The Americans want to do without all prophecies despite their fellows. The mega-SUV-GMC Yukon shows how: 3.2 tons and 5.13 M long it consumes little more than eleven litres normal.

In the development departments of Europe, Asia and the United States, the machines glow for months. Everyone is looking after the squaring of the circle wants to wish – according to size and performance combine with a reasonable consumption and minimal exhaust. All people not just as innovative known Americans are doing the German season a mighty step ahead: the Nobel triplets Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon are to come for several months with hybrid drive.

The result can see themselves – and drive. The only difference from the outside: a small green “H” on C-pillar and rear of the GMC Yukon. Who wants to gets stuck an image steeped “hybrid” lettering on the lower door segment in addition. Good conscience is fitted as standard.Not only eco followers have chosen the big SUV to their favorite enemies. But so much a rant: the others enjoy unlimited comfort and space in the Dickschiffen. General Motors wants to as one of the first show that efficient large SUVS and economical usages are not a contradiction in terms. “Americans love great SUV.” “Their place, the power and the versatility of – but they hate the consumption”, explains Bob Walczyk who is responsible, at Chevrolet as a product spokesman for the Tahoe, suburban, and avalanche series.

Since the beginning of, Chevrolet and GMC Yukon and Tahoe offer an efficient double pack. The hybrid drive itself is space-saving in the – admittedly elderly – housed four-speed automatic. Up to a speed of 25 miles per hour, the 3.2 ton colossus goes silently with electrical energy. The 300-volt battery pack is hidden under the huge back seat. Also all other cargo space as a small-capacity is usable like the third row of seats thus as well without any restriction.

During driving, the difference between hybrid makes and model after a few metres noticeable. Because the approach is not only unusually powerful, but also electric and thus silently. On the Central multifunction display and a small round clock next to the speedometer can be read off the current flow of energy.Two electric motors up to 68 HP are intended for the slow driving, and as a booster. During strong acceleration on highway or country road they jump in imposing the six litre large V8 engines to support: the barrel severity behemoth spurting thanks to a capacity of 332 HP and 500 nm torque from 0 to 100 km/h in impressive 8.2 seconds. The top speed is electronically electronically on the US market at 170 km/h.

The new hybrid drive in a Chevrolet Tahoe is to ensure that the just in downtown oversized fuel thirst to a manageable level is reduced. Walczyk: „Unser Tahoe two-mode hybrid consumes downtown no more than the middle-class sedan Toyota Camry. And the, although the car weighs 3.2 tonnes and offers space for up to eight people. ”

After a journey of over 3,200 kilometers in the test car shows that General Motors has made no empty promises. Endless California highways, mountainous roads, passes to about 3,300 M above sea level and the jam-making inner cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco were responsible for an average of just 11.2 litres (20.2 miles per gallon). This is only slightly more than the ambitious-sounding work part of 21 miles per gallon (3.8 liters).And that is: in comparison with the swallow-friendly twin without hybrid engine, the Yukon by electric motor, regenerative braking system and partial shutdown saves more than 30 percent fuel from four cylinders. In the annoying city traffic, there are more than 40 percent. The average is in the city almost at the same level as on roads and highways, no other offers that –. And it is clearly noticeable at the pump: up to 500 miles can be cover with a full tank.

In terms of driving dynamics, it is so or ordered as to the best for the Yukon. The damping is too vague, but very comfortable by European standards. Bumps and twisty slopes, the Yukon does not conceal his live weight. The nearly 200 kg additional weight, the hybrid drive, which were saved elsewhere almost completely. Seats and damping elements are thinner than usual and passengers must waive seat ventilation and electrical operation of the third row of seats comfort extras such as an electric tailgate. Nevertheless, there is a separate air conditioning and a separate sound system for the second and third series.

The hybrid Yukon initially only as Hecktriebler was to get, so was made quickly. Both Tahoe as also GMC Yukon are to have since a few weeks with all-wheel drive Chevrolet. After the summer holidays, the Cadillac follows Escalade offered also in Germany. He also gets a hybrid drive, which will make the 6.2 l cylinder with 403 HORSEPOWER to the saving master of League of luxury.On the German market, which should also be no future from spring 2009. Although neither GMC Yukon nor the building like Chevrolet Tahoe or the long version be offered suburban in Germany. However, the hybrid technology of the Giants is still even after Germany. Cadillac spokesman Manfred Daun: “for us the new Cadillac will be hybrid available Escalade to the beginning of 2009.” Its usage is to sink – despite full and space in abundance – 12 liter Super per 100 kilometers around.

In the United States, there is the hybrid technology at a fair price. In the very comprehensive basic equipment, the rear-wheel drive GMC Yukon costs hybrid nearly $ 51,000 (this corresponds to around 33,000 euros). The 2WD is just under $3,000 more expensive.The clean technology is here to pay with a charge of approximately $12,000 GMC – the regular Yukon models are priced between 37,000 and $41,500. To gain the savings, you must travel several thousand miles. Will wait and see how expensive is the hybrid technology for the Cadillac in our Escalade.