Consistent with the GMT800 series, the Denali - with its exclusive honeycomb grille - caps-off the various Yukon trim levels, which
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| Four-wheel discs and antilock brakes are standard, as is GM's Stabilitrak stability control. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
begin with the SLE base model and climb to the leather clad SLT's mid-level lavishness prior to jumping to the top-line Denali. In addition to the Denali's cabin-full of luxury and its 18-inch polished wheels, it arrives atop GM's Autoride real-time damping shocks that continuously adjust to match road and driving conditions. Regardless of which trim level best suits the pocketbook, though, buyers of the 2007 Yukon will receive a three-zone climate control system serving more space than found in prior generation Yukons.
While pushing the boundaries of space, performance and refinement, GM didn't lose sight of the importance of safety and protection. The Yukon's standard equipment list includes dual-stage frontal airbags. Optional airbags include roof-mounted side-curtain airbags (standard on Denali) assigned to protect occupants at all outboard seating positions. In addition to deploying in the event of a side impact, these "smart" bags deploy when a roll over is imminent. A special sensor monitors the vehicle's acceleration and roll rates,
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| GM's biggest is now also going to be their best. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
triggering the roof-mounted airbags when a roll over is detected. Because roll over incidents generally last longer than typical side impact crashes, the roof-mounted airbags remain inflated longer than conventional side impact airbags. Not only does the extended inflation enhance head protection it aids in keeping occupants inside the vehicle rather than allowing them to be violently ejected.
It's regrettable that GM didn't choose to make these sophisticated airbags standard equipment with all trim levels. I strongly suggest family buyers spend the extra dough to garner the added cranial protection, and since the Yukon won't become available until the second quarter of 2006 there is still time to save for it. Pricing has yet to be determined by GM, but look for thresholds close to the current Yukon pricing structure. What's certainly not regrettable is GM's decision to replace its line of full-size SUVs with a, highly refined, beautifully crafted set of new offerings that appear every bit as capable off road as on. Yes, GM's biggest is now also going to be their best.
