2024 GMC HUMMER EV MIGHT BE THE COOLEST SUV YET

There are few car brands that elicit such reaction as Hummer. It was the symbol of conspicuous consumption in the noughties but also a victim of back clash and rising gas prices.

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The Hummer brand started with Arnold Schwarzenegger and his love for the mighty H1. But when GM had bagged the rights and made the H2, the plan was to make a big SUV representing the values of the brand along with being a bit more domesticated. The H2, despite being a competent off-roader, suffered with an image problem later in its life along with brand Hummer. That meant GM had to lock it away.

Big anticipation

Now it is back in an all-new avatar but this time as an EV only pickup and SUV. There could not have been a better time to bring back the brand since revival of iconic names (debatable in case of Hummer nonetheless) are the rage at the moment. The Bronco is one example.

The SUV version of the Hummer EV, which would be sold under the GMC brand name, is still some time away, with sales starting from 2023. But anticipation is already sky high along with feverish interest levels.

The SUV would be smaller and less powerful than the truck but still would be one of the biggest and most expensive in the 5-seater luxury off-road SUV market. Speaking of which, when production begins in early 2023, the HUMMER EV SUV Edition 1 will have a starting MSRP of $125,898. Plus equipped with the available Extreme Off-Road Package, the starting price will be $131,898.

That is indeed a lofty asking price but you also get an accomplished luxury SUV that flows in with the times along with being packed with a huge amount of technology.

Packed with technology

The Edition 1 comes standard with 22-inch premium wheels and is a modern take on the classic Hummer design cues. It looked rugged and is massive with a lot of presence while some details like the rear- mounted full-size spare tire gives it the period correct stance.

There is a lot to talk about in terms of technology with the Extract Mode, CrabWalk and Super Cruise being the headline grabbing features. The extract mode acts as a useful tool when doing hardcore off-roading as it lifts the car by about six inches. The Hummer SUV also has a 126.7-inch wheelbase while having a tighter turning circle of only 35.4 feet (10.8 meters).

830 horsepower

The new Hummer gets three electric motors which offer up-to 830 horsepower and 11,500 lb-ft of torque. That is enough to propel this behemoth from 0-60-mph (0-97km/h) in 3.5 seconds. The range is impressive courtesy the 20-module Ultium battery system which claims a figure of 482+ km on the Edition 1 model.

There is 800V DC fast charging capability of up to 300kW and it also gets one-pedal driving with regenerative braking modulation. Optional is a Power Station generator that enables 19.2kW AC charging and has generator functionality (120v/25A/3kW) and ability to charge other EVs (240v/25A/6kW). Useful in helping out your mates in remote areas I guess!

High tech meets ruggedness

Inside, the GMC Hummer offers 5 seats and an impressive interior plus offering up-to 81.8 cubic feet of cargo space. There is a 3.4-inch-diagonal infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch-diagonal driver information center display while you get 14 camera views and various other off-road tools.

Buttons have not been completely sacrificed at the altar of a completely digitized cabin as the Hummer also gets chunky switchgear which includes big knobs and geometric shapes.

This is no doubt an impressive piece of kit and more so since it takes the Hummer brand to an altogether new direction. It combines ruggedness with technology while not giving anyone the opportunity to point fingers at, unlike the last time. GM has indeed hit the bull’s eye here.

IMAGES: GMC