​​Celebrating 25 Years of GMC Denali​

Did you know that GMC’s Denali lineup has been around for 25 years? In 1999, GMC started offering a lineup of premium models that combined luxury, technology, and performance. The Denali name was inspired by the highest mountain peak in the U.S.A., which rises 20,310 feet above sea level. Located in the middle of Alaska, Denali is a breathtaking vision that embodies power and majesty.  

This was the direction GMC took when it applied the Denali name and attributing luxury to the 1999 Yukon. It provided its owners with the best in luxury, with leather upholstery and upgraded features not found on any GMC vehicle until then. It also added presence with distinctive grille textures, upgraded trim, and wheels. They were designed to be apart from the crowd, exuding an air of absolute luxury as SUVs and trucks were becoming popular at the time.   

Twenty-five years later, we are proud to say that every new GMC model has a Denali trim level available. It made several benchmarks along the way. In 2002, the Sierra 1500 Denali started the luxury pickup trend, proving that a work truck could be as luxurious as a fine automobile. That tradition continues with the Sierra EV Denali pickup truck. In fact, all Sierra pickup trucks—including the 2500HD and 3500HD lineups—offer luxury, technology, and maximum capability, as expected in a Denali model.  

In recent years, GMC added another level to the Denali story in the Denali Ultimate. Available on the Sierra 1500, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL, these next-level Denali models are equipped with enhanced features. Features include upgraded Bose Premium Audio systems with metal speaker grilles, heated and ventilated 16-way power adjustable front seats, upgraded grilles and trim surrounds, and large center touchscreens with 12.3-inch diagonal Digital Driver Information Centers.   

The Denali lineup became the most desirable trim level of each model. In fact, Denali accounted for over 30% of GMC retail sales in 2024. As the pinnacle of the GMC lineup, the Denali has become the measurement of the quality customers should expect.  

To celebrate, GMC will be offering the Limited Edition 25th Anniversary Yukon Package. Available in Denali or Denali Ultimate trim, this limited edition includes black 24-inch wheels with black center caps, black mesh grille, black illuminated front GMC emblem, black nameplates and badging, and black mirror caps. There will be just 3,000 examples available of these limited-edition models globally. 

The Denali trim has set a new standard for all SUVs and pickup trucks. It continues to be the peak of luxury. If you are ready to step up into a new level of luxury, contact us at Ewing GMC of Plano to experience luxury at its peak.