MG will be extending its product line-up in the Indian market with several SUVs including the eZS (end-2019) and a rebadged Maxus D90 by late 2020. IAB's master designer Shoeb Kalania has come out with a rendering which shows what can be expected from the upcoming MG-badged D90 in terms of exterior looks.
The D90 is the first-ever SUV by the Maxus brand. For those unaware about Maxus, it is one of the many brands owned by SAIC, which is the parent company of MG. The SUV is based on the T60 pickup truck's ladder-frame chassis (PPV/Pick-up Passenger Vehicle). Visually, it will be the same SUV which is sold in the international market, but at the front, it will likely have an MG-style radiator grille, the same way the MG Hector carries a unique grille design compared to its donor SUV - the Baojun 530. It will rival the likes of Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Mahindra Alturas G4 and Isuzu MU-X in India.
The D90 gives away the fact that it's a ladder-frame SUV from a very masculine and tough exterior design. It features a massive front cowl and a unique front grille flanked by sharp-looking adaptive LED headlamps. Below both bumpers (front and rear) sit skid plates. The fog lamp surrounds are C-shaped and in chrome, which is seen on the perimeter of the front grille, the beltline and the door handles as well. The body baseline and wheel arches come with black cladding, which gives the SUV a rough appeal.
The Maxus-badged model is available with alloy wheels in 17- to 21-inch sizes. The cabin is massive, thanks to the huge body which of segment-leading size in all aspects except the width (Mahindra Alturas G4 - 1,960 mm). The length, width and height are measured at 5,005 mm, 1,932 mm and 1,875 mm respectively. The wheelbase spans a length of 2,950 mm, and there are seats for seven occupants.
The D90 comes with a long list of premium features internationally, including Adaptive LED headlights, 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, 12-speaker sound system, three-zone climate control, six airbags, 8-inch driver information display, 360-degree view camera and 8-way power driver’s seat with 4-way lumbar support. Expect these features to be offered in the Indian market too.
Currently, the D90 is available with only a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine which delivers close to 165 kW (225 PS) and 360 Nm. A 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine producing 130 kW (177 PS) and 400 Nm of torque is on its way, and expect that to be the popular choice, if not the only unit on offer, in India. This is the same engine which that powers the Maxus V90.
Also Read: MG eZS to be locally made, first prototype rolls out from Halol plant [Video]
The MG-badged Maxus D90 will reportedly be launched in India by Diwali next year. Expect it to cost in the range of INR 30-35 lakh (ex-showroom).
