If you have a burning desire for a new truck purchase that checks all the boxes, the new Black Diamond Edition package offered on the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Denali is definitely something to check out. With all the one-upmanship fueling the truck-war segment, more distinctive, luxury packages are becoming the norm for top-shelf trims. The Black Diamond Edition is a prime example and is sure to turn heads and create some envious feelings as the ultra-loaded Denali option cruises through the neighborhood. There is one hurdle, though, brought on by the pandemic, and that’s availability. But while we wait for the 2022 model to hit dealership lots, let’s see what GM is up to with the new Sierra Denali package.
Quite a Display
After making a splash as the first of its kind in the heavy-duty truck segment, the 15″ Head-Up Display (HUD) is an overtly awesome dose of technology for the 2022 GMC Sierra HD. Useful and vital info is superposed on the windshield in the driver’s view, adding an element of safety as you no longer need to look down for stretches of time. This convenient system offers an easy-to-use HUD toggle control that allows the display to be projected in the desired position, a Bright/Dim control, and an INFO toggle that has four presets:
- Speed View- digital speedometer and speed limit sign
- Active Safety View- safety-related info such as lane deviation, the gap between cars, trailer sway, and pedestrian alert
- Navigation/Active OnStar View- turn-by-turn directions displayed along with a compass
- Off-Road View- current 4WD status, visual steering, and pitch and rolling angles
In an ocean of available and ever-changing tech, this is one advancement that makes a statement when it comes to embracing cutting-edge technology — with an eye on the immediate future.
Blacked-Out Looks
If the Black Diamond Edition is on your Denali package agenda, the Ebony Twilight Metallic paint must be applied. Frankly, although a buyer wouldn’t have a choice of colors, Ebony Twilight Metallic does appropriately fit the bill here. With more glass-like reflective properties than the conventional Onyx Black shade, it seems like a proper choice as a base for a compilation with the words “black” and “diamond” in the title.
For those who may find a little too much room in the wheel-wells of the standard Sierra HD models, the brawnier 20-inch aluminum wheels and Goodyear Wrangler tires help fill those gaps. The glossy black, multidimensional wheels are a sweet addition to an already cool Noir package.
Denali-exclusive, forge-perforated leather seating (with heated/ventilated front bucket seats) adds to an interior that speaks directly to those who appreciate crafted leather. Other classy features, including polished chrome and brushed aluminum trim, perfectly matches the overall theme of the Black Diamond predication. You even get special front and rear floor liners with removable carpet inserts to keep your truck looking clean.
Trash-Talk
If it’s possible to talk trash without saying a word, this Sierra Denali with the Black Diamond Edition highlights might just be the one to do it. Between the slightly raised hood-scoop (that can only make one think there’s some serious performance under that baby), classic mesh fascia with the iconic GMC badge, beautiful Ebony Twilight Metallic paint, and the polished black aluminum wheels, there shouldn’t be any doubt how the driver likes to roll.
Another badge worth mentioning is the one that signifies a 6.6L Duramax diesel in the house. With ample horses, 910 lb-ft of trailer-taming torque, and just north of 30,000 lbs of towing capacity, this 3/4-ton sled can safely be called a beast. The Black Diamond package comes standard with the Duramax powerplant and a rugged 10-speed Allison tranny. Also included is a fifth-wheel/gooseneck prep package, wiring provisions, and a 120-volt plug — all conveniently located in the bed. The rearview mirror doubles as a wide-view camera for a better look at what’s going on behind the truck. Oh, and they throw in a useful Auxiliary Trailer-View camera (valued at approx $700 on its own) as well.
Watch Your Step
Depending on things such as physical stature and age, a driver or passenger might find it a challenge getting in and out of a heavy-duty pickup truck. The Sierra 2500 HD provides a solution, and it carries that coolness factor with it. A disappearing assist-step was something you’d generally see on a custom-build TV show — until now. The Black Diamond Edition package includes what are officially called “Power-retractable assist steps with LED perimeter lighting” by General Motors. The retractable steps have slip protection, LED lighting along the outside, and a bright accent strip. The nifty side-step contraption even has a “deploy during car wash” option. This is clearly one of those “I don’t really need it, but I really want it” gadgets. That said, it’s only available on more expensive trims, and that has irked a lot of bottom-tier buyers who wanted the option. So, for now, the assist-step feature is another layer of potential priggery that comes with owning a Denali Truck.
Here’s the Kicker!
Whether one is chillin’ at the beach, relaxing at a park, tailgating with earnest at the game, or simply in the driveway at home, the MultiPro Audio System by Kicker is yet another rousing feature that helps pile on the cool. GM partnered with Kicker to put some flick-of-the-switch oomph into outdoor activities that are complemented with some tuneage. If you’re not familiar with Kicker, there’s a good chance the last guy who drove by your house rattling the walls with his sub had Kicker speakers in his ride. They make amplifiers, speakers, enclosures, and a whole gaggle of other stuff for cars, boats, power sports, motorcycles, and people.
The location of the Kicker system is pretty ingenious. When the Multi-Pro Tailgate is put into motion, it easily folds down, exposing the Kicker speakers in the tailgate. The speakers themselves are made with sealed, custom baffles that repel the elements. Behind the enclosure is a powered amplifier that is also waterproof. The system has useful features such as an illuminated display, Bluetooth capability to control matters from a connected smartphone, a USB port, an auxiliary plugin, and even a standard 3.5 mm headphone jack. When you’re done playing, either close the tailgate to shut off the system or just manually turn it off if with the tailgate in the down position.
To Wrap It Up
As we mentioned, features that were once exclusive to custom trucks with expensive after-market applications are now readily available in comprehensive packages, like the Denali Black Diamond Edition offered on the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 HD. The kid in the candy store syndrome could easily lead to even more goodies we haven’t even mentioned yet, such as LED lights in the Multi-Pro Tailgate, and of course, the intrepid GMC Badge illumination kit. For those of us who refuse to grow up, the latter seems like a can’t-do-without thingy when considering this Denali purchase.
If a unique look at a hefty price (over $80 G’s for this loaded Denali) isn’t enough to make one feel special, the fact that a sudden supply-chain deficiency has backlogged the auto industry makes it that much more difficult to get your paws on one of these trucks. Should so-called economic experts be correct, this likely won’t change for some time. Well shucks, I guess the “Diamond” is going to be in the rough for a while after all. My bad!
