The sophisticated new Chevrolet Suburban: a full-size SUV powered by excellence

THERE are situations when only a full-size sport utility vehicle would do, such as ferrying up to eight passengers in supreme comfort, or towing a large trailer toward a leisure destination. For this class of vehicle, the Chevrolet Suburban features the latest comfort and safety features, building on its tradition of excellence.

 

The full-size Chevrolet Suburban is the original SUV, having been introduced in 1935. It also has the record as the longest-running nameplate in America. Over the decades, the Suburban has kept up with consumer demands for increased efficiency, comfort and safety.

 

The latest Suburban was completely redesigned for 2015. The new model is the sleekest Suburban yet. It features inlaid doors that fit into the body side openings, improving cabin quietness and enhancing aerodynamic efficiency. Projector headlamps flank the

dual-port Chevrolet grille, which was done in chrome.

 

The all-new Suburban also adds a sophisticated package of comfort and safety features to enhance the motoring experience for both the driver and passengers.

 

The new Chevrolet Suburban is powered by a 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine. The powerful V8 produces 355 horsepower and 516 Newton-meter of torque. The V8 engine features direct injection, variable valve timing and active fuel management system to improve fuel efficiency. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic with electronic overdrive and a tow/haul mode. A heavy-duty cooling system with external engine oil cooler helps ensure that the engine can cope with extended service at heavy loads.

Also, the 4×4 model features an electronic transfer case with rotary controls. And an electric power steering system reduces engine load and helps enhance fuel economy.

 

The top 4×4 LTZ features a Magnetic Ride Control System. Inspired by the chassis system on the Corvette flagship sports car, the Magnetic Ride Control is a real-time damping system that can continuously “read” the road ahead at the rate of a thousand times per second. It then reacts instantly to changing road conditions by changing the damping settings in just

10-15 milliseconds. As it uses electromagnetism to change the damper fluid’s properties instead of moving valves, it is more durable than a conventional reactive system.

The Magnetic Ride control enhances both ride comfort and handling. It helps reduce body roll, particularly important for a large vehicle like the Suburban. It also enhances traction by keeping the tires in contact with the road and allows for more precise steering.

 

The Suburban is designed to take a trailer, with a maximum trailer load of 3765 kilograms. The Trailering Hitch Platform package is standard, and includes a seven-wire harness with independent fused trailering circuits. It features a seven-way sealed connector and 2-inch trailering receiver. The top LTZ 4×4 model includes an integrated trailer brake controller. The drivetrain includes a heavy-duty locking differential. This allows the rear wheels to be locked

together for better traction on rough and slippery surfaces.

 

Safety is paramount in the Chevrolet Suburban, as it includes a sophisticated suite of active and passive safety features.

 

Active safety features include Forward Collision Alert, a system that monitors the distance between the Suburban and a vehicle ahead. If the distance rapidly closes, red flashing lights and a haptic seat warn the driver of an imminent crash. A rapidly flashing “imminent crash” alert draws attention to the road ahead. The system can be set by the driver for near, medium or far settings, appropriate to the driving situation.

 

The Lane Departure Warning system uses a camera on the windshield to detect when the driver drifts into an adjacent lane without signaling, and nudges the steering wheel back into the proper lane.

 

The Blindside Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert system uses short-range radar sensors in the rear quarter panels to scan for vehicles in the driver’s blind spot. If a vehicle is detected, it will illuminate an amber warning symbol in the outside mirror. If the driver signals a lane change, the symbol will flash amber to warn off the driver. The system also scans for fast-approaching vehicles up to 70 meters away in the adjacent lane. The Rear Cross Traffic Alert uses the sensors to warn off approaching cross traffic when backing up. The system can detect approaching vehicles up to 20 meters away from the right or left.

 

Passive safety features include front and side airbags for the driver and front passenger, driver inboard seat-mounted side impact airbags, and head curtain side impact airbags for all rows. Four-wheel disc brakes with antilock system, brake assist, and stability control system are standard on both models. The base model includes rear park-assist sensors, while the 4×4 model includes both front and rear park sensors.

 

The 4×2 model features a

10-way power adjustable driver seat with two-way power lumbar adjustment. The second-row seat is a 60:40 split-folding bench. Both second and third row can be folded flat for additional cargo room.

 

The 4×4 model upgrades to 12-way adjustable driver seat, with cooling features. The second row is comprised of buckets seats. Both second and third row feature power release, with a power-folding third row.

 

Standard power-adjustable pedals, with tilt and telescoping feature (power with memory feature for the 4×4) allow the driver to find a comfortable driving position.

Climate control system is a three-zone system, with individual settings for driver, front passenger and rear passengers. There’s a cooler system in the front storage console, antitheft alarm, and rearseat Isofix child seat anchors. Easing entry and exit are a step assist, with a power-retractable step with lighting for the 4×4 model. The 4×4 model also features skid plates, HID lighting, and body color side molding.

 

Other convenience features include the Chevrolet MyLink smartphone integration system, rearseat entertainment system with dual screens in the second and third rows, a wireless charger and Bose Premium speakers.