GM confirms Yukon luxury SUV for Australia
Another super-sized vehicle built to American tastes will join pick-up trucks on Australian streets in the near future, dwarfing our biggest 4WD wagons.
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A new four-wheel-drive is on the way from the land where bigger is better.
America’s GMC Yukon will join the Chevrolet Silverado in Australian General Motors Special Vehicles showrooms.
Measuring a full metre longer than the latest Toyota LandCruiser, the GMC Yukon is an enormous SUV unlike any currently offered in Australia.
Designed to take on huge wagons such as the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe, the Yukon represents a unique proposition for Australian customers.
Significantly larger than conventional four-wheel-drives, the eight-seat wagon combines a spacious cabin with a huge boot capable of swallowing several suitcases, making it a popular choice for airport shuttle runs in the states.
Australian specs for the car have not been confirmed but American examples are offered with a choice of petrol or diesel power.
The least powerful motor is a 3.0-litre turbo diesel that sends 206kW/624Nm to the tyres through a 10-speed automatic transmission.
An enormous 28 gallon fuel tank – that’s 106 litres to you and I – costs more than $200 to fill, but promises more than 1200 kilometres of driving range.
Folks who want more power can choose between a 5.3-litre V8 that makes 265kW and 520Nm, or a more powerful 6.2-litre V8 with 313kW and 520Nm of wallop.
Able to tow almost four tonnes, there is nothing subtle about the big wagon.
Premium versions have 22-inch rims and lashings of chrome trim, joined by swathes of soft-touch leather in a cabin where more is more.
An 18-speaker stereo with speakers embedded in the head restraints joins a huge 15-inch head-up display system and large central touchscreen.
The car will be re-manufactured from left to right-hand-drive in the same factory that has already converted 8000 Chevrolet Silverados for use in Australia and New Zealand.
Greg Rowe, director of GMSV, said Australia’s appetite for big pick-ups helped secure a business case for the Yukon.
“GMSV has made a real impression in the local market and, thanks to this success, we’ve been able to make a strong business case for additional models and this latest arrival is testament to these achievements,” he said.
“I’m excited to confirm the new GMC Yukon, will be re-manufactured here in Melbourne and will be available in Australia and New Zealand.”
Originally published as GM confirms Yukon luxury SUV for Australia