GM Specialty Vehicle says it will only sell GMC SUVs here, so if you want one of the brand’s Sierra pickup trucks you’ll need to look to a conversion firm.
Australian-owned Autogroup International is stepping up to the plate, bringing the off-road-ready GMC Sierra 2500 HD AT4X ashore.
Enhanced by American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) and converted to right-hand drive by Autogroup International, the GMC Sierra 2500 HD AT4X doesn’t have much in the way of competition.
Under the bonnet, a 6.6-litre Duramax turbo-diesel V8 engine pumps out 346kW of power and 1322Nm of torque. For those preferring petrol, there’s also a 6.6-litre V8 option.
Paired with a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission, it boasts over 8000kg of towing capacity and a payload capacity exceeding 1100kg.
This truck isn’t just about raw power. It’s built to conquer and features a range of upgrades like a 1.5-inch factory-installed lift, Rancho shocks, Multimatic DSSV dampers, skid plates, heavy-duty control arms, and steel bumpers.
Inside, you’ll find a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 15-inch head-up display with off-road inclinometer.
Other standard equipment includes Obsidian Rush full-grain leather seats with heating and ventilation, plus a wireless phone charger and a 12-speaker Bose sound system with Kicker audio in the tailgate.
Active safety and driver assist technology includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera, the latter coming especially handy when off-roading.
Autogroup International, based in Sri Lanka, has completed the right-hand drive conversion and ensured the truck meets stringent safety and legal standards.
This 100 per cent Australian-owned family business, with over 30 years of experience, has converted over 4500 vehicles including the recent Lincoln Navigator and GMC Hummer EV, also on the water and heading for Australia.
The Sierra 2500 is mechanically related to the Chevrolet Silverado HD sold in GM Specialty Vehicles showrooms. While GMCs used to be little more than rebadged Chevys, though, nowadays most models from the brand feature significantly different styling inside and out from their bowtie-badged counterparts.
In the Australian market, the AT4X will compete with other American pickups like not only the Silverado HD but also the Ram 2500, another vehicle converted locally to right-hand drive by Walkinshaw.
The GMC stands out, however, with its superior towing capacity, luxurious interior, and features such as the Multimatic DSSV dampers.
American Vehicle Sales in Melbourne distributes the Sierra, and backs the ADR-compliant pickup trucks with a five-year warranty.
Right-hand drive units are already on their way, set to hit Australian roads soon.
What do you think, will this be another overpriced, oversized toy hauler, or are Australians getting serious about safe towing and are prepared to put the cash down to prove it? Let us know in the comments below.
