GMC Yukon XL

GM's Biggest Best Bet on the Future of Large SUVs

The media previews for the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, scheduled to be open to the public between January 6 through 15

A replacement for GMC's full-size Yukon XL is finally here and the wait appears to have been well worth it. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

at the Los Angeles Convention Center, are taking place now, and feature many automotive debuts. One of the most notable unwrapping sessions belonged to GMC as they slid an extra-long sheet off their all-new 2007 Yukon XL. A replacement for GM's aging line of full-size SUVs, the regular wheelbase Yukon and Yukon Denali having previously debuted at the California auto show in October, has been a long time coming, but it's finally here and the wait appears to have been well worth it.

In replacing their GMT800 series of truck-based SUVs, GM went the distance by striving for benchmark thresholds in quality, refinement, styling, safety and performance, not normally associated with domestic SUV products. Having had the privilege of driving the Yukon's sister ship, the 2007

The Yukon features a large, Envoy-like grille, more upright-shaped headlight lenses and a cleaner front fascia than the previous example. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

Tahoe, I can attest to GM's success in meeting, and in some cases exceeding these goals. Based on the Tahoe's impressive leap forward, it stands to reason that the new Yukon XL - which apart from cosmetics and length is substantially the same vehicle - will also be a vastly improved product over its none-too-shabby predecessor.

Stylistically the new Yukon and lengthier Yukon XL will distinguish themselves from their GMT900 bowtie stable mates with a different nose comprised of a large, Envoy-like grille, more upright-shaped headlight lenses and a cleaner front fascia. Side profile of the GMT900s will be fairly consistent throughout the vehicle line, and that's wise given the attractive lines applied to what might otherwise be a large, awkward looking vehicle. The "XL" variant adds no less than 355.6 mm (14 in) to the length of the standard Yukon, for a solar-eclipsing overall length of 5,648 mm (222.4 in) - which is identical in length to Chevy's Suburban, also redesigned and introduced yesterday. Whether the extra sheet metal of the XL is opted for or not, the Yukon is equipped with a third row split bench seat that can either be folded flat or easily removed, one side at a time, when prioritizing cargo capacity over human accommodation.


Immediately apparent in the Yukon's frontal view is the integration of a full-wrap front fascia in place of a conventional bumper

Adding to the vehicle's slippery aerodynamics and enhancing its sporty appearance is a dramatically raked windscreen angled at 57 degrees, shown here with the regular length Yukon. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

and grille setup. Not only does the new arrangement clean up the front-end treatment, it also eliminates gaps which can generate turbulence contributing to wind noise - however, GM's focus on wind noise reduction didn't end there. They smoothed-out the entire body shell while reducing panel gaps to an impressive 4 mm (0.0157 in). Referring back to my experience with the sister ship once again, I can verify just how silently the GMT900 Series of SUVs pierce the wind at highway speeds. Adding to the vehicle's slippery aerodynamics and enhancing its sporty appearance is a dramatically raked windscreen angled at 57 degrees, in contrast to the GMT800's windscreen which stood at a steeper 50 degree angle.

To achieve the windscreen angle, GM had to push the instrument panel forward and down by approximately 15 cm (6 in). The redesigned panel is absolutely gorgeous. GM really needs to take a bow for moving upscale in the area of interior fit, finish and quality. Based on what the Tahoe delivered, the interior packaging in the Yukon XL is expected to take a back seat to no rival, especially competitors in its mid-level price range. Look for premium-level options such as remote starting, rain sensing wipers, heated seats and steering wheel, touch-screen navigation, rear seat DVD, power-articulating fold/tumble second row seats, power-operated rear liftgate, rear backup camera system and power-articulating running boards to accompany a comprehensive list of comfort and convenience features. Many of options noted are included as standard equipment in the Denali edition.

In addition to refining the Yukon's cabin, GM aimed for world-class acoustics

The Yukon cabin shows significant improvements over the previous generation SUV. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

by minimizing and reducing noise, vibration and harshness. Engine idle noise and highway noise were also targets of the chassis engineers who gave the Yukon an entirely new frame assembly with increased strength and structure over the GMT800 series architecture. In doing so they also widened the Yukon's front track by 7.6 cm (3 in) and its rear track by 2.5 cm (1 in), improving the vehicle's handling and fortifying its stance by nicely filling its wheel wells. Onto the bolstered frame hang completely new front and rear suspension setups comprised of an independent coil-over-shock design up front and a five-link coil spring arrangement at the rear. Larger, more powerful 4-wheel disc brakes are now assigned stopping duties.


Putting the new Yukon into motion is a 5.3 litre (325 cu in), aluminum block Vortec V8 - standard on four-wheel drive models - which

The new Yukon features a 5.3 litre V8 expected to deliver segment-leading fuel economy thanks in part to GM's Active Fuel Management technology. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

is expected to deliver segment-leading fuel economy thanks in part to GM's Active Fuel Management (AFM) technology. This is the same 320 horsepower mill that propelled the Tahoe that I put through the paces in Arizona's outback. The smooth and refined engine, which effortlessly churns-out 340 foot-pounds of torque, did a commendable job of hustling the Tahoe up steep inclines and past slower highway traffic while never exposing whether it may be running on only four of its eight cylinders to conserve fuel. In the four-wheel drive Tahoe, this powerplant is EPA-rated at 15.7 and 11.2 L/100 km (15 and 21 mpg), city and highway respectively; although GM has yet to release EPA ratings for this engine when powering the Yukon, comparable figures should be anticipated for the conventional-sized Yukon. Interestingly, GM has also made this engine compatible with E85 ethanol-based fuel, a greener alternative to normal gasoline (for more info on GM's commitment to E85 ethanol-powered dual-fuel engines see automotive newssection for Jan 2, 2006: Saab Shows Two New Vehicles at LA Motor Show).

Raising

Moving up to Denali status in will fetch the most powerful mill available in the line-up, a 6.2-litre (378 cu in), 380 horsepower VVT V8, capable of a mega 415 foot-pounds of torque (regular length Yukon Denali shown). (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

the Yukon's performance-bar a notch is the optional 6.0-litre (364 cu in) V8, featuring AFM and variable valve timing (VVT) technology. This unit ups the Yukon's punch to 355 horsepower while boosting toque to 365 foot-pounds. Moving up to Denali status in will fetch the most powerful mill available in the line-up, a 6.2-litre (378 cu in), 380 horsepower VVT V8, capable of a mega 415 foot-pounds of torque. According to GM, this represents the most horsepower in the segment. Unlike the 4-speed automatic transmission backing the 5.3-litre engine, both heavy-hitting powerplants are affixed to 6-speed autoboxes featuring a tap-up, tap-down button to control overdrive gearing. Given the Yukon's maximum tow rating of 3,628 kg (8,000 lbs) in 4WD configuration, the Denali equipped with its mighty 6.2-litre small block may be trailer tower's dream.


Consistent with the GMT800 series, the Denali - with its exclusive honeycomb grille - caps-off the various Yukon trim levels, which

Four-wheel discs and antilock brakes are standard, as is GM's Stabilitrak stability control. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

begin with the SLE base model and climb to the leather clad SLT's mid-level lavishness prior to jumping to the top-line Denali. In addition to the Denali's cabin-full of luxury and its 18-inch polished wheels, it arrives atop GM's Autoride real-time damping shocks that continuously adjust to match road and driving conditions. Regardless of which trim level best suits the pocketbook, though, buyers of the 2007 Yukon will receive a three-zone climate control system serving more space than found in prior generation Yukons.

While pushing the boundaries of space, performance and refinement, GM didn't lose sight of the importance of safety and protection. The Yukon's standard equipment list includes dual-stage frontal airbags. Optional airbags include roof-mounted side-curtain airbags (standard on Denali) assigned to protect occupants at all outboard seating positions. In addition to deploying in the event of a side impact, these "smart" bags deploy when a roll over is imminent. A special sensor monitors the vehicle's acceleration and roll rates,

GM's biggest is now also going to be their best. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

triggering the roof-mounted airbags when a roll over is detected. Because roll over incidents generally last longer than typical side impact crashes, the roof-mounted airbags remain inflated longer than conventional side impact airbags. Not only does the extended inflation enhance head protection it aids in keeping occupants inside the vehicle rather than allowing them to be violently ejected.

It's regrettable that GM didn't choose to make these sophisticated airbags standard equipment with all trim levels. I strongly suggest family buyers spend the extra dough to garner the added cranial protection, and since the Yukon won't become available until the second quarter of 2006 there is still time to save for it. Pricing has yet to be determined by GM, but look for thresholds close to the current Yukon pricing structure. What's certainly not regrettable is GM's decision to replace its line of full-size SUVs with a, highly refined, beautifully crafted set of new offerings that appear every bit as capable off road as on. Yes, GM's biggest is now also going to be their best.


Specifications (Yukon XL):

• Price Range (MSRP): TBD
• Body Type: 5-door body on frame SUV
• Layout: front engine, 2WD / opt. 4WD
• Base Engine: 320 hp, 340 lb-ft of torque, 5.3L (325 cu in) OHV V8
• Optional Engine:  355 hp, 365 lb-ft of torque, 6.0L (364 cu in) VVT, V8
• Optional Engine (standard on Denali): 380 hp, 415 lb-ft of torque, 6.2L (378 cu in) VVT, V8
• Transmission: 4-speed auto, (6-speed auto with optional engines)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
• Curb Weight 4WD: 2,611 kg (5,745 lbs)
• Seating Capacity: 7 - 9
• Cargo Cap (max): 3,891 L (137.4 cu ft)
• Ground Clearance 4WD: 235 mm (9.2 in)
• Towing Capacity (max) 4WD: 3,628 kg (8,000 lbs)
• Fuel Economy (5.3 L 4WD city/hwy): TBD 
• Warranty (mo/km): 36/60,000 comprehensive
• Direct Competitors: Cadillac Escalade, Chevy Suburban, Dodge Durango, Ford Expedition/Excursion, Hummer H2, Infiniti QX56, Lexus LX 470, Lincoln Navigator, Jeep Commander, Land Rover LR3 / Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz ML, Mitsubishi Montero, Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequoia / Land Cruiser, Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC90
• Web Site: www.gmcanada.com