GMC Introduces 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1

Every member of the B&B knew there would eventually be a GMC Sierra variant built on the Ultium platform, a set of bones that underpins the Hummer EV pickup (itself technically branded as a GMC in a slightly bizarre bit of marketing ambition) and Chevrolet Silverado EV. 

It turns out that while certain aspects of such a rig are understandably shared amongst all three, the GMC pulls a Lindsey Buckingham and goes its own way in one important area.

We’ll get to other important stats – horsepower, range, towing, et al – in a minute. For now, check out the interior shots of this new electron eater from General Motors. While the Hummer EV deploys a landscape-style infotainment screen and the Electro Silvy strongly recalls its gasoline-powered cousin, the Sierra EV is granted a style all its own with a huge tablet measuring 16.8 inches complete with the ability to show a trio of different apps all at once. A physical dial for audio volume sits at its base (clearly someone at GMC has driven a Ford lately) as do a bank of toggle-style switches for ventilation and other controls.

Sure, hard points in the interior are in similar spots – and secondary switchgear is 100 percent GM – but the vast differences inside these three brothers hopefully speak to a new era in which the different brands at Ren Cen do more than just shuffle around a few deck chairs. If there is one good thing to come out of the wholesale shift to EVs, it could be this. An 11-inch digital screen rests in front of the driver as a gauge cluster, while a 14-inch heads-up display peeps onto the windshield. 

Back to the truck. As they are wont to do, GMC is kicking off Sierra EV production with its costliest trim, the Denali Edition 1. It is powered by two electric motors good for an estimated 754 horsepower and 785 lb-ft of twist, delivered to all four wheels thanks to e4WD. The range is suggested by GM to be in the 400-mile ballpark, though the brand is mum on the size of the battery pack underneath the Sierra EV floorboards. The smart money is on a 24-module Ultium unit measuring approximately 200 kWh, though it will be some time before those official numbers appear. When drinking electrons from a sufficiently strong Level 3 DC charger, the Sierra EV could be capable of replenishing 100 miles of range in 10 minutes. Don’t expect that from yer outlet at home unless you live inside a generating plant.

Being the Denaliest of Denalis, this truck comes with the likes of Super Cruise, CrabWalk, four-wheel steering, and an air ride suspension. The lack of a dino-fuelled engine ahead of the driver frees up space for a large frunk, one which is weatherproof and houses an electrical outlet. More outlets appear in the box, contributing to the Sierra EV’s 10.2 kW of off-board power which can be used in a variety of situations such as juicing up another EV when properly equipped with the right accessories.

Some eyes will draw parallels between this truck and the Chevy Avalanche, a comparison that gets even more apt when the Midgate is considered. Just like other variants on this platform, the Sierra EV can drop a bulkhead behind the rear seats which usually separates the cabin and cargo box. This opens up about 9 linear feet of loading space, up from the 5’ 11” measure on tap during normal configuration. The Midgate is split-folding, so one can flip forward one side to load up a windsurf board or whatever lifestyle sport item you have on hand while still leaving room for one rear seat passenger.

GMC is leaning into the notion that owners will want to tow trailers with this thing, at least occasionally. A total of 9,500 pounds of trailering capacity is on tap, along with 1,300 lbs of payload. A trailer brake controller is visible to the left of the steering wheel in one image, so that’s a good omen. Alert readers, or at least ones which have passed basic math, will have realized that maxing out towing capacity leaves just 350 lbs for passengers and their gear. Left unsaid is the impact towing will have on the total range, though our own experience with a F-150 Lightning suggests it could be cut roughly in half.

The 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 will be available at launch in early 2024, bearing a sticker price of $107,000. GMC will introduce the Sierra EV AT4 and Elevation trims – which are likely to have less power and different range ratings but a smaller price tag than the truck introduced today – in the 2025 model year. Launch trucks will be assembled alongside the Hummer EV at GM’s Factory ZERO Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly, with Lake Orion Assembly being roped into the equation sometime down the road.

[Images: GM]

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