GMC Yukon detailed for Aussie arrival
BY MATT BROGAN | 20th Aug 2024
GENERAL Motors Special Vehicles has announced details of its newly facelifted, upper-large American SUV that will launch Down Under in 2025.
The MY25 GMC Yukon AT4 and AT4 Ultimate are a range-topping duo that will introduce not only the Yukon nameplate to Australian buyers, but also debut here in facelifted form with major technology updates, bold looks, and a tasteful – not to mention incredibly spacious – interior design.
Built in Texas, and almost as big, the GMC Yukon will be offered with a choice of 6.2-litre V8 petrol or 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engines, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive as standard.
Power figures for the duo are listed at 313kW/624Nm and 227kW/673Nm respectively with a braked towing capacity of up to 3800kg on offer.
“The 2025 GMC Yukon will of course be launching in Australia in the 2025 calendar year,” said GMC and Buick executive director of communications Sean Poppitt.
“We will have some different specifications and trim differences between the vehicles here in the US and those offered in Australia which will be advised closer to the launch in Australia.”
Mr Poppitt – an Australian who previously held public relations roles at Audi and GM Holden, having jumped the fence from automotive journalism – said the brand is enjoying strong sales success as it expands its offerings globally, with record performance in the first half of 2024.
“The GMC brand has been on the tear here at home in the US and abroad also,” he stated.
“In the first half of 2024 – and on the back of record 2023 performance – we saw best share ever. June saw our best sales in almost 20 years, and the second quarter (of 2024) was our best quarter in four years.
“The GMC brand offers an entirely refreshed line-up, and on top of the strength we are seeing elsewhere, we expect that momentum will continue as we launch into Australia, New Zealand and China in 2025 … we’re super excited to get the Yukon onto Australian roads.”
GMC says the flagship model will set a new bar for the nameplate with a distinctive and premium design language offering a “muscular yet refined character”.
Highlights of the range-topping variant include a unique grille and badging, animated LED head- and taillights, and an available panoramic sunroof.
The AT4 variant rides on 24-inch (!) eight-spoked machined alloy wheels with laser etching and offers 16-way powered heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, captain’s chair second-row seats, and 18-speaker Bose Performance Series sound, while the AT4 Ultimate adds a front skid plate, 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres, air suspension, and leather upholstery.
Other technology highlights include a 16.8-inch inch infotainment array and 8.0-inch HVAC display screen, night vision camera, adaptive cruise control, AEB, rear-cross traffic braking, cyclist alert, towing assistance, and more.
“Following the all-new GMC Acadia and next-gen GMC Terrain, the addition of the 2025 GMC Yukon completes GMC’s reimagined SUV line-up,” said GMC and Buick global vice president Duncan Aldred.
“We’re raising the bar on what our customers expect from GMC’s flagship and the addition of the AT4 Ultimate trim fuses ruggedness and capability with craftsmanship and refinement.”
