It all began on 16th September when GMC invited us and a number of other publications to the regional launch of the 2014 GMC Sierra. We made our way to the Mina A’Salam hotel at Madinat Jumeirah not knowing what was in store for us. All we knew was we were going to be taken to a secret location for the unveiling.
Following signing up and receiving our welcome kits, we were directed to the main entrance where large black tinted SUV’s awaited us. A few moments later and we had pulled up into Mall of the Emirates. Now I’ve been for launches at race tracks and launches at hotels but this was my first launch in a mall which made it even more exciting.
We made our way to Ski Dubai and after getting suited and booted we were ready to head into the snow park. Ice sculptures, snack and beverage stands along with a DJ were all present inside the snow park. The lights dimmed, the music got louder and the event had officially just begun.
A group of skiers decorated with LED lights zigzagged their way down the ski slope, while from the other end three 2014 GMC Sierra’s made their way up absolutely effortlessly with standard tires. If showcasing power and all round capability were the aim, in my opinion GMC nailed it by launching the 2014 Sierra at Ski Dubai.
Following a few words by Jeffrey Luke, the Executive Chief Engineer and John Stadwick, President and Managing Director of GM Middle East, we made our way to view each car for the very first time. The 2014 GMC Sierra had been completely redesigned and that is clear even at first glance. New headlights, grille and bumpers will be noticed almost instantaneously. However, upon closer examination you’ll notice the new body structure that flaunts larger flared wheel arches, front hinged rear doors and corner steps on the rear bumper that make climbing into the bed easy, regardless of whether the tailgate is up or down. The steps are paired with grips formed into the top of each bed side.
Though all the three trucks present looked great, each of them were very unique in their own way. The bright red Sierra was a regular cab and clearly an entry level model since it had cloth seats, a miniscule infotainment screen and the smallest rims out of all measuring in at just 17”. At the other end stood the stunning black Sierra which was a crew cab offering a lot more space and was slightly better decked out. Finally, in the centre stood the gorgeous blue extended cab Sierra which adorned the signature ‘C’ shaped headlights with LED’s and also sported the largest wheels.
After sitting in each of the trucks and sipping on some hot chocolate, we made our way to Karam Beirut, a Lebanese restaurant overlooking the entire ski slope and feasted on a number of absolutely delicious dishes. As the day came to a close, I could barely contain my excitement to get back to the hotel in the morning and head out with the Sierra.
PRICING: Although the Sierra will only be available for sale from the first week of November, this gives you enough time to start saving up for the model you desire; AED 107,983 for the Regular Cab, AED 115,428 for the Double Cab, AED 120,915 for the Crew Cab and AED 198,392 for the mighty Denali.
