GMSV begins testing GMC Yukon in Oz

GENERAL Motors Special Vehicles (GMSV) has released images of a right-hand drive 2025 GMC Yukon undergoing testing on Australian roads, only days after teaser images were released in the United States.

Suggesting the remanufacturing process is well underway, General Motors Australia and New Zealand managing director Jess Bala said the all-new Yukon has already been on Australian soil for quite some months.

“The GMC Yukon has been at Permoso for a few months as we start gearing up the remanufacturing process,” she said.

“It is exciting that another vehicle is joining the GMSV line-up, one that features a full complement of eight seats and offers great towing capability.”

While Ms Bala did not confirm full Australian specification and pricing for the Yukon, prior intel on the model suggests the Denali grade offered Down Under will feature one of two V8 petrol or a turbo-diesel engine offering, a 10-speed automatic transmission, and optional all-wheel drive.

Further, US specification sheets suggest the Yukon could offer a braked towing capacity as high as 3810kg (in two-wheel drive format, full comparative specifications listed below), giving rivals such as the Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series a genuine run for their money.

“Vehicle development post-remanufacturing is progressing extremely well, and we are on track to deliver the new model to customers in the first half of 2025,” added Ms Bala.

“Now that the camouflage has come off, we’ll be able to embark on more extensive on-road, local right-hand-drive development and testing.”

Measuring the Yukon against the strong-selling Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series we find differences that speak to the considerable proportions of the US-build model.

Against the tape, the Yukon measures 5179mm in length (+199mm), 2045mm in width (+65mm), and up to 1958mm in height (+8mm). The Yukon rides on a 2946mm wheelbase, trumping the LC300 by 96mm.

Unconfirmed, but still a possibility for Australia, is the extra-long wheelbase version called the Yukon XL. That model measures 3406mm between the axles, offering a massive 460mm stretch over the strong-selling LandCruiser.

While offering similar measurements externally, the Yukon also stacks up well where standard equipment is concerned. The model is available with hill descent control and hill start assist, magnetic ride control dampers and air springs, and a full complement of driver assistance and safety technologies.

Other technology features include a 12.0-inch digital instrument panel and 15.0-inch head-up display, a 10.2-inch infotainment array with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 18-speaker Bose premium sound, and high resolution 360-degree surround view camera.

Off-road geometry sees the current-spec Yukon offer between 203mm and 254mm ground clearance, between 24.5 and 34.5 degrees of approach angle, between 18.5 and 22.0 degrees of breakover angle, and between 20.5 and 22.5 degrees of departure angle. Water fording is listed at 815mm.

Cargo volume is stated at 722 litres, 2056 litres or 3480 litres depending on seating configuration.

“The team at Premoso are doing an excellent job and the right-hand-drive remanufacture process is well on track,” added Ms Bala.

“We look forward to getting customers into this premium product brought to you by GMSV.”

GMC (US) shared a glimpse of its updated 2025 Yukon in flagship AT4 trim just last week, the model making its North American debut in the northern spring, immediately after the launch the all-new Acadia.

The image features a 2025 GMC Yukon AT4 sporting a refreshed frontal mask and updated headlight profile, and a redesigned grille – all elements expected to appear on the Aussie-spec Yukon Denali.

In commenting on the updated Yukon, General Motors’ US office said, “2024 marks the fifth anniversary for GMC’s popular AT4 trim. Since launching on the Sierra 1500 in 2019, the AT4 line-up has established itself as the industry standard for premium off-road capability”.

“This year also marks the 25^th anniversary of GMC’s Denali sub-brand, which first debuted on the 1999 Yukon Denali concept.”

It’s a big year all-round for GMC which has announced plans to expand its global presence. The American brand will utilise the Yukon to spearhead its rollout across markets including Australia, China, and New Zealand.

More details of the MY25 Yukon are expected later in the year.

2024 GMC Yukon Denali versus rivals: