With a lineup of Corvettes, Silverados, and Cadillac EVs available in Australia, the statement-making GMC Yukon Denali will touch down in Q2 2025.
This large and in-charge American SUV will likely undercut European SUVs like the Mercedes GLS (from AU$187,000), BMW X7 (from AU$167,900), and Audi Q7 (from AU$117,284) for price and school drop-off points. However, when practicality is considered, only the Land Rover Defender 130 (from $124,150) can match the GMC Yukon for seats, with both vehicles featuring a full 8-seat arrangement.
Of course, you can also throw the Lexus LX into the conversation. It’s priced from AU$155,976 plus on-roads, and we believe it’s the most similar to the Yukon in terms of styling.
We don’t know how much the new GMC Yukon Denali will cost in Australia. However, we’d expect the V8-powered GMC Yukon Denali to be priced from around $140,000 plus on-road costs when it lands next year. For reference, the SUV costs from USD$81,800 (approx. AUD$118,000) overseas, and GM has proven it can be competitive in terms of local prices and currency conversions. This will drastically undercut the Europeans and even Lexus while offering more space and a tasty 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine with 313kW of power.
RELATED: Cheaper Toyota LandCruiser FJ Could Undercut the New Prado in Australia.
Size-wise, the GMC Yukon Denali measures:
- Wheelbase: 3,070mm (120.9-inch)
- Length: 5,334mm (210.0-inch)
- Width: 2,057mm (81.0-inch)
- Height: 1,943mm (76.5-inch)
That results in a massive amount of storage space, and the brand quotes 3,480 litres of cargo volume when the second and third rows are folded flat. When you need to use all eight seats, there are three ISOFIX points throughout the vehicle for the child seats.
The only vehicle that can compete for overall size is the Land Rover Defender 130, which measures 5,385mm in length. Of course, the Defender has an off-road focus and is not as glamorous as the GMC Yukon in terms of style, but it remains equally as practical, with 8-seats and plenty of space in the third-row. When matched in terms of power, the Land Rover costs from $134,556 plus on-roads in P400 X-Dynamic SE specification and boasts 294kW of power and 550Nm of torque.
Powerwise, the GMC Yukon Denali has a 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine that delivers 313kW of power and 624Nm of torque and sends power through all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.
It’s the same powertrain found in the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and while it’s a sledgehammer and far from the most technologically advanced option on the market with no form of hybridity, it’s reliable, proven, and sounds excellent. Effortless, would be one way to put it.
Towing numbers will be confirmed closer to launch, but 3.5 tonnes would surely be on the cards considering the 8,000lbs of capacity in other markets.
We had a chance to drive an unregistered LHD model on a small circuit in the carpark at Sandown Raceway outside of Melbourne, so we’ll reserve judgement for a complete review in the future. However, the GMC Yukon Denali proved itself as an easy-driving large SUV with comfortable interior, good sound-deadening, and a comfortable ride with it’s standard air suspension system. Steering is light without feeling artificial, it doesn’t feel uncomfortably large, even in carparks, and the camera systems make parking simple and easy.
The interior of the GMC Yukon Denali is highlighted by a 16.8-inch tablet-style infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It displays up to 13 camera views, including a surround view, front and rear views (including top-down views) and a hitch view with hitch guidance to help you connect your trailer. Of course, this helps with manoeuvring the Yukon in and out of tight spaces, such as carparks.
Right-hand drive manufacturing and conversions will happen in Australia, and we’re yet to compare the LHD model we test drove, and the converted model in Australia as the development vehicle has not yet been verified for production. Expect plenty of soft-touch materials, leather, and wood.
“There’s no denying it’s a statement vehicle – with the Denali package, the Yukon offers customers the ultimate in premium finishes and performance,” said Jess Bala, Managing Director, GM Australia & New Zealand. “The GMC Yukon is the ultimate vehicle for families and groups who need to transport as many as eight people in comfort, safety, and style, combined with unheralded towing capability and luggage carrying ability.”
“A powerful petrol V8 engine, luxurious interior, and cavernous boot space are complemented with the latest in technology and safety systems to make the GMC Yukon Denali the latest ‘must have’ vehicle brought to you by GMSV,” she continued.
GM Australia will continue it’s real-world testing in Victoria with a fleet of engineering vehicles conducting local testing and validation ahead of the Q2 on-sale date.
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