GMC's new luxury SUV

GMC's new luxury SUV

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By RICHARD WILLIAMSON

Scripps Howard News Service

ere's how one 12-year-old passenger described her experience in the GMC Envoy:

"It's like riding inside a cow!"

That observation came on a hot summer day that gave the interior the ambiance of a tannery.

Indeed, this is one leathery sport utility vehicle. Luxury status always requires a heaping helping of cowhide and Zebrano wood. But apart from the upholstery, there's nothing bovine about the Envoy.

The upscale version of the GMC Jimmy jumps off the starting line like a well trained quarterhorse, with passing power to spare. With 190 horses harnessed to an electronic four-speed automatic, the Envoy glides through the gears with sedan-like grace. A luxury-tuned suspension with automatic load-leveling makes the ride boulevard smooth.

Envoy appeals to well-heeled family folk who have earned college degrees and a professional career with household incomes of $100K- plus. Half the buyers are female with a median age of 42.

With a base price of $33,600, the upscale GMC SUV is about $2,000 less than the Mercedes-Benz ML320. But comparisons between the two vehicles are not unreasonable. The 3.2 liter V6 in the Mercedes SUV is only 15 horses stronger than the Envoy's 4.3 liter V6. And GMC left nothing off the list of standard equipment.

"When people are buying upscale SUVs, they are looking for a vehicle that offers everything," said Pontiac GMC spokesman Mike Gardner. "So, we tried to build all the options into this vehicle."

Exterior styling has not been a General Motors specialty lately, but the GMC vehicle is handsomely sculptured, with rounded edges and a sporty demeanor. The review vehicle came in one of the new colors available this year, a stunning green metallic.

The body-colored bumper and lower fascia include round, projector- beam fog lamps, integrated tow hooks, lower grille and chrome accents. The rear end gets a step bumper, standard trailer hitch and wiring harness and spoiler.

Despite its sophisticated styling, the Envoy is built for off- road duty with a body-on-frame construction and rear leaf springs. The SUV can haul a 5,000-pound trailer and comes with a standard "tow- haul" transmission mode that is activated by pushing a button on the floor-mounted shifter.

The Envoy's AutoTrac two-speed active transfer case allows the driver to shift on the fly with the push of a button mounted within easy reach on the top center of the dash.

You can choose a variety of driving modes, from full-time all- wheel drive, 4-wheel-drive or rear-drive. The transfer case allows owners of recreational vehicles to tow the Envoy without having to disconnect the propshaft.

New outside rearview mirrors offer greater visibility and come with heaters to keep ice at bay. You can also collapse the mirror shells against the body with the flick of a switch for getting through carwashes or overgrown wilderness trails.

The electronic enhancements include remote keyless entry, lockout prevention, a timer that keeps the power to lights and accessories on after you remove the key, electronic climate control and an overhead console with a HomeLink transmitter that opens or closes garage doors, estate gates and security lighting at your home.

One of the most appealing features on the Envoy is a built-in compressor that serves double duty as a load-leveling device for the suspension and an air pump for beach balls, bike tires, or tires on the vehicle itself.

GMC anchored the spare tire under the vehicle, freeing space in the back bay for cargo. The rear seats split and fold down for more storage space, but capacity is still fairly limited.

Where the Envoy shines is in the interior amenities and creature comforts. The design is subtle but luxurious with a well-contoured dash. The center console includes a six-disc compact disc changer and pop-out cupholders.

Gauges are contained in a semi-circular arrangement, and controls for the sound system and air conditioning/heating system are angled toward the driver.

The Bose stereo system comes with six speakers linked to an AM/FM/ cassette and CD player. The system includes rear-seat audio jacks and controls for those 12-year-old passengers who do not want to listen to your Bob Marley collection.

The Envoy's fuel economy is, like most SUVs, poor. But at 16 city and 20 highway mpg, the fuel figures are not embarrassing enough to attract malicious glares from members of the Sierra Club. They are too busy these days deploring giants such as the new Ford Excursion, Chevrolet Suburban and Toyota Land Cruiser.

Some shoppers who have experienced the 235-horsepower V8 engine offered in the Jeep Grand Cherokee may demand a similar power plant in the upscale Envoy. But few drivers really need a stronger engine than the reliable, pushrod Vortec offered by GMC.

If you like the Envoy but can live without the leather, take a look at the GMC Jimmy, a less expensive SUV based on the same platform.

1999 GMC ENVOY

TYPE: 4wd, 5-passenger, four-door, luxury, compact sport utility vehicle.

PRICE: $33,600 base, $35,145 as tested.

WHERE BUILT: Moraine, Ohio.

POWER: 4.3 liter, 190-hp, Vortec 4300 V6 engine; electronic 4- speed auto transmission.

FUEL ECONOMY: 16 city, 20 highway mpg, 18-gallon tank; estimated annual fuel cost $959.

BODY/CHASSIS: Body on frame; automatic load-leveling/luxury ride suspension; independent front suspension with stabilizer bar; semifloating rear axle with leaf springs; AutoTrac two-speed active shift transfer case; power recirculating ball steering.

BRAKES: Power discs, ABS.

TOWING CAPACITY: 5,000 pounds.

CURB WEIGHT: 4,050 pounds.

LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 183.8 x 67.8 x 64.2 inches.

WHEELBASE X TRACK: 107 x 57.2 inches.

GROUND CLEARANCE: 7.5 inches.

STANDARD: Aluminum wheels, heavy-duty trailering package, front air bags, fog lamps, auto headlamps, power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, battery rundown protection, theft alarm, compressed air port/hose, leather upholstery, heated power lumbar seats, eight-way power driver's seat, zebrano wood trim, Bose AM/FM/ cassette stereo with six speakers and six-disc CD changer; climate control, stainless steel exhaust.

OPTIONS: Power sunroof ($750); locking rear differential ($270).

Copyright 1999
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.