With a lineup of Corvettes, Silverados, and Cadillac EVs available in Australia, the statement-making GMC Yukon Denali will touch down in Q2 2025 to increase General Motors’ presence in the local market.
This large and in-charge American SUV will be priced from AUD$169,990 plus on-road costs, which makes it one of the more expensive options in the SUV Upper Large > $120K segment. Many had assumed that the Yukon would undercut European SUVs like the Mercedes GLS (from AU$187,000), BMW X7 (from AU$167,900), Audi Q7 (from AU$117,284), and Lexus LX (from AU$155,976). However, that hasn’t panned out and it will now compete with high-specification variants of these models.
Still, the Yukon Denali has a major advantage over most of the European SUVs, especially 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 three-row, 8-seat arrangement.
It also has a 6.2-litre EcoTec3 V8 petrol engine with 313kW of power under the bonnet, which should be a dangling carrot for some buyers, and the road presence is still unmatched with 24-inch machined and painted wheels, a large grille, LED headlights, and more chrome than you can poke a stick at.
While GM Australia has shown that it can be competitive in terms of local pricing after conversions, the Yukon Denali costs around USD$81,800 (approx. AUD$125,000) in the USA, and with pricing now above some recognised household European names in our local market, it’s going to be interesting to see how buyers react to the Yukon locally. The BMW X7 owns this segment, with 915 cars sold through October, while the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class (379) and Lexus GX (429) follow closely behind.
RELATED: Cheaper Toyota LandCruiser FJ Could Undercut the New Prado in Australia.
How Big is the GMC Yukon Denali?
Size-wise, the GMC Yukon Denali measures:
- Wheelbase: 3,071mm
- Length: 5,338mm
- Width: 2,058mm
- Height: 1,941mm
- Cargo volume: 3480 litres
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 is longer at 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.
Even in its mid-spec P400 X-Dynamic SE specification, the Land Rover costs from $134,556 plus on-roads and boasts 294kW of power and 550Nm of torque.
What Powers the GMC Yukon Denali?
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 a similar powertrain to that found in the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Here in the Denali, it comes with a Dynamic Fuel Management system that can deactivate four cylinders, to help reduce fuel use and increase total range. Most importantly, it’s been proven the world over as a reliable donk and it sounds excellent, too.
Towing numbers have also been confirmed, and the GMC Yukon Denali will deliver a “class-leading braked towing capacity in excess of 3.5 tonnes,” according to GM.
If you’re a buyer that’s cross-shopping a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series you’ll be keen to know that the GMC Yukon Denali comes with an Active Response 4WD System with an electronic limited-slip differential and a two-speed transfer case with 2WD HI, 4WD Auto, 4WD HI and 4WD LOW.
We had a chance to drive an unregistered LHD model on a small circuit in the carpark at Sandown Raceway outside of Melbourne and it proved itself as an easy-driving large SUV with a spacious and quiet interior. The standard air suspension system makes ride comfort a top priority. Steering is light without feeling artificial, it doesn’t feel uncomfortably large, even in carparks, and the camera systems make parking simple and easy. It’s a good thing, and we look forward to further testing.
Is the GMC Yukon Denali’s Interior Nice?
The interior of the GMC Yukon Denali is highlighted by two large screens. It starts with the centre 16.8-inch tablet-style infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and that’s joined by an 11-inch digital driver display that provides driving and vehicle data. Finally, there’s a 15-inch multicolour head-up display in front of the driver so you never have to take your eyes off the road.
To make sure that you can maneuver the large SUV confidently, the centre screen 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.
Being a luxury SUV, there’s also a Bose 14-speaker surround with CenterPoint audio system, second-row passengers can make use of the dual 12.6-inch colour-touch LCD HD rear screens, and there’s Denali-exclusive Fractal stitching on the seats, which are heated and ventilated for the driver and front passenger (heated in the second row). The interior is then rounded out by a Panoramic Power Sunroof with a sunshade and plenty of high-quality materials, including authentic wood, which extends to the cup-holder console.
Where Do You Buy a GMC Yukon Denali?
The GMC Yukon Denali is priced at $169,990 AUD plus on-road costs, and you can place orders through local GMSV dealerships in Australia.
It’s being converted locally by Walkinshaw Automotive, like the Chevrolet Silverado. You can find a complete list of standard specifications below.
“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.
GMC Yukon Denali Full Preliminary Specifications
Performance, Engine, Suspension, and Capability
- 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management
- Maximum Power: 313kW
- Maximum Torque: 624Nm
- 10 Speed Automatic Transmission
- Towing: > 3.5 tonne braked
- Electronic Precision Shift
- Automatic Stop/Start with disabled switch
- Fuel Tank – 91L
- Capless Fuel Filler
- 2 Speed Transfer Case with Push Button Controls
- (4-button control 2WD HI, 4WD Auto, 4WD HI, 4WD LO)
- 3.23 rear axle ratio
- 4-wheel Antilock Disc Brakes with Brake Pad Wear Indicator
- Active Response 4WD System with electronic limited-slip differential
- Air Ride Adaptive 4-corner Suspension
- Dual system exhaust with polished stainless-steel tips
- Hill Start Assist
- Magnetic Ride Control
- StabiliTrak® Electronic Stability Control System
Size
- Overall width w/o mirrors – 2058mm
- Overall height – 1941mm
- Overall length – 5338mm
- Wheelbase – 3071mm
Safety Technology
- 360 Degree HD Camera w/ up to 10 Camera views
- Adaptive Cruise Control – Camera
- Buckle to Drive
- Electrical theft-deterrent system
- Following Distance Indicator
- Forward Collision Alert
- Front & Rear Park Assist
- Front Pedestrian Braking
- HD Surround Vision
- Head-Up Display
- Hill Start Assist
- Hitch Guidance with Hitch View
- IntelliBeam High Beam Assist
- Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Alert
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- LED Daytime Running Lamps
- Rear Camera Mirror
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Rear Pedestrian Alert
- Safety Alert Seat
- StabiliTrak® Electronic Stability Control System w/ Traction Control
- Teen Driver Alert
- Trailer Side Blind Zone Alert
- Trailer Sway Control
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System w/ Tyre Fill Alert (does not monitor spare tyre)
Exterior
- 24” Selective Machined and Painted Pearl Nickel Wheels
- 24″ All-season, blackwall tyres
- Acoustic laminated glass
- Badging – Denali
- Bodyside moldings – Chrome
- Deep tinted glass (rear windows)
- Door handles – Chrome with body-colour strip
- Mudflaps, Front & Rear
- Galvano chrome bodyside moldings
- Hands-free power liftgate
- Heated power outside mirrors – body-colour
- IntelliBeam
- LED headlamps, DRLs, fog lamps and tail lamps
- Mirror Caps – body-colour
- Panoramic power sunroof
- Power-retractable assist steps
- Rainsense automatic wipers
- Rear Camera Mirror Washer
- Rear intermittent wiper
- Roof-mounted side rails (bright)
- Upper active aero shutters in front fascia
Interior
- Adjustable Steering Column – Power Tilt/Telescoping
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto – Wireless
- Assist Handles
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Bose® 14-speaker surround with CenterPoint® audio system
- Carpeted Floor Covering
- Carpeted Floor Mats
- Child Seat Anchor Points – 3
- Driver and front passenger visors with illuminated mirrors
- Driver Seat Memory
- Driver’s Instrument Cluster Display – 11” Diagonal Digital Driver Information Centre with high contrast display
- Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control
- Front & Rear USB Ports
- Front Bucket Seats
- GMC Premium Infotainment System – 16.8″ Diagonal Colour Touch-screen
- Head-Up Display – 15″ Diagonal multicolour
- Heated Leather Steering Wheel
- Heated and Ventilated Seats – Front
- Heated Seats – Rear
- Keyless Open & Start
- Power Driver and Passenger Seat Adjustment – 12-Way
- Panoramic Power Sunroof, dual-pane, tilt-sliding, with express open/close and power sunshade
- Power Windows with driver express-up/-down and front passenger and rear windows express-down
- Rain-sensing Wipers
- Rear Air Vents
- Rear Camera Mirror
- Rear Seats – 60/40 split-folding rear bench seat with Storage Package
- Rear Seat Media System – Dual 12.6″ diagonal colour-touch LCD HD rear screens
- Retractable Cargo Shade
- Bright front and rear sill plates with Denali logo
- Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
- Wireless Phone Charging
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