2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali Long-Term Intro: It’s Mega Supreme
Astute marketing by GM has split the fraternal truck twins Chevrolet and GMC into different market segments, at least in the typical consumer’s mind. In the full-size-SUV category, an invisible wall stands between the value-conscious Chevy Tahoe and Suburban and the better-dressedGMC Yukon and Yukon XL.
Tack on a Denali badge—which, for a tidy $16,345 surcharge above the cost of a base Yukon or Yukon XL, adds Cadillac Escalade–worthy trim and equipment—and you’ve got a GMC welcome alongside the pricey imports at swish watering holes. There’s so much cachet associated with this trim level that most of the Yukons sold are now Denali editions.
The rise of any domestic product into premium import havens is cause for celebration. Factor in a redesign for the 2015 model year and our perpetually high demand for comfortable vehicles capable of hard work and you’ve got a Car and Driver long-term test in the making.
Not a Minivan
As usual, we checked every expensive box: Denali trim with its standard 6.2-liter V-8, 4WD with a dual-range transfer case, a $4160 Touring package (including rear-seat entertainment, a sunroof, a head-up display, and enough theft-deterrence equipment to thwart a government operative), and 22-inch aluminum wheels. The net result is a $74,030 three-row, leather-trimmed, electronics-steeped, purple-ish Iridium Metallic, all-weather, tow-ready family transport that will never be confused with a minivan.
Or, for that matter, anything mini. First observation: The dark paint doesn’t help this Yukon XL look any smaller. We’re talking more than three tons of curb weight, a 10-foot-plus wheelbase, and the need for a parking space large enough to host a pair of Smart ForTwos. Completing a U-turn in one sweep requires a 43-foot stretch of pavement.
Long rear doors provide good access to second- and third-row locations, although there’s always a climb up to get in. Because the fold-flat seats align with a cargo floor raised three inches, there’s a 100-inch-long level surface and 121.1 cubic feet of space between the tailgate and the front seatbacks. Four-by-eight sheets of building material fit nicely. The stitched and perforated leather, brushed metal, and burl-wood trim are attractive, and there are enough cup holders and cubbies to host a scout troop.
Out on ManeuversA trip to the track revealed decent performance for such a big rig. The run to 60 mph took 6.5 seconds, and we clocked a 96-mph quarter-mile in 15.1 seconds. The 22-inch all-season Bridgestone Dueler tires hung on for 0.75 g of grip on the skidpad, and pizza-sized brake discs stopped our Denali from 70 mph in 189 feet with moderate fade.
The more time we spend behind the wheel, the smaller this grand van feels. What seems large and cumbersome in your driveway shrinks around you as the miles of interstate disappear behind you. The husky V-8 cruises silently even while running on four cylinders, and the magnetic adjustable dampers and all-coil-spring suspension provide a placid ride. We can’t wait to put the 7900-pound tow rating and the eight-passenger interior to vacation use.
Sure, we love sports cars and nimble hatchbacks for our daily commutes. But when there are swimming holes to visit, collector cars to retrieve, and road trips with family and friends, this Yukon XL Denali is the first to be reserved, often weeks in advance. Watch this space to see how a classic American pickup-based luxury wagon fares over the long haul.
Months in Fleet: 3 months
Current Mileage: 12,750 miles Average Fuel Economy: 17 mpg
Fuel Tank Size: 31 gal Fuel Range: 530 miles
Service: $94 Normal Wear: $0 Repair: $0
By car and driver.
Tack on a Denali badge—which, for a tidy $16,345 surcharge above the cost of a base Yukon or Yukon XL, adds Cadillac Escalade–worthy trim and equipment—and you’ve got a GMC welcome alongside the pricey imports at swish watering holes. There’s so much cachet associated with this trim level that most of the Yukons sold are now Denali editions.
The rise of any domestic product into premium import havens is cause for celebration. Factor in a redesign for the 2015 model year and our perpetually high demand for comfortable vehicles capable of hard work and you’ve got a Car and Driver long-term test in the making.
Not a Minivan
As usual, we checked every expensive box: Denali trim with its standard 6.2-liter V-8, 4WD with a dual-range transfer case, a $4160 Touring package (including rear-seat entertainment, a sunroof, a head-up display, and enough theft-deterrence equipment to thwart a government operative), and 22-inch aluminum wheels. The net result is a $74,030 three-row, leather-trimmed, electronics-steeped, purple-ish Iridium Metallic, all-weather, tow-ready family transport that will never be confused with a minivan.
Or, for that matter, anything mini. First observation: The dark paint doesn’t help this Yukon XL look any smaller. We’re talking more than three tons of curb weight, a 10-foot-plus wheelbase, and the need for a parking space large enough to host a pair of Smart ForTwos. Completing a U-turn in one sweep requires a 43-foot stretch of pavement.
Long rear doors provide good access to second- and third-row locations, although there’s always a climb up to get in. Because the fold-flat seats align with a cargo floor raised three inches, there’s a 100-inch-long level surface and 121.1 cubic feet of space between the tailgate and the front seatbacks. Four-by-eight sheets of building material fit nicely. The stitched and perforated leather, brushed metal, and burl-wood trim are attractive, and there are enough cup holders and cubbies to host a scout troop.
Out on ManeuversA trip to the track revealed decent performance for such a big rig. The run to 60 mph took 6.5 seconds, and we clocked a 96-mph quarter-mile in 15.1 seconds. The 22-inch all-season Bridgestone Dueler tires hung on for 0.75 g of grip on the skidpad, and pizza-sized brake discs stopped our Denali from 70 mph in 189 feet with moderate fade.
The more time we spend behind the wheel, the smaller this grand van feels. What seems large and cumbersome in your driveway shrinks around you as the miles of interstate disappear behind you. The husky V-8 cruises silently even while running on four cylinders, and the magnetic adjustable dampers and all-coil-spring suspension provide a placid ride. We can’t wait to put the 7900-pound tow rating and the eight-passenger interior to vacation use.
Sure, we love sports cars and nimble hatchbacks for our daily commutes. But when there are swimming holes to visit, collector cars to retrieve, and road trips with family and friends, this Yukon XL Denali is the first to be reserved, often weeks in advance. Watch this space to see how a classic American pickup-based luxury wagon fares over the long haul.
Months in Fleet: 3 months
Current Mileage: 12,750 miles Average Fuel Economy: 17 mpg
Fuel Tank Size: 31 gal Fuel Range: 530 miles
Service: $94 Normal Wear: $0 Repair: $0
By car and driver.