New electric GMC Hummer unveiled ahead of 2024 launch
GMC has confirmed more details about its electric replacement for the Hummer SUV, including up to 819bhp on offer
GMC has released more information on the new, pure-electric Hummer SUV. The reborn off-roader will go on sale in 2024, sporting similar electric technology and the same rugged styling cues as its pick-up sibling.
The electric Hummer SUV will give GMC another offering in what’s steadily becoming a well-populated marketplace of plus-sized American EVs. Contenders already slated for launch include the Rivian R1S, the Tesla Cybertruck and the Bollinger B1.
It’s based on a shortened version of the Hummer pick-up’s dedicated electric platform, which uses the battery as a load-bearing member of the chassis. The result, GMC says, is a well-protected battery pack and a body rigid enough to handle hardcore off-roading, despite the fact the shell features an open targa-style top, rather than a fixed roof.
The SUV is 20 inches shorter than the pick-up, and its wheelbase has shrunk by almost nine inches, which GMC says makes the SUV more manoeuvrable and better suited to tackling rugged terrain.
As a result of its shorter platform, the Hummer SUV’s departure angle has increased by 27 per cent over the pick-up, to 49 degrees, while its breakover angle has improved by 6.8 per cent to 34.4 degrees. Its approach angle is near-enough identical to the pick-up’s at 49.6 degrees, meaning the SUV can crest 60 per cent gradients.
GMC’s platform sharing also means the SUV will inherit the pick-up’s arsenal of off-road-focussed hardware. Standard equipment includes 22-inch alloy wheels, Goodyear all-terrain tyres and adaptive air suspension, which can raise the car’s ride-height by as much as six inches for extra ground clearance when off-roading.
Every car will also come as standard with GMC’s innovative four-wheel-steering system and “Crabwalk” function, which allows the front and rear wheels to steer in the same direction at low speeds, so the off-roader can crawl diagonally over obstacles. Highly equipped versions of the GMC Hummer SUV will get a torque vectoring system, too.
Like the pick-up, GMC will also offer an Extreme Off-Road Package, which adds 18-inch alloy wheels, knobbly mud tyres, extra underbody protection, locking differentials, and a range of cameras dotted around the SUV’s body to assist with spotting obstacles when off-roading.
Due to its smaller dimensions, the flagship Hummer SUV will feature a slightly less powerful version of GMC’s three-motor electric powertrain, which develops 819bhp rather than the pick-up’s full 1,000bhp. However, torque remains identical at 15,592Nm, meaning the 4x4 will sprint from 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds.
The shorter wheelbase means the SUV can’t accommodate quite as big a battery as the pick-up, meaning maximum range is 50 miles less, at 300 miles in total. However, buyers will get the same 800-volt charging architecture, which should allow the battery to recover around 100 miles of range in around 10 minutes.
Inside, the Hummer SUV will share the pick-up’s H1-inspired centre console, a Bose stereo system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.4-inch infotainment system, which features a database of off-road trail maps. There’s also 2,316 litres of luggage space with the rear seats folded.
Like the pick-up (and indeed the original combustion-engined Hummer), we’re not expecting the electric Hummer SUV to be officially sold in the UK. Pre-sales are expected to start in America later this year.
Now read all the latest news on the 1,000bhp all-electric GMC Hummer pick-up…
