GMC, Cadillac Maximize Luxury in Hybrid SUVs

As much as people have been questioning past and present vehicle decisions made by General Motors, one undeniable success that the company has recognized is its full-size sport utility vehicle program. Building off the popularity of its big SUVs, in 2008 GM became first automaker to offer a hybrid version of a full-size SUV by equipping the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade with a fuel-efficient two-mode hybrid system. Now GM is supplying additional luxury to a pair of its hybrid SUVs by adding the 2009 GMC Yukon Denali Two-Mode Hybrid and the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Two-Mode Hybrid to its roster. Like the current GMT900 hybrids, the more luxurious models will only be available in the short-wheelbase SUV layout with seating for eight passengers. Both vehicles are also eligible for a $2,200 federal tax credit.

In base form, both vehicles use GM’s 6.2-liter V-8 with 403 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque at the driver’s disposal offering a meager 12 miles per gallon in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. On the two-mode hybrid models, fuel economy is increased to 21 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway thanks to the 332-horsepower 6.0-liter V-8 with Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) and, of course, an advanced hybrid system. The hybrid system uses an electrically variable transmission featuring two electric motors and four conventional hydraulic forward gears that gets its power from a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery pack mounted under the second-row bench seat. This setup allows the gasoline to shut off automatically in Auto Stop mode when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and lets the vehicle travel on electric power only at low speeds. Other key features that help improve the fuel economy, comfort and convenience on the Cadillac Escalade Platinum Hybrid and GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid include a 42-volt, electrically driven power steering system, a 300-volt A/C compressor with tri-zone climate control and the Active Fuel Management system that switches from V-8 to V-4 power almost undetectably. Both models are available in either two- or four-wheel drive and come with a maximum towing capacity of 5,800 pounds.

Ironically, Cadillac debuted both the Escalade Hybrid and the Escalade Platinum side by side at the 2008 South Florida International Auto Show, but the new Cadillac Escalade Platinum Two-Mode Hybrid will feature the highest levels of both luxury and fuel economy available on the big Caddy. The Escalade Platinum distinguishes itself from lesser Escalade models thanks to slightly reworked interior and exterior designs as well as offering a smoother ride courtesy of GM’s Magnetic Ride Control. Outside, the Escalade Platinum gets unique 22-inch, seven-spoke wheels, industry-first all LED headlamps and a new front fascia and grille treatment to mimic Cadillac’s popular CTS sedan. Inside, the Escalade Platinum gets a more handcrafted look and feel thanks to hand-stitched and -wrapped leather treatments on the instrument panel, center console and door panels featuring stylish French seams, while genuine wood inlays and aluminum trim act as stylish accents. A final touch for passenger luxury, the Escalade Platinum Hybrid comes standard with a rear seat DVD entertainment system that features two monitors integrated into the front seat headrests as well as a conventional flip-down screen mounted to the roof. The starting MSRP of the new 2009 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Hybrid shows off the improved luxury and technology starting at $84,935 for two-wheel drive and $87,435 for all-wheel drive – the base Escalade starts at $62,205, while the base Escalade Hybrid starts at $73,135.

Like the Escalade, the Denali is GMC’s top level luxury vehicle, but with an aggressive and sporty flair thrown in for good measure. The Yukon Denali continues to the signature unique chrome grille, but upgrades the wheels to a stylish set of 22-inch, eight-spoke chrome wheels. Inside, the Denali offers leather appointed seating for all eight passengers with heated and cooled seats for the front passengers and heated seats for second-row passengers. As a sign of how fully loaded the Yukon Denali Hybrid is, GMC only offers three additional options from which to choose – sunroof, rear-seat DVD entertainment system and side blind zone alert mirrors. The 2009 GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid has a starting price of $59,185 for two-wheel drive and $62,030 for four-wheel drive. The Yukon Denali Hybrid joins the Yukon Hybrid and Sierra Hybrid and makes GMC the first manufacturer to offer three full-size hybrid models.