GM adds GMC Hummer SUV ‘super-truck’

General Motors has continued its electrified roll-out, revealing the GMC Hummer SUV that will go on-sale in early 2023.

The vehicle was shown off for the first time in TV commercial narrated by LeBron James aired during a college basketball tournament. James modestly dubbed the Hummer SUV a “super-truck”.

An obvious close relation of the GMC Hummer pick-up that was first shown in 2020, the SUV is also based on the Ultium battery electric vehicle architecture.

That includes the tri-motor EV3X-based Edition 1 model the SUV will launch as that boasts 619kW and a misleading 15,592Nm of torque (GM is quoting wheel torque, which is multiplied after going through a reduction gear on its journey from the motors to the wheels; the torque produced by the motors is much, much less). A two-motor EV2X will produce a mere 466kW and (equally misleading) 10,033Nm.

The numbers are all imposing when it comes to the Hummer SUV; the tri-motor will surely weigh in near 3000kg, yet is still claimed to be capable of a 0-96km/h sprint in less than 3.5 seconds using the dorkily named ‘Watts to Freedom’ (or WTF) launch control.

Battery size is as yet unstated, but it should be up to as much as 200kWh.

Both tri- and dual-motor versions of the SUV will have a range between recharges of up to 500km, GM says. EV2 entry-level version with a smaller battery will offer a 400km range. This is the only model that comes without 800V/300kWh charging.

Features shared with the pick-up include extract mode and crab walk. All Hummer SUV models feature the enhanced version of the semi-autonomous Super Cruise6 while four-wheel steer is available on all bar the entry EV2.

Extract mode raises the body while crab walk enables the hummer to drive diagonally by turning the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels up to ten degrees at low speeds

While its 3218mm wheelbase is 228mm shorter than the pick-up, this vehicle is still a substantial (albeit unstated length beyond five metres). Despite that, the Hummer SUV seats only five people.

The SUV shares many styling cues with the pick-up and pays homage to the ICE-powered H1 and H2 Hummers that preceded it. There are also removable roof panels and rear drop glass, allowing the Hummer EV SUV to be driven roofless.

Pricing in the USA tops out at US$110,595 ($146,000) for the Edition 1, while the EV2 bookends the range at US$79,995 ($105,000).

While there are a plethora of BEV pick-ups headed for market in the USA, there are less electrified SUVs currently in the offing. The Rivian R1S will be one obvious competitor for the GMC Hummer SUV.

The Edition 1 model will be available first and can be equipped in an optimal driving range spec or in maximum off-road spec. The optional Extreme Off-Road package includes 18-inch wheels wrapped in 35-inch mud-terrain tires, underbody armour, rock sliders, a front eLocker, rear virtual lockers, heavy-duty ball-spline half shafts and a surround-view camera system with underbody cameras.

The Hummer has a big focus on off-road capability – EV 4WDs promise to be more capable than ICE ones – and promises to take EV adventure to the next level.

This is the latest new production-bound GM EV to break cover, following on from the Cadillac Lyriq and Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

Sadly, none are confirmed for Australia as GM reorganises its local ambitions under the GM Specialty Vehicles banner.