If you thought things can’t be more luxurious for the GMC lineup than the Denali package, the company is ready to surprise you. The 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate grade adds $20k above the standard version. Of course, it takes everything from the Denali bundle and upgrades it with additional equipment. For $20k, at this level – it can’t be ordinary. Panoramic power sunroof, huge wheels, special moldings, grille… the list is not short.
The 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate is also available with the long-wheelbase Yukon XL model. The package offers options under the hood. Petrol V8 is standard. Of course, it is the most capable 6.2-liter mill. You can substitute it with a diesel plant. The Yukon Denali Ultimate is something closest to the Cadillac Escalade luxury SUV. Well, the GMC vehicle is not getting the V-Series engine and 650 hp under the bonnet.
2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Features
As expected, the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate is getting the top accessories and state-of-art systems. Current edition is using the Super Cruise, one of the best autonomous drive systems in the market. General Motors will soon replace it with even better Ultra Cruise. You can bet that the Denali Ultimate package for the big SUV is one of the vehicles with this option.
That is just one of the several upgrades you are getting for $20,000. To buy it separately, Bose premium audio with 18 speakers would cost a lot for sure. Genuine leather is covering seats, and buckets also feature massaging function. The Premium package is optional on other versions, but not for the Denali Ultimate. It adds rear-seat entertaining and a couple of screens in the back. Of course, all the features the standard Denali is offering are also included. The only optional upgrade is the Advanced Technology bundle. With it, the SUV is getting rearview mirror.
2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Specs
Under the hood of the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate is the same engine as for the standard Denali. A 6.2-liter V8 can produce 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and sends them to all wheels. Rear-wheel drive is optional only for the standard Denali. An alternative is a 3.0-liter turbodiesel. A six-pot Duramax plant is ready to crunch 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Still, more buyers opt for a petrol plant, although the oil burner offers a better mileage.
We still hope that GM could add a supercharged performance-tuned version of the V8 motor. For now, it is reserved for the Cadillac Escalade V-Series and makes it stand out from the competition and the rest of the family. We believed that there is nothing beyond Denali, and Denali Ultimate made us wrong. But, a 650 hp rated engine is too much for this vehicle.
Other Yukon Models
The base version of the SUV is available with the SLE badge. It is not bad at all. Compared to other full-size SUVs, Yukon seems to be an upscale model. Its price is also a bit higher. A 5.3-liter V8 engine is the entry choice, while a larger petrol mill is unavailable on this one. But, a diesel unit is there as the alternative. The SLT is fans’ favorite grade. It adds some cool options for $6,000. For example, you will get larger wheels, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a hands-free tailgate and GMC Pro safety package.
Definitely, the Yukon AT4 is the most interesting option. We expect upgrades of the off-road package and introduce of the AT4x model. For the 2023 season, it brings a unique suspension setup, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and all other stuff you’ll need for an off-road drive. Unfortunately, diesel is not an option for the AT4 package. But, a 6.2-l V8 becomes a $3,500 upgrade. From there, you can only go after the Denali model. Even the base version of the package will stun you with its options.
2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Price
Like said, the SUV in the base grade is already packed with some advanced stuff and costs $60,000. Most competitors will be around $55,000. The SLT is around $66,000 and other packages breach a $70,000 mark. The star of our review swims into premium waters with a $96,000 price tag. A diesel engine can be a $1,000 discount over the V8 petrol mill.
