The GMC Sierra 1500 arrives to improve exactly what the previous generation left to be desired. The interior finish was much inferior to that of the rivals Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, featuring few refined materials and a large amount of hard plastic.
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To change the game, GM decided to add two new versions to the family, which are “evolutions” of the two old top-of-the-line versions. The Denali Ultimate offers the most luxury and comfort options, while the AT4X has the most strength and off-road capability.
However, the entire line, which now has eight versions (Pro WT, SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, Denali, AT4X, Denali Ultimate), received improvements in the cabin, while the appearance remained practically unchanged. Among the new features, the new 13.4'' multimedia center stands out, which replaces the old 8'' and the 12.3'' digital instrument panel, available from the SLE version onwards. Added to these are the 15'' inch alert monitor, totaling more than 40'' of digital screens to assist the driver.
The multimedia system is integrated with Google, meaning it already comes with the main services from the factory, such as Google Maps and Google Assistant. Connection to your smartphone can be done using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Outside, the headlights show a brief animation every time the driver approaches, moves away or starts the vehicle. A small detail that helps give Sierra more personality.
Denali Ultimate
The new and most expensive member of the family arrived with a very refined cabin. The leather full grain appears on the seats and as a finish for the instrument panel, console lid and A and B pillars. The roof has a covering called “premium microsuede”.
The topographic map of Mount Denali is made by laser and is printed on the front and rear seats, the Paldao wood on the dashboard and the ventilation emblems on the outer bumper.
The seats also have 16 adjustments, as well as a heater and massager. Like the Denali Ultimate, other versions come with electronic seat adjustment, while the others are equipped with a standard controller.
On the technological side, the Sierra Denali Ultimate receives a three-year subscription to the Super Cruise autonomous navigation system, adapted for towing.
In addition to providing autonomous navigation across 200,000 miles of US and Canadian roads, the system also recognizes whether the driver is towing something. From then on, Super Cruise starts to take into account the additional drag and longer braking time. The system is capable of detecting and warning the driver when the maximum weight that the pickup can support is exceeded.
This version is equipped with a 6.2 V8 engine with 425 hp and 63.6 kgfm and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The drive is all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case.
Sierra AT4X
In the off-road version, the main changes are found in the mechanics. The engine and transmission are the same as the Denali Ultimate, but the adjustable shock absorbers, with springs that increase the maximum travel of the front suspension by 50 mm and rear suspension by 25 mm, compared to the AT4 version.
The transfer case has modes for different terrains. Highlight is Terrain Mode, which allows you to ride on rocky stretches using just one pedal. The AT4X also comes with front and rear e-lock differential locks, an off-road chassis, specific suspension calibrations, and 18' black wheels with LT265/70R18 Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Mud-Terrain tires.
Inside, the AT4X repeats the leather finish, but this time in black, the microsuede lining and wood decorating the dashboard. The Bose sound system with 12 speakers and massagers on the front seats also appear in this version.
Like the luxury version, the AT4X receives an exclusive grille and electric sliding rear windows.
Other engine options
In addition to the V8 of the more expensive variants, another engine of this type is also available. This option is less powerful, having 5.3 liters and generating approximately 360 hp and 53 kgfm.
The new Sierra 1500 will also have versions with two different turbo engines. The first is the 2.7 turbodiesel from the previous generation, which has undergone an update. Its torque now reaches 58 kgfm, which represents an increase of 20%, and power remained at 314 hp.
The last option has also been updated. The 3.0 turbodiesel I-6 received improvements to increase its towing capacity to 5,987 kg, which led to a chassis update. Power is 280 hp and torque reaches 63.6 kgfm.
The AT4X and Denali Ultimate versions hit the market costing U$74,950 (R$422,971) and U$80,395 (R$456,473), respectively. The other variants have prices between U$32,495 (R$183,271) for the Pro WT version and U$61,295 (R$345,703) for the standard Denali. The new Sierra 1500 will go on sale in the first quarter of next year
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