After making a large number of pickup, performance and off-road enthusiasts salivate with the Hummer EV, the GMC brand electrifies one of the flagship models in its range, the Sierra. Discreetly in a warehouse located on the outskirts of Detroit, we were invited to discover the 2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali, a model that will land in the United States without Canadian consumers being able to get it at the same time.
2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali design
Even though it is the technical twin of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV, the GMC Sierra EV Denali, which will first be offered in a limited-edition “Edition 1” version, sports a different line. While the Chevrolet has split daytime running lights, the Sierra modernizes the approach already present on the brand’s other models. The headlights are C-shaped with three distinctive horizontal bars, which will also be used to indicate, for example, the current charging.
The shape of the grille remains similar to the other models, but it is now closed entirely. This is not surprising, since it hides a trunk accessible via the hood, a feature already present for all electric vans launched so far. The grille, encircled by a bright accent and with a backlit logo, marks the storefront. The truck is available only with a four-door cab.
At the rear, the body panel opens in a classic way to give access to a 5-foot-11-inch crate. The lowering of the “MultiPro MidGate” partition in the 60/40 way, allows a greater user-friendliness. Also, the opening of the rear panel equipped with MultiPro functionality, deployable in several sections. The maximum length, open panel and lowered partition, reaches 10 feet, 10 inches.
Ultium Platform
Like all other upcoming GM electric models, the GMC Sierra EV is built on the Ultium platform. It is equipped with an undisclosed capacity battery, but in Denali Edition 1 version, it should be able to travel 640 kilometers. Two electric motors – one per train – deliver a total of 754 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque, when “Max Power” mode is selected. These figures are halfway between those of the Ford F-150 Lightning large battery, at 580 horsepower, and the Rivian R1T, whose power exceeds 800 horsepower. GMC announces a 0-96 km/h in about 4.5 seconds.
When it comes to talking about vans, the main question is related to the capabilities of the vehicle. This version will be able to tow 4,309 kilos (9,500 pounds) and receive a load of 590 kilos (1,300 pounds) in the body, which is not particularly innovative considering that the Ford F-150 Lightning accommodates a little more, 818 kilos (1,800 pounds) for the large battery version.
Where the GMC Sierra stands out is when it comes to charging. The battery can operate with a voltage of up to 800 volts, which allows a maximum charging power of 350 kilowatts on a corresponding terminal. This power makes it possible to regain 160 km of autonomy in 10 minutes in the best conditions. Home charging with Level 2 charging can reach 19.2 kilowatts of power.
In addition to air suspension, the Sierra EV has four-wheel steering that helps improve agility in urban traffic and stability on the road. Like the GMC Hummer EV and unlike the Chevrolet Silverado EV, it can also use the “Crab Walk” feature to move sideways in off-road situations.
An increasingly popular feature in the world of electric vans is the on-board generator. The 2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 is equipped with it and will be able to provide up to 10.9 kilowatts of power to power, for example, a home during a power outage. Thus, it is ahead of the Ford F-150 Lightning which can go to 9.2 kilowatts of power.
2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali interior
The interior of the GMC Sierra EV is completely different from that of the Chevrolet Silverado EV. The approach tends much more towards luxury with materials such as real wood, but also with screens arranged completely differently. In the center is a 16.8-inch screen in the “portrait” position with a redesigned interface, which can be customized to the driver’s liking. The instrumentation takes the form of an 11-inch screen, which can also be configured and modified according to driving modes. A 14-inch head-up display system is also in front of the driver, for maximum readability. So there is no shortage of screens.
Other technological additions include the Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system with towing functionality, all driver aids, programmable regenerative braking, one-pedal driving and five driving modes. Like some other electric vehicles, it is not necessary to start the vehicle to take the road; Simply get on board with a key, press the brake and engage the transmission.
2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali release Date
The GMC Sierra Denali Edition 1 will be offered only in the U.S. for the 2024 model year. Canadian consumers will have to wait for the 2025 model year, while other versions, such as the AT4 or the Elevation, will be available in our market. The technical specifications of these new versions are not yet revealed, and it remains possible that they will be different from those of the Denali Edition 1 version. Details will be announced at a later date. All GMC Sierra EVs will be assembled at Factory ZERO in Detroit-Hamtramck.
At the moment, the price advertised by GMC for this fully equipped truck is $ 107,000 US. The other versions will have a starting price of $ 50,000 U.S., but the initial price for Canada is not disclosed.