GM is spreading the use of its 8sp auto across the range, with the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali and Denali XL now pairing their 6.2-liter V8 with the new transmission that replaces the short-lived 6sp auto.

EPA estimates for the rear-wheel drive versions of the Yukon Denali and its longer Denali XL sibling are 22mpg highway, while the AWD Yukon Denali gets 15 mpg city.

No changes were made to the Denali’s 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 that delivers 420hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, with both the 8-speed automatic Denali and Denali XL keeping the same towing ratings (8,400 and 8,100 pounds respectively) as their 6sp automatic counterparts.

GMC says it also introduced the following convenience and connectivity improvements to the Denali SUVs:

  • A new hands-free power liftgate, which can be opened and closed by simply passing a foot beneath the rear bumper
  • A wireless charging surface for WPC (Qi) or PMA (Powermat) compatible mobile devices integrated into the design of the center console lid. A list of compatible devices is located at gmtotalconnect.com
  • OnStar with 4G LTE, which provides in-car data connectivity and a Wi-Fi hotspot capable of connecting up to seven devices at one time
  • An enhanced GMC Intellilink system, which provides incoming ‘Text Message Alerts’ when paired to a compatible Bluetooth phone

The 8-speed 2015 Yukon Denali and Yukon XL Denali models are priced from $64,965 and $67,665 respectively, including destination, and are on sale now.

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