{"id":30721,"date":"2023-04-06T21:09:55","date_gmt":"2023-04-07T01:09:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=30721"},"modified":"2023-04-06T21:09:55","modified_gmt":"2023-04-07T01:09:55","slug":"payne-the-hummer-ev-suv-is-a-crabwalking-neck-snapping-off-roading-mobile-charging-station","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2023\/04\/payne-the-hummer-ev-suv-is-a-crabwalking-neck-snapping-off-roading-mobile-charging-station","title":{"rendered":"Payne: The Hummer EV SUV is a crabwalking, neck-snapping, off-roading, mobile charging station"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>San Francisco<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 Once upon time, Detroit automakers debuted crazy concept vehicles for auto shows like the six-wheeled Chrysler Voyager III and the V10-powered Tomahawk motorcycle and the 16-cylinder Cadillac Sixteen coupe.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Now, crazy gets put into production.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Behold the all-electric, 8,800-pound 2023 GMC Hummer SUV circus act in my hands. Four-wheel steer! 830 horsepower! Thirteen-inch suspension travel! Super Cruise drive assist! Zero-60 mph in a neck-snapping, Watts-to-Freedom-mode 3.5 seconds!<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">If you can afford this $105,000 calliope, you should park it in the neighborhood square like a playground attraction and schedule regular hours to show it off. Kids will love it.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2023\/03\/28\/PDTN\/074d753f-c1d7-4d39-bf2f-91af98ab01c7-HummerSUV_tree.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2023\/03\/28\/PDTN\/074d753f-c1d7-4d39-bf2f-91af98ab01c7-HummerSUV_tree.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=744&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"The 2023 GMC Hummer EV SUV is built on GM's 800-volt Ultium battery platform.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2023 GMC Hummer EV SUV is built on GM's 800-volt Ultium battery platform.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">With a looooooong press of the rotary mode selector in the console, I activated Crab Walk mode. Using the 4 Wheel Steer function (4WS) that turns the wheels in sequence, I glided from side-to-side down the road at 20 mph like an Olympic distance skater.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">A great party trick, but its real purpose is to demonstrate the dexterity of 4WS which is useful in numerous ways. On San Francisco\u2019s storied Lombard Street, I negotiated the tight brick ess-turns with ease. In the middle of cramped Dixon Street, I did a U-turn using Hummer\u2019s ridiculous 35.4-inch turning radius (similar to a subcompact Chevy Bolt). And in the hills of Napa Valley north of Frisco, the big ute danced through tight radius turns. Try that in other mega-utes.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-2\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">AWS comes in handy off-road, too, which is the Hummer\u2019s natural habitat going all the way back to the badge\u2019s origins as an Army troop carrier. Together with the electric Hummer pickup introduced in 2022, the \u201823 Hummer SUV was green-lighted for production to announce General Motors\u2019 historic mission to go all-electric in the next 10 years.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">GM calls that risky journey a moonshot, and the Hummer twins are decorated with moon references \u2014 tiny astronaut footprints on the dashboard, rubber mats etched with the Sea of Tranquility \u2014 to drive home the point.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-3\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Created in just 18 months, the Hummer pickup was fast-tracked to market and GMC is paying the price in hiccups, like a recall of all 2022 models to replace its enormous 200-kWh battery at a reported cost of $60,000 per truck. Fingers crossed the \u201823 Hummer SUV, which GMC expects to be the bigger seller, avoids those teething pains.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">With its square jaw, broad shoulders, three amber lights (required for vehicles wider than 80 inches) and 35-inch tires, Hummer\u2019s as hard to miss as a full moon. Californians gaped wherever I drove.<\/p>\n<aside id=\"gnt_atomsnc\" class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_anc\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"loadAnc\" aria-label=\"Newsletter signup form\">\n<div class=\"label\" hidden=\"\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"message\">\n<div class=\"title\">Get the\u00a0<span class=\"highlight\">COVID-19 Update<\/span>\u00a0newsletter in your inbox.<\/div>\n<p class=\"description\">Updates on how the coronavirus is affecting your community and the nation<\/p>\n<div class=\"frequency\">Delivery: Varies<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"input-container populated\"><input autocomplete=\"off\" name=\"email\" required=\"\" type=\"email\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"clickable\"><\/div>\n<p><label>Your Email<\/label><\/div>\n<div id=\"bar\">\n<div class=\"highlight\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"progress-primary\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"progress-secondary\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The SUV is little changed from the pickup. The interiors are identical, as are body panels from the rear doors forward. The few changes are significant.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The narrow greenhouse hatchback not only looks awesome, but allows Hummer to hang a full spare off the swing gate for easy access (the pickup spare is tied down in the bed, compromising cargo). And let\u2019s face it, rear spares are fashionable in this Wrangler v. Bronco age. Who knows (nudge, nudge) maybe GMC will make a compact Hummer 2 to take on that terrific twosome. A word on the swing gate. It\u2019s huge and would smack you like a flyswatter were it not for electronic sensors.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-4\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Hummer SUV\u2019s wheelbase is a significant nine inches shorter than the pickup, giving the ute more maneuverability (see that turning radius above) and even crazier approach (49.6 inches) and departure (49 inches) angles. The last figure benefits from the lack of a bed hanging out back.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_gl gnt_em__el\" href=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/picture-gallery\/media\/photo\/2023\/03\/30\/gallery-2023-gmc-hummer-ev-suv\/11554186002\/\" data-t-l=\":l|l|c|view gallery:inline promo\" aria-label=\"View Gallery - Gallery: 2023 GMC Hummer EV SUV\" data-g-r=\"nav_mo\" data-g-tn=\"pgcss\" data-g-mtn=\"pg11554186002\" data-g-moh=\"hpgm\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-c-id=\"11554186002\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_gl_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2023\/03\/28\/PDTN\/28e2eaeb-5376-48d4-9799-d27122d3f591-HummerSUV_fr3-4-alcatraz.jpg?crop=3986,2243,x0,y0&amp;width=660&amp;height=372&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2023\/03\/28\/PDTN\/28e2eaeb-5376-48d4-9799-d27122d3f591-HummerSUV_fr3-4-alcatraz.jpg?crop=3986,2243,x0,y0&amp;width=1320&amp;height=744&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"\" width=\"660\" height=\"372\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_gl_i_nt\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_gl_vg\" data-c-tc=\"36\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"gnt_em_t\" data-c-et=\"Gallery: 2023 GMC Hummer EV SUV\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">I look forward to taking Hummer off-roading in Michigan, as Napa Valley was under water after days of rain. Mud begged the question of weight. Though the SUV\u2019s off-road specs are impressive \u2014\u00a0and magnified further by optional 35-inch BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tires (which you can air down in the console screen) \u2014\u00a0 its 8,800 pounds give pause. To wit: if you get stuck, what will pull you out? Make sure there\u2019s a Caterpillar front loader nearby.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Weight concerns aside, Hummer has more off-road tricks. I recently high-sided a Ford Lightning \u2014\u00a08.4 inches of ride height standard \u2014\u00a0at Holly Oaks. Hummer has an answer for that, and it\u2019s not just its 10.9 inches of ride height. The EV comes equipped with Extract Mode, which raises its skirts to 16 inches off the ground.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-5\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Hummer SUV also differs from the pickup by offering less range. The shortened wheelbase comes at the expense of fewer battery cells. And while the First Edition Hummer I tested still had three electric motors, its Watts-to-Freedom mode is slightly slower.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Watts to Freedom? Yes, Hummer SUV launches from 0-60 mph in \u201conly\u201d 3.5 seconds, shy of the pickup\u2019s 3.OMG. To give you a sense of how incredible 3.5 still is, it\u2019s the same as a Porsche 911 S. Really.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Pile the kids into the roomy back seat (it\u2019ll hold a first grade class) and give them the full Watts-to-Freedom show. It takes a few moments, but it\u2019s worth watching the cool Unreal Engine graphics walk you through the process: 1) Double-tap the traction control switch, 2) wait for the Hummer to crouch to just seven inches off the ground like a steel cheetah, 3) flatten the brake and accelerator pedals, 4) release the brake.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">5) To the moon, Alice.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Oh, the kids will howl with delight. But once back to earth, you\u2019ll appreciate the most practical update for Hummer SUV over pickup: an onboard generator.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-6\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">EVs are notorious for underestimating battery range, and Hummer is no different. I got about 80% of expected range during my Bay Area drive. Watts to Freedom, 75 mph speeds on interstates and 50-degree weather will do that.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">But if you come across another prone EV, you can charge them up thanks to a 19.2 kWh, on-board charger and plug accessory. How? 1) Plug the charge chord into the prone EV, 2) plug the accessory plug into the other end of the cable, 3) plug into your Hummer\u2019s charge port. The recharge rate is about as quick as a 240-volt Level 2 wall outlet \u2014\u00a0 or about 24 miles in an hour.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">It\u2019s not as sexy as Watts to Freedom, but it should be enough to get an EV to the next charging station.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Next week: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>2023 GMC Hummer EV SUV<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Vehicle type: Battery-powered, all-wheel-drive four-door SUV<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-7\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Price: $79,995, including $1,995 destination charge ($106,645 First Edition as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Powerplant: 177.3-kWh (est.) lithium-ion battery driving two or three electric motors<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Power: 830 horsepower, 1,200 pound-feet of torque (First Edition)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Transmission: Single-speed automatic<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Performance: 0-60 mph, 3.5 seconds (mfr.); top speed, 124 mph<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Weight: 8,800 pounds<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Fuel economy: Est. range, 250-280 miles<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Report card<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Highs: A rolling tech exhibition; mobile charger<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lows: 8,800 pounds; heavy sticker, too<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Overall: 4 stars<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or Twitter @HenryEPayne.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>San Francisco\u00a0\u2014 Once upon time, Detroit automakers debuted crazy concept vehicles for auto shows like the six-wheeled Chrysler Voyager III and the V10-powered Tomahawk motorcycle and the 16-cylinder Cadillac Sixteen coupe. Now, crazy gets put into production. Behold the all-electric, 8,800-pound 2023 GMC Hummer SUV circus act in my hands. Four-wheel steer! 830 horsepower! Thirteen-inch [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,87],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30721"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30721"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30721\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30722,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30721\/revisions\/30722"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30721"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30721"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30721"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}