Hot on the heels of unveiling the new GMC Sierra Elevation, General Motors’ resident SUV and pickup brand is giving the same love to the full-size Yukon SUV. A pair of special edition models -- they're called the Graphite and Graphite Performance Editions, respectively -- are set to be offered later this year, packing across-the-board cosmetic and performance upgrades meant to give the SUV a more imposing presence in its segment.

What makes the GMC Yukon Graphite Performance Edition special

You can argue that the GMC Yukon doesn’t really need a new looks package. It’s not exactly winning any beauty contests anyway, so what’s the point of getting extra cosmetics? But that’s not the point, or more succinctly, that’s not GMC’s point. The automaker is more interested in freshening up the Yukon to give it a fresher appeal. That’s why it’s offering the Yukon Graphite Editions with a choice of three colors — Black, White Frost Tricoat, and Dark Sky Metallic. It’s also the reason why the full-sized SUV is receiving black assist steps with gloss black accents, a premium black chrome grille mesh insert, fog lamp surrounds, a body-color grille surround, black roof rails, gloss black beltline moldings, a new set of 22-inch six-spoke gloss black wheels, and enough black trim to make Batman proud. Oh, and we can’t forget about the obligatory badges because, well, badges!

Likewise, the Yukon’s interior also gets a dose of the good stuff, specifically the inclusion of an eight-inch Color Touch Screen Navigation with GMC’s infotainment system. This baby now comes as standard equipment on the Graphite Edition. That’s on top of the high-capacity air cleaner (always a good thing to have), Bose Active Noise Cancellation, a multicolor head-up display, and an eight-inch reconfigurable Driver Information Center.

Move beyond the realm of aesthetics and functionality, and you’ll land on the real highlight of the Yukon Graphite Edition models. For those who opt for the Yukon Graphite Edition, you’ll receive the same 5.3-liter V-8 engine that comes standard on the SLT trim of the SUV. This bad boy is good for 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque that’s mated to a six-speed transmission enough to help it achieve standard trailering of 6,500 pounds.

If those numbers still don’t add up to your liking, you can instead choose the Yukon Graphite Performance Edition. With the same exterior package, this version gives you a 6.2-liter V-8 unit that produces an impressive 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It also gets a 10-speed automatic transmission and Magnetic Ride Control, ensuring that you get the most out of the bigger V-8. The results speak for themselves as this version of the Yukon comes with an increased amount of standard trailering at an impressive 8,400 pounds. It also receives added equipment like a trailer brake controller, a 170-amp alternator, and a bigger rear axle ratio of 3.23 compared to the 3.08 ratio that’s standard on the Yukon Graphite Edition.

The idea behind the Yukon Graphite Edition models is to further showcase the SUV’s capabilities with a unique style that they can call their own. Or as Stu Pierce, senior marketing manager for GMC Trucks and Full-Size SUVs, describes it, “The all-new Graphite Edition builds on the commanding road presence and inherent capabilities of the Yukon and affords customers the opportunity to project a unique, yet distinctly GMC style.”

Judging by the finished product, it looks like GMC did exactly just that. Unfortunately, the automaker still hasn’t announced pricing details beyond saying that the Yukon Graphite Editions, which are available in standard and XL Yukon trims, will be available in the summertime here in the U.S. Given that the standard Yukon starts at $49,100, and the Yukon XL starts at $51,800, expect the price tags for these two special edition models to fetch anywhere from $55,000 to $60,000, respectively.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2018 GMC Yukon.

Read more GMC News.