GMC Hummer EV: the electric return of Hummer

The GMC Hummer EV signals Hummer’s return, not as a standalone brand but, as its name suggests, as a model within GMC. GMC is GM’s division aimed at the professional market, although it also offers several pick-ups and SUVs for private buyers.

It now takes the form of an all-electric pick-up, with a three-box silhouette that recalls the original Hummer H1. Its windscreen is set in a notably upright position, while the overall look is both highly muscular - thanks to the huge, protruding wheel arches housing 35-inch wheel-and-tyre assemblies, with 37-inch items also available - and sophisticated.

That more refined appearance comes from details such as the front LED lighting, which reinterprets the familiar Hummer face. The seven vertical grille openings are concealed and instead act as separators between the lighting units: the headlamps and six additional elements, each containing one letter from the word “HUMMER”.

Other exterior highlights include the Infinity Roof, made up of three removable transparent panels that can be stored in the front boot, or “frunk”, and the multifunction tailgate inherited from GMC’s pick-up range.

Step inside and the first question is: “Who are you and what have you done to the Hummer we knew?” Defined by block-like features and straight lines, the cabin looks functional yet especially well finished. Two very generously sized displays stand out: a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 13.4-inch infotainment screen. A broad centre console also divides the front occupants.

Unstoppable? It certainly seems so

Described by its makers as an “off-road beast”, the GMC Hummer EV appears to have the right hardware for tackling rough terrain.

As expected, it has four-wheel drive provided by three electric motors, integrated into two units, one on each axle. Together, they deliver 1000 hp and 15 592 Nm (!) - yes, you read that correctly, 15 592 Nm… Okay… as with other equally “shocking” claims, this is most likely the wheel torque figure, already multiplied by the transmission ratio.

Alongside four-wheel drive, the GMC Hummer EV also features four-wheel steering. At low speeds, it can travel diagonally, with all four wheels pointed in the same direction. This feature is called Crab Walk Mode, referring to the distinctive way crabs move - a capability we have mentioned before.

Its air suspension allows the ride height to be adjusted and includes an “Extract Mode”, which raises the suspension by 149 mm - more than the ground clearance of many conventional cars - to ensure the underbody, already protected and reinforced, does not scrape over the most challenging obstacles.

Further helping with off-road driving, the enormous electric pick-up is equipped with 18 cameras, including a system that lets occupants see beneath the vehicle when approaching more demanding obstacles.

Hummer EV: electric and high-tech

The 1000 hp supplied by the aforementioned three electric motors allows a 3.0-second 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time. These motors are powered by GM’s new Ultium batteries, although their capacity has not yet been announced.

What is known, however, is that their 24 modules should provide a range of more than 560 km. Charging this electric “super-truck” is handled by an 800 V rapid-charging system using direct current, compatible with chargers rated at up to 350 kW.

Finally, the GMC Hummer EV also has semi-autonomous capabilities. It comes with GM’s Super Cruise 8 system, which can change lanes autonomously.

When will it arrive?

It is very unlikely to reach Portugal or mainland Europe, but American buyers will see the new GMC Hummer EV arrive in dealerships in autumn 2021. Initially, it will only be offered in the special First Edition launch version, with prices starting at 112 595 dollars (around 95 thousand euros).

The first “regular” model, the EV3X, arrives in autumn 2022. It also has three electric motors, but less standard equipment than the First Edition, which also explains its lower 99 995-dollar price (approximately 84 500 euros).

The EV2X version, fitted with two electric motors, will be launched in spring 2023 (89 995 dollars or approximately 76 thousand euros). Only in spring 2024 will the entry-level EV2 reach the market. It does without most of the off-road equipment, bringing the price down to 79 995 dollars, or around 67 500 euros.