'I drove this luxury car for a week and… honestly? It wasn't what I thought.'

Thanks to our brand partner, GMSV

I'm not generally a luxury car kinda person.

I've had my licence for almost 30 years and in that time I've driven a whole carpark full of vehicles. The past six years I've been on the road I've also been a parent — and that's when my needs and requirements changed in terms of space.

We 'upgraded' to bigger cars when our son came along but still, I wouldn't call our little family's two cars fancy. Sure, I've been the passenger in plenty of luxury cars but I don't think I've ever actually been in charge behind the wheel.

So when I was given the opportunity to test-drive a premium SUV that has just arrived in Australia, I was curious.

Enter: the GMC Yukon Denali.

Never heard of it? Same. That's because it's brand new here. I said I was curious — and to be honest with you, when I picked up the GMC Yukon for my seven-day trial I was nervous. This car is… big.

I live in a busy suburb and my day-to-day life involves lots of running around. School drop-off and pick-up, driving to various meetings and events and often trips with the boot full of parcels and products for my skincare business.

So let's start with my first impressions. I jumped in the GMC Yukon Denali… well, actually, I didn't have to jump in because the car lowers to 'greet' the driver and passengers with a super cool retractable step that automatically glides out for easy entry and exit.

Once behind the wheel I honestly felt like I was at the pointy end of an aeroplane — it was so luxe and high-tech. But does that make me the pilot?! Am I about to drive this thing?? (More on that later.)

Image: Supplied.

The GMC Yukon Denali is designed to be everything for everyone in the family, making sure everyone's happy. It's an eight seater (!!) — perfect for large families, carpooling for sports teams and ace for road trips (especially if you're a chronic over-packer like me). It's ideal if you've got a boat or even a caravan to tow. BUT! It's definitely not just for 'outdoorsy' types.

The inside is straight-up luxury. I was super impressed (and possibly a little over-excited) by the massaging front seats. I used to think heated or cooling seats were fancy but I don't think I've ever seen a car with massage seats before. You know those five minutes of peace you enjoy in your car after drop-off or when you arrive home before going inside? That little window of time just got so much better.

The touchscreen is huge and super intuitive to use. Even though it was my first time in the car it was obvious exactly what to press and how to use it.

Not only does it feel like you're in first class, it sounds like you're at a cinema too. The GMC Yukon has a powerful Bose sound system (with up to 22 speakers!) and even screens in the back for kids or grown-ups to watch movies on longer drives. I tested this out for myself when I played passenger and my husband drove on the weekend because when I say I'm test-driving a car I want to know what it's like from all angles.

Image: Supplied.

It has both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep families with various phone preferences from arguing. And of course, wireless charging.

Okay, back to driving it. Like I said, the size made me nervous — especially because I don't live on a big property or have a huge garage. Thankfully, despite its size it was just like driving any other SUV. Of course, it features lane-keeping assist and even a 360-degree camera system that makes parking way easier than I thought it would be.

On the workdays I was trialling the car I had the back seats folded down to experience the boot space — and I'm not kidding, it's big enough for a party. Well, to move furniture anyway.

On the weekend we met up with my nieces for brunch — they were desperate to ride in the car they'd seen on social media. They thought I was the coolest aunty ever.

So I converted the boot back so everyone could come for a cruise. They were super impressed and they weren't the only ones. I have never received so many comments or been asked so many questions about a car in my life, especially from strangers!

Book a test drive of the GMC Yukon Denali online or visit your nearest showroom.

Feature Image: Supplied.

GM Specialty Vehicles (GMSV), a General Motors company, brings some of the most exciting and iconic vehicles to Australia and New Zealand. Our vehicles are hand-picked for the few, adored by the many—from the legendary Corvette sports car, built in right-hand drive in Kentucky, USA, to the powerful Chevrolet Silverado and the 8-seat GMC Yukon Denali, both proudly remanufactured for right-hand drive in Melbourne. Every GMSV product meets the highest standards of quality, performance, and capability.Backed by our dealer network, we help customers get behind the wheel. We deliver bold, head-turning vehicles that ignite passion and help customers Live Big. Drive Big.