New GMC Acadia Nearly Looked Like These Wild Sketches

Following the reveal of the 2024 GMC Acadia at the Detroit Auto Show, the brand has been generous enough to share its sketches from the drawing board. Many of the initial design cues made it to the production model, but some styling executions, albeit minute, could have given the luxury SUV a different character.

Disregard the massive wheels, of course, as they are a staple in pre-production sketches.

The first version below has a similar silhouette to the production Acadia in Denali trim. However, the sketch shows sharper character lines, particularly the one that runs from the end of the front quarter panel to the bottom of the taillights. The side profile is streamlined in the production version, with only the lower portion getting noticeable contours.

We can also see a rounded bonnet instead of the flat front fascia, while the black plastic cladding has been removed in the final cut. Apart from those, most of the design cues in this alternate version made it to production. This includes the window line with heavy use of chrome at the back, the squared-off fenders, and boomerang-like daytime running lights similar to the ones found on the Sierra 1500.

The second version below matches the more rugged Acadia AT4. However, a few differences exist, starting with the rounded wheel wells. Another significant difference is the slim taillight design in the sketch, as opposed to the C-shaped execution in the production version.

In this alternate version, the recess for the license plate is narrower, while the roof rails have a floating design toward the edge. The sporty-looking spoiler also didn't make the final cut, but at least we will get the quad-exhaust setup for a more aggressive finish.

The new-generation Acadia is larger than ever. It's 10.6 inches longer and 3.2 inches taller than the outgoing model, providing 36% more space behind the second row and about 80% more space in the cargo area. It's also now powered by a new 2.5-liter turbocharged engine found in its Chevrolet Counterpart, replacing the old 3.6-liter V6 mill.

We won't have to wait long to see the final design in the metal, as deliveries are set to commence early next year.