The Maxus D60 1.5T, a seven-seat SUV, entered production in August 2019. Representing a significant offering from the Chinese automaker SAIC Motor, under the Maxus brand, the D60 aimed to provide a competitively priced, spacious, and relatively well-equipped vehicle for families. This particular variant, powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), positioned itself as a mid-range option within the D60 lineup, balancing performance with fuel efficiency. The D60 was primarily targeted at the Chinese domestic market, where demand for larger, affordable SUVs is substantial, but export markets have also seen limited availability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Maxus |
| Model | D60 |
| Generation | D60 |
| Type | 1.5T (169 Hp) DCT 7 Seat |
| Start of production | August, 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9 l/100 km (26.1 US mpg, 31.4 UK mpg, 11.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg, 39.2 UK mpg, 13.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Emission standard | China VI |
| Power | 169 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1700-4400 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft. @ 1700-4400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 15E4E |
| Engine displacement | 1490 cm3 (90.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4720 mm (185.83 in.) |
| Width | 1860 mm (73.23 in.) |
| Height | 1736 mm (68.35 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2760 mm (108.66 in.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission DCT |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/50 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 19 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Maxus D60 1.5T is the 15E4E engine, a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and is coupled with a single turbocharger and intercooler to boost power and efficiency. The engine produces 169 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque between 1700 and 4400 rpm. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) was chosen for its ability to provide quick and smooth gear changes, contributing to both performance and fuel economy. The DCT operates with a wet clutch design, offering improved durability and heat dissipation compared to dry-clutch systems. The engine management system incorporates a Start & Stop system to further reduce fuel consumption during city driving.
Driving Characteristics
The D60 1.5T offers a reasonably responsive driving experience, particularly when compared to larger, naturally aspirated SUVs. The turbocharger provides a noticeable boost in power during acceleration, although it isn’t a particularly sporty vehicle. The DCT transmission generally shifts smoothly, but some drivers have reported occasional hesitation at low speeds. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides adequate traction for most driving conditions, but it lacks the all-weather capability of an all-wheel-drive system. The gear ratios are tuned for a balance between fuel efficiency and everyday drivability, with a focus on providing sufficient torque for highway merging and overtaking. Compared to potential higher-output variants (if offered), this 1.5T version prioritizes fuel economy and affordability over outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The D60 1.5T typically came equipped with a range of standard features, including air conditioning, power windows and locks, a touchscreen infotainment system, and basic safety features like ABS and airbags. Higher trim levels added features such as leather upholstery, a sunroof, a rearview camera, and more advanced driver-assistance systems. Interior materials were generally of acceptable quality for the price point, but not necessarily luxurious. The seven-seat configuration provides ample space for families, although the third-row seats are best suited for children or shorter adults. Optional extras often included upgraded audio systems, navigation, and various cosmetic enhancements.
Chassis & Braking
The Maxus D60 utilizes an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and an independent multi-link suspension at the rear. This suspension setup aims to provide a comfortable ride quality while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. The front brakes are ventilated discs, offering good stopping power, while the rear brakes are solid discs. The steering system is an electric power steering rack and pinion, providing light and easy steering feel. The vehicle rides on 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/50 R19 tires, which offer a good balance between comfort and grip.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Maxus D60 1.5T was generally well-received in the Chinese market as a practical and affordable seven-seat SUV. Critics praised its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and relatively fuel-efficient engine. However, some reviewers noted that the interior materials could be improved and that the driving experience wasn’t particularly engaging. Compared to other SUVs in its class, such as the Geely Haoyue or the Changan CS95, the D60 offered a competitive price point and a good level of standard equipment. Fuel economy figures were comparable to other 1.5-liter turbocharged SUVs, and reliability reports have been generally positive, although long-term data is still limited.
Legacy
The Maxus D60 1.5T represents a growing trend in the Chinese automotive market towards affordable, spacious, and technologically equipped SUVs. While its long-term reliability remains to be fully assessed, the 15E4E engine and the 7-speed DCT transmission have proven to be reasonably durable in other Maxus and SAIC Motor vehicles. On the used car market, the D60 1.5T offers a compelling value proposition for buyers seeking a practical and affordable seven-seat SUV. Its relatively modern features and decent fuel economy make it an attractive option for families on a budget. As Maxus expands its presence in international markets, the D60 1.5T may become a more common sight on roads outside of China.
