In news likely to irk the growing number of people speaking out against the boom in full-size American pickups on our roads, GMSV has announced it will soon launch the GMC Yukon, an enormous full-size premium SUV with seating for eight.

The Yukon will be remanufactured in Melbourne for the domestic and New Zealand markets alongside the Chevrolet Silverado pickups which form the mainstay of GMSV’s business in Australia and which so far this year have notched up an impressive 2,696 sales in standard and heavy-duty configurations.

The GMC Yukon is based on the Chevy Silverado body-on-frame architecture but with the addition of independent rear suspension.

It will be offered here in top-spec Denali trim, in eight-seat configuration, and with a 6.2-litre petrol V8 producing 313kW/624Nm, driving through a 10-speed auto with dual-range transfer case.

In this configuration the Yukon is likely to exceed the 3,500kg towing capacity of popular 4x4 wagons such as the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Nissan Patrol, with US models capable of hauling a braked load of 3,629kg, still shy of the Silverado’s 4.5-tonne rating.

Standard features of the luxurious Denali trim in the United States include magnetic ride control dampers, 20-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, and a 10.2-inch infotainment touchscreen with 360-degree camera.

Options which may be considered for the local market include air suspension, rear cabin touchscreens and 22-inch wheels.

With its powerful proportions, bold grille and lashing of chrome, the Yukon has the sort of commanding presence that is unlikely to go unnoticed.

Measuring 5,334mm long, 2,057mm wide (without mirrors) and 1,943mm high, it sits on a 3,071mm wheelbase and tips the scales at 2,643kg in US-trim. That compares with the Toyota LandCruiser Sahara ZX’s equivalent dimensions of 5,015mm (L), 1,980mm (W), 1950mm (H), on a 2,850mm wheelbase and kerb weight of 2,610kg.

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The announcement coincides with GMSV’s third anniversary in Australia, with the organisation also marking the occasion of the 8,000th remanufactured Chevrolet Silverado rolling off its Premoso assembly line in Dandenong, Victoria.

“GMSV has made a real impression in the local market and, thanks to this success, we’ve been able to make a strong business case for additional models and this latest arrival is testament to these achievements,” said Director of GMSV Greg Rowe.

The company stopped short of announcing pricing and specification for the GMC Yukon, which won’t arrive in showrooms until early 2025, but based on comparative US pricing between Silverado and Yukon, buyers shouldn’t expect much change out of $150,000.

GMSV also used the occasion to announce several other updates to its lineup, including the Corvette E-Ray, MY24 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 upgrades, and MY24 Chevrolet Silverado HD.