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
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
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.
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) |
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) |
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.