GMC News: GMC Yukon Matching Chevy's RST with Graphite

[Drew Dowdell]

For the 2018 Model Year, Chevy gave the Tahoe an RST package for some extra sporting pizzazz and more recently introduced the RST Performance package on the Suburban.  The RST removed chrome, blacked out grilles, and added custom wheels.  Upgrading to the performance package brought on the 6.2 liter V8, 10-Speed automatic transmission, and GM's Magnetic Ride Control.  At GMC, the only way to get those performance upgrades was to first check the box on the order form that said "Denali".

One of our intrepid readers lurking around the GM Fleet Order Guide (Hat-tip: @ocnblu) found that GMC is planning to offer a virtually identical set of packages on the Yukon for 2019. Named Graphite and Graphite Performance Package, these packages should add a bit bolder look to the otherwise conservative Yukon.

Like the Tahoe/Suburban RST, the GMC Yukon Graphite Edition removes most, if not all, of the bright chrome accents typically found on a Yukon. In their place are a black chrome mesh grille insert, black chrome fog lamp surround, body color grille surround, gloss black belt line moldings, and the Z85 Suspension package with air leveling. Special, package specific 22" bright machined wheels with Carbon Flash Metallic pockets and gloss black side assist steps are added. 

The Graphite Performance Edition adds to that with the 6.2 liter V8, 10-speed automatic, 3.23 rear axle, Magnetic Ride Control, upgraded 8" driver information center, heads up display, 8" infotainment system with navigation, trailer brake controller, upgraded alternator, unique performance edition 22" 6-spoke wheels, and on four-wheel drive models a 2-speed active transfer case.  Not mentioned in the GMC order guide is the sport suspension calibration mentioned in the Tahoe RST guide, but that could simply be an order guide oversight. 

Both Graphite Editions will come wearing P285/45R22 tires and will only be available for selection on SLT equipped Yukons. The Yukon Graphite will be available in only three colors - White Frost Tricoat, Onyx Black, or Dark Sky Metallic.

No official picture or release of the 2019 GMC Yukon Graphite Edition has been made by GMC yet, but expect something in the coming weeks.

(2016 GMC Yukon SLT Pictured)

 

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[Drew Dowdell]

As far as pricing.... expect a the price of an SLT ($57k) plus $2600~ for the Graphite package and an additional $2700 for the performance package.

@dfelt

[G. David Felt]

Awesome  Thank you Drew, Great write up of info on this.