When the Denali Ultimate line first appeared on the Sierra, it signified GMC’s ambition of expanding the sales grip of its hot-selling Denali lineup. Boasting more standard equipment and luxury than a standard model, Ultimate models are a noticeable upgrade over their slightly tamer cousins. With the Sierra Denali Ultimate riding a wave of momentum, the brand has revealed the second member of the Ultimate lineup the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate.
An Escalade In GMC Clothing
Looking at the exterior of the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate, the changes here may not seem obvious at first glance. It retains alot of the traits of standard Denali models but swaps out the bright chrome work for darkened pieces on the grille and the 22-inch wheels. These darkened pieces are unavailable on other Yukon models and the 22-inch hoops are the largest yet offered on any Yukon model.
The interior is where the Ultimate experience comes full circle with the cabin featuring real brushed aluminum accents, wood trim and higher-grade leather. The seatbacks and the wood trim itself feature a topographical map of Mount Denali a trait that will be a key identifier for all Ultimate models moving forward. Abundant amounts of standard equipment is also the theme here with all Ultimate models coming virtually fully loaded with goodies such as an 18-speaker premium audio system, heated/cooled/massaging seats, large screens, and advanced magnetic shocks.
Performance For The Jet Set
Ultimate buyers will have a choice of two engines when they buy an Ultimate model with the long-running 6.2 liter V8 being the standard engine. This eight-cylinder delight has proven itself in the past and still delivers 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel is the optional choice for buyers with the fuel-sipping engine producing 277 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
Both offerings are mated to a 10-speed automatic with standard all-wheel drive. As mentioned, the Ultimate comes virtually fully equipped but even here there are a small handful of options for buyers with the lone items being an upgraded Super Cruise system with towing and automatic lane change capabilities, the towing package, and rear entertainment screens for second-row passengers.
GMC didn’t release pricing information for the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate but with the Sierra Ultimate having pricing to match its range-topping ambitions, look for the Yukon Ultimate to follow the same script and come with a very potent price tag when it begins deliveries this fall, with the order books opening up this June.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.