties such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen mirroring. Dual wireless smartphone charging and climate control (for the front and rear occupants) are also present.
In addition, every derivative features six airbags, adaptive cruise control, a build-in dash cam, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and electronic stability control.
On top of these items, the D90 Flagship gains a 12-speaker JBL sound system, massaging and heating functionality for the front pews, and a panoramic sunroof. A 360-degree surround-view camera system is also present. Top-spec trim also upgrades to 20-inch alloy wheels (from the 18-inch wheels fitted to Elite spec).
The D90 employs the same oil-burner beating below the bonnet of the T60 Max. The 2.0-litre, twin-turbocharged diesel unit, which is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, churns out 160 kW and 500 N.m. All D90 models are equipped with four-wheel drive, replete with low range, and a centre diff lock. However, the Flagship also gains fore and aft diff locks.
