The era of the electric luxury pickup is upon us as GMC has unveiled the 2024 Sierra EV Denali Edition 1, which packs a winning combination of style, performance, and capability.
Looking undeniably premium, the truck sports a fully enclosed grille with perimeter lighting and an illuminated GMC badge. It’s flanked by 7-shaped LED daytime running lights, which reside above low-mounted headlights, and feature animated approach lighting animations.
Moving further back, we can see a muscular hood and streamlined bodywork that is unique to the Sierra EV. Speaking of the latter, the truck sports a prominent shoulder line, pronounced fenders, and subtle sculpting on the doors.
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Elsewhere, there are side steps and massive 24-inch wheels that give the truck an unmistakable presence. They’re joined by stylish LED taillights and a practical corner step rear bumper.
While the design is unique to GMC, the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 comes standard with a MultiPro Midgate that draws inspiration from the old Chevrolet Avalanche. It enables owners to expand the 5’ 11” bed into the cabin by folding the midgate down. This enables the truck to haul items that are up to 9’ long. If that’s not enough space, owners can drop the MultiPro Tailgate and raise its load-stop to enable the truck to haul items that are nearly 11’ long.
Speaking of the bed, GMC will offer a lockable and weatherproof tonneau cover. Customers can also store items in the front eTrunk, or frunk, which features two drains and a 120-volt outlet.
A Luxurious And High-Tech Interior That Is Unique To GMC
Denali models have always focused on luxury, but the Sierra EV Denali exceeds our wildest expectations as it features an all-new interior that has little in common with the Chevrolet Silverado EV.
This is immediately apparent as drivers will find a minimalist dashboard with slender air vents and a wide swath of open-pore wood trim. In the center is a 16.8-inch infotainment system that features a portrait orientation as well as a split screen capability, Google integration, and extensive customization.
Beneath the infotainment system are dedicated climate controls, a rotary volume knob, and high-end switchgear. Buyers will also find an exquisite center console which features a sliding door as well as a wireless smartphone charger with a wooden bottom. The latter is a small, but important touch as it shows how much thought went into creating the luxury pickup.
The highlights don’t end there as the truck has quilted leather seats with contrast stitching and Denali embroidery on the headrests. GMC didn’t give a full equipment breakdown, but the seats undoubtedly offer power adjustment as well as heating and ventilation.
Putting the seats aside, there’s a freestanding 11-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic fixed glass roof, and a 14-inch head up display. Buyers will also find aluminum accents and a Bose audio system with stainless steel speaker grilles.
754 HP And Approximately 400 Miles Of Range
Like the GMC Hummer EV that we drove earlier this year, the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 rides on the Ultium platform and features a sizable battery pack that will deliver approximately 400 miles (644 km) of range.
We’ll learn detailed specifications closer to launch, but the truck’s dual-motor all-wheel drive system is slated to produce 754 hp (562 kW / 764 PS) and 785 lb-ft (1,063 Nm) of torque in Max Power mode. This should enable the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in less than 4.5 seconds. Buyers can also expect towing and payload capacities of up to 9,500 lbs (4,309 kg) and 1,300 lbs (590 kg), respectively.
When it comes time to charge, owners will be thankful for the 350 kW DC fast charging capability that bests the Cadillac Celestiq despite costing nearly $200,000 less. It enables the truck to receive up to 100 miles (161 km) of range in as little as 10 minutes. For charging at home, there’s a 19.2 kW onboard charging module.
Speaking of power, an Onboard Power Station Pro system can turn the pickup into a mobile power source that can provide 10.2 kW of juice to various electronics and even other EVs. More importantly, “with the right configuration, such as a bi-directional charger and additional products and services offered through GM Energy’s Ultium Home line, the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 can power a home’s essential necessities, for up to 21 days.”
Customers can also purchase an Ultium Power Bar accessory, which offers up to 10 outlets. This means owners can easily provide power to remote worksites or campsites.
4-Wheel Steer And CrabWalk For Unparalleled Maneuverability
GMC reached into the Hummer EV goodie bag and decided to equip the Sierra EV with some of its best features. The real coup de grâce is the 4-Wheel Steer system that enables the rear wheels to turn in the same or opposite direction as the front wheels.
We fell in love with 4-Wheel Steer on tight desert trails as it allows for a smaller turning circle and vastly improved maneuverability. The system also allows for a CrabWalk function, which enables the truck to drive diagonally.
On the topic of capability, there’s an Air Ride Adaptive Suspension that improves ride comfort while also enabling owners to raise or lower the truck by approximately 2 inches (51 mm). Buyers will also find five different drive modes that adjust the steering, suspension, propulsion, sound, and power settings. Besides the Standard, Tow/Haul, Off-Road, and Max Power modes, there’s a customizable My Mode that enables owners to tailor the driving experience to their liking.
Other highlights include a Regen on Demand system, which allows drivers to adjust the amount of regenerative braking by pulling on a pressure-sensitive paddle. It enables owners to easily optimize regenerative braking for the situation at hand.
Speaking of braking, there’s a One Pedal Driving mode that slows the vehicle to a stop if you take your foot off the accelerator. Customers will also find a trailering-capable Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system that allows for hands-free operation on more than 400,000 miles (643,738 km) of compatible roadway in the United States and Canada.
Denali Edition 1 Arrives In Early 2024 For $107,000
Reservations for the Sierra EV Denali Edition 1 are currently being accepted on GMC’s website and pricing starts at $107,000. Deliveries are slated to begin in early 2024 and customers better act fast as reservations are expected to fill up quickly.
While the six figure price tag puts the Denali Edition 1 out of reach for most consumers, GMC will launch AT4 and Elevation trims for the 2025 model year. The Elevation trim will serve as an entry-point and start around $50,000. The AT4, on the other hand, is a rugged off-roader that features a 2-inch (51 mm) lift, a more aggressive front bumper, and meaty off-road tires.
Note: The article has been updated as the Chevrolet Silverado EV RST First Edition is now expected to produce 754 hp (562 kW / 764 PS) and 785 lb-ft (1,063 Nm) of torque with Wide Open Watts mode engaged.