Major features-direct fuel injection, variable intake- and exhaust-valve timing, and cylinder shutdown during light loads-are common to both. The heart of the beast is a V-8 that’s closely related to the Chevy Corvette’s LT1 engine. The Denali's inconveniently high load floor is a consequence of its rudimentary rear suspension. The $16,780 ($16,8) upgrade from a base Yukon SLE 4x4 adds a 6.2-liter V-8, heated and cooled perforated-leather front seats, a heated second-row bench, a power-folding third row, magnetic-ride-control dampers, HID headlamps, active noise cancellation, a larger alternator, heated mirrors, a customizable driver’s display, and, last but not least, sparkling exterior body-side moldings. Most Yukons are sold with Denali trim for good reason: There’s substance behind the geographically disorienting badge. Starting with the longer 130-inch wheelbase (versus the regular Yukon’s 116), four-wheel drive, and sumptuous Denali trim, our order monger exercised restraint by adding but two options to the $69,375 base price: a $4160 Touring package (entertainment system with second- and third-row DVD screens, sunroof, theft-deterrent system with self-powered horn, and head-up display) and $495 22-inch wheels. Full disclosure: When this 40,000-mile gantlet was complete, we negotiated an extra 8000 miles to accommodate pressing vacation and racing needs. Mashing the scales at just over 6000 pounds, this Lone Star limo hauls eight, tows 7900 pounds, and comfortably sleeps a parent and two adventurous kids. Meet Big Den, a 2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali 4WD that casts a shadow twice as large as a Fiat 500’s. It has plenty of gadgets, but the Denali's interior feels more like a tarted-up mid-priced truck than a $74K luxury vehicle.
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