GM Speciality Vehicles (GMSV) has revealed more information about the upcoming GMC Yukon 8-seater SUV following a brief teaser drive at the recent Corvette Z06 and E-Ray launch event at Sandown Park in Australia.
The Yukon was present at the event in two forms: a "work in progress" (a number of the interior surfaces were 3D printed stand ins) RHD version that was being used in the development of the remanufacturing process to convert the big SUV from the LHD form it rolls out of the factory in, and a LHD production model that was available for short taster drives around the Melbourne race track's parking lot.
Being an SUV version of the GMC Sierra pick up, which is essentially a rebadged Chevrolet Silverado 1500, means that aside from the interior trim, the actual process for swapping sides is a proven one, with the 1500 having been on sale both in New Zealand and Australia since 2018.
The extensive conversion process to right-hand drive - which GMSV calls "remanufacturing" - involves a number of bespoke parts. The Silverado is also remanufactured in Melbourne for NZ and Australia, while GMSV's other local offering, the Corvette C8 is now built in RHD by the factory in the US and simply imported here.
The Yukon swaps out the pick up's leaf springs and live rear axle in favour of a multilink coil spring set up, which also gives it a lower rear floor, while an optional air suspension system is also available.
While the drive was brief and very low speed, it did reveal a number of interesting things about the big SUV, the main thing being how it actually doesn't feel all that big to drive.
While the small course was narrow, the Yukon packs a remarkably small turning circle for such a large vehicle, while the boxy styling makes it supremely easy to place the big guy, thanks to the fact that you know exactly where all the corners are.
According to US specifications, the Yukon has a turning circle of 39.7 feet (or 12.1 metres), which actually makes it about the same as a Ford Ranger.
Speaking of size, the Yukon is indeed very large, but it is well within the parameters set by other 8-plus seater SUVs and people movers, being slightly larger than a Hyundai Palisade and fractionally smaller than a Ford Transit Tourneo or LDV Mifa 9.
But it easily out-muscles the competition thanks to its muscular 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine that delivers 313kW of power and 624Nm of torque. This is, of course, same engine found in the Silverado 1500 range, which is a formidable tow weapon and, while GMSV hasn't revealed a tow rating for the Yukon yet, it anticipates it will offer "best-in-class towing". The fact that it is rated to pull 3800kg in the US suggests that sounds likely to be true.
The Yukon was, as you would expect, extremely roomy, comfortable and luxurious on the inside, with a smooth and compliant ride at low speed. It looks likely to come with a huge array of standard equipment too, with GMSV revealing that it will come standard with a huge 16.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.
It will also come with a surround view camera system that boasts 13 different angles it can be viewd from, including front and rear views (including top-down views) and a tow hitch view with guidance to help customers connect to their trailers with precision.
In addition to seating for eight, the GMC Yukon Denali will offer a gargantuan 3,480-litres of cargo volume when the second and third row are lowered. All seats fold flat with the floor as well, while three ISOFIX points are fitted throughout the vehicle.
By their very nature large 8-seater SUVs and people movers are very much niche vehicles, which is something GMSV is well aware of and intending to take advantage of in New Zealand and Australia with the Yukon.
"It's intended to be a niche vehicle for both markets," said Jess Bala, GM Australia and New Zealand's managing director.
"It's really about lifestyle options. So it can go from weekly commutes, kid runs all those sort of errands and things, to the weekend, where you can tow your boat, your caravan, go sightseeing, all those sorts of things.
"So it's for those customers that want to work hard and play hard, but with an added level of luxury, as well having enough space to fit your entire family and more. To that point it's unique from an eight seat standpoint."
GMSV is currently continuing "real-world" testing in Australia, with a fleet of engineering vehicles conducting local testing and validation ahead of the Q2 2025 on-sale date.
Pricing for the new model is anticipated to be released later this year.
