FYI: The GMC Sierra EV Denali has shattered records in Edmunds’ EV range tests, showcasing its unparalleled travel range on a single charge.
GMC Sierra EV Denali: A New Leader in EV Range
The GMC Sierra EV Denali has ascended to the top of Edmunds’ EV range test leaderboard, setting a landmark travel capability of 507 miles on a single charge—surpassing the previous record held by the Lucid Air Dream Edition by one mile. This impressive feat was achieved through real-world testing parameters that combined 60% city and 40% highway driving, while maintaining speeds close to the local limits.
Outpacing the Competition
The Sierra EV Denali’s performance has notably outmatched its contemporaries, including its platform siblings: the Chevrolet Silverado EV and the GMC Hummer EV. On Edmunds’ leaderboard, the Sierra EV Denali surpasses the Silverado EV by 23 miles and extends 117 miles beyond the range of the Hummer EV. This is especially remarkable considering that its official EPA rating is 460 miles—falling short compared to the Silverado’s 492 miles.
Efficiency Takes a Backseat
However, this impressive range comes with a cost. According to Edmunds, the Sierra EV Max Range Denali isn’t the most efficient EV, registering a consumption rate of 48.1 kWh/100 miles. This is significantly higher than more efficient competitors like the Rivian R1T, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Tesla Cybertruck. The Lucid Air, despite having a similar range, boasts a much more efficient consumption of 28.3 kWh/100 miles.
The Trade-Offs of Weight and Performance
Weighing in at 8,800 pounds, the Sierra EV Denali is one of the heaviest vehicles Edmunds has tested, impacting both its efficiency and performance. Despite its robust 760 horsepower and 785 pound-feet of torque, the massive truck accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. The driving experience is further influenced by standard 24-inch wheels, providing a distinctive, albeit less comfortable, ride.
Price Considerations
The price tag is as hefty as the vehicle itself. Starting at $100,990 including a $2,095 destination fee, the Sierra EV Denali Max Range carries a premium over the Chevrolet Silverado EV by approximately $5,590 according to Edmunds’ configurations. Such considerations raise questions about the ideal applications for GM’s Ultium technology, which might be more suited for smaller, more efficient pickups.
Conclusion
While the GMC Sierra EV Denali sets new benchmarks in range, its efficiency and pricing may limit its appeal to broader markets. For potential buyers, balancing these factors against their needs will be crucial. Nonetheless, the Sierra EV Denali’s record-setting range highlights the capabilities and ambitions embodied in GM’s latest iteration of electric innovation.
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By Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
