The Hummer EV is many things. It's like a bull in a china shop, except it weighs nearly five tons and moves like a crab. But it's never been subtle. So when I heard that GMC had created a midsize model - the GMC Hummer X - I was rightly skeptical. But this beast, fresh from their design studio, actually shows promise.
In the automotive world, bigger is often the rule. The original, production Hummer EV, with its nearly 4,100 kilograms (9,000 pounds) living proof of that delusion. It's a car that takes up so much space on the road that in some countries it would need its own zip code. But now, engineers and designers at General Motors in their newly opened studio in Pasadena have done the unthinkable - they've taken that signature Hummer swagger and trimmed the excess fat. Introducing the concept GMC Hummer X SUV and Hummer X Pickup.
Return to the mud: The target is the Jeep Wrangler
GM hasn't had a real competitor for the Jeep Wrangler since the days of the K5 Blazer and GMC Jimmy hitting the dirt roads in the 1990s. That they've now brought Hummer directly into the fray is a statement in itself. And let's be honest, the move makes perfect sense. The massive Hummer EV is selling slower than hot buns in a bakery in the middle of the summer heat—so slowly, in fact, that GM has temporarily halted production. A slimmer and (theoretically) cheaper version should have hit the market yesterday.
If we look at the numbers, which this time are actually friendly to normal roads and parking spaces, we quickly see where they are headed. The SUV version measures in length 4,783 mm (188.3 inches) with wheelbase 2,946 mm (116 inches)That means it's almost as long as a four-door Wrangler to the nearest millimeter and has the wheelbase of a Ford Bronco. The pickup truck stretches to 5,265 mm (207.3 inches), putting it alongside the Chevrolet Colorado and Jeep Gladiator instead of occupying XXL truck parking spaces. The SUV even gets a removable roof and a spare tire attached to the tailgate—those nice off-road little things that the big Hummer never bothered with.
Made for climbing, not just posing in front of a cafe
This isn't just about plastic makeup; this car is built for the dirty work. The concept SUV sits on massive 37-inch Goodyear tires, and it is as far from the ground as 335 mm (13.2 inches)The angle of approach is absurdly good. 44 degrees, the exit angle is 46 degrees.
The pickup has slightly more subdued numbers – it is equipped with 35-inch tires, its approach angle is 41.5 degrees, exit 29.7 degreesBut both models boast rims that allow the installation of “beadlock” systems, independent suspension with Multimatic shock absorbers, and heavy off-road armor that protects the most valuable thing from rocks – the battery.
"The cut-off overhangs on both ends round out the whole and give it that real, bulldog-like look," every true off-road enthusiast would probably say when looking at it.
Toys for big boys: Drones and 3D printing
Since it's a concept, the designers naturally took a breather. Can you imagine a reconnaissance drone flying out of your car before a difficult off-road climb? The Hummer X has exactly that – a drone that flies in front of you, scans for obstacles and automatically returns to its docking station on the vehicle when the task is completed. The interior offers screens that you can add or remove as you wish, depending on your daily needs.
GM boasts an innovative production process for the concept. What 57 percent Both vehicles are created using a 3D metal printing process that GM calls FLEX FAB. There's also an interesting ecological aspect: the seat backs are made from shredded, recycled old bumpers that simply snap into place without the use of harmful adhesives.
The secret under the hood: Where are the capabilities?
Now we come to the part that you're probably most interested in. How big is the battery? What's the charging speed and top speed? How fast does this thing go from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)? The answer is typically corporate: “Undisclosed.” Hummer is an all-electric brand, so we know it's powered by electricity, but engineers haven't shared powertrain specifications.
Considering that it wants to compete with the toughest SUVs, we can reasonably guess that it would need at least a dual-motor system with a power of around 300 to 400 kW (402 to 536 hp) and a torque that would exceed 800 Nm (590 lb-ft)But until GM officially confirms this data, we are left with speculation and empty dreams of silent and wild acceleration in nature.
Combining my impressions from all this data and stunning photos, I have to tell you the most painful truth of the day. This is the best Hummer ever designed. It's the perfect size, it looks fantastic, it offers solutions that the market actually needs, and it's not the size of a small apartment building. It's amazing how logical and sensible this car seems compared to that monstrous original that's now rotting in dealer yards.
Price? None. Pre-order button? None. Performance? Under wraps. GMC has made it crystal clear that neither of these concepts is destined for production. They're just a testing ground for design and technology ideas and a celebration of the reopening of their California studio. So we'll have to put this beautiful, mid-size electric SUV that we'd happily park in our garage in a drawer labeled "What if it was". Too bad. A real shame. If General Motors had any courage, they would put this car on the assembly line tomorrow.
