Catalog / Hummer
The Hummer brand, with its distinctive boxy silhouette and imposing presence, has a unique history that spans military use, civilian luxury, discontinuation, and an unexpected electric revival. The story of Hummer begins not in the realm of civilian vehicles, but on the battlefields of the 1980s.
The origins of Hummer can be traced back to 1979 when the U.S. Army was seeking a 'High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle' (HMMWV), colloquially known as the Humvee. AM General Corporation won the contract and began producing these rugged, go-anywhere vehicles for military use in 1983. The Humvee gained worldwide attention during the Gulf War in 1991, showcasing its capabilities in harsh desert conditions.
Interesting fact: The civilian Hummer owes its existence to actor Arnold Schwarzenegger. After seeing a convoy of Humvees while filming a movie, Schwarzenegger persistently lobbied AM General to produce a civilian version. His efforts paid off, and in 1992, the first civilian Hummer, later known as the H1, rolled off the production line.
The original civilian Hummer, essentially a street-legal version of the military Humvee, quickly became a status symbol. Its massive size, off-road capabilities, and military pedigree appealed to a niche market of enthusiasts and celebrities. However, its high price tag and impracticality for everyday use limited its broader appeal.
In 1999, General Motors (GM) purchased the rights to market and distribute Hummer vehicles, recognizing the brand's potential in the growing SUV market. This led to the introduction of the more civilized H2 in 2002, which retained the iconic Hummer styling but was built on a more conventional truck platform. The H2 was followed by the smaller, more accessible H3 in 2005, broadening Hummer's appeal to a wider audience.
Despite initial popularity, Hummer faced increasing criticism in the mid-2000s due to its vehicles' poor fuel economy and the growing public concern about climate change. The brand became a symbol of excess and environmental insensitivity, especially as fuel prices soared.
The 2008 financial crisis dealt a severe blow to Hummer. As part of GM's restructuring during bankruptcy, the decision was made to discontinue the Hummer brand. After a failed attempt to sell the brand to a Chinese company, Hummer production ceased in 2010, marking what many thought was the end of an iconic American brand.
However, in a surprising turn of events, General Motors announced the revival of the Hummer brand in 2020. But this time, Hummer would return as an all-electric sub-brand of GMC. The new GMC Hummer EV, unveiled in October 2020, represents a dramatic shift from Hummer's gas-guzzling past to a zero-emissions future.
The Hummer EV, available as both a pickup truck and an SUV, retains the bold, rugged aesthetic of its predecessors but with a futuristic twist. It boasts impressive specifications, including over 1,000 horsepower in top trim, advanced off-road capabilities, and innovative features like 'crab walk' diagonal steering.
This electric revival of Hummer is part of GM's larger strategy to transition to an all-electric future. It demonstrates how iconic brands can be reimagined to meet changing consumer preferences and environmental concerns. The new Hummer EV aims to appeal to adventure seekers and technology enthusiasts, blending the brand's reputation for capability with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology.
As of 2024, the Hummer EV represents a new chapter in the brand's history. It faces the challenge of appealing to both traditional Hummer enthusiasts and a new generation of environmentally conscious consumers. The success of this electric reincarnation could play a significant role in shaping perceptions of electric vehicles, particularly in the traditionally fuel-hungry large SUV and truck segments.
The Hummer's journey from a military vehicle to a civilian luxury SUV, its fall from grace, and its phoenix-like return as an electric vehicle, encapsulates many of the changes and challenges faced by the automotive industry over the past four decades. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of iconic design and the potential for reinvention in the face of changing times.
Sweden
VIN: 5GTDN136568115317
21179 km
29.11.2024
Sweden
VIN: 5GRGN23U84H120676
32187 km
22.11.2024
Sweden
VIN: 5GTDN136668145782
35800 km
22.11.2024
The cost of Hummer vehicles has varied significantly throughout its history and continues to do so with its latest electric incarnation. As of 2024, with the brand revived under GMC as an all-electric lineup, the pricing structure reflects its position in the premium electric vehicle market.
For the current GMC Hummer EV lineup, prices range from approximately €95,000 for base models to over €130,000 for top-tier editions. It's important to note that these prices are estimates based on U.S. pricing converted to euros, and actual prices in European markets, where available, may vary due to taxes, import duties, and market-specific factors.
Several factors influence the price of a Hummer EV:
Here's a general overview of Hummer EV pricing (note that these are approximate and based on U.S. market information):
1. GMC Hummer EV2 (base model, available in the future): Expected to start from approximately €95,000.
2. GMC Hummer EV2X: Priced from around €105,000.
3. GMC Hummer EV3X: Starting at approximately €115,000.
4. GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 (top-tier, limited availability): Priced around €130,000 or more.
It's worth noting that as an all-new electric vehicle platform, the Hummer EV's pricing reflects its cutting-edge technology, high performance, and positioning as a premium offering in the electric truck and SUV market. While these prices are high compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, they are competitive within the high-end electric vehicle segment.
Potential buyers should also be aware that the total cost of ownership for electric vehicles like the Hummer EV can differ from traditional vehicles. Factors such as lower 'fuel' costs for electricity versus gasoline, potential tax incentives for electric vehicles, and possibly lower maintenance costs should be considered alongside the purchase price.
As of 2024, with Hummer existing as an all-electric sub-brand of GMC, the most affordable model in the lineup is planned to be the GMC Hummer EV2. This base model of the Hummer EV is expected to have a starting price of approximately €95,000 (based on announced U.S. pricing of about $80,000, converted to euros).
However, it's important to note that as of 2024, the EV2 model may not yet be available, as GMC has been rolling out higher-end models first. The currently available 'entry-level' model might be the EV2X, with a higher starting price of around €105,000.
Even as the base model, the Hummer EV2 is expected to come well-equipped, but its final price can vary based on several factors:
It's worth noting that even as the 'cheapest' Hummer model, the EV2 is positioned as a premium electric vehicle, competing at the higher end of the electric truck and SUV market. Its pricing reflects its advanced technology, high performance capabilities, and the Hummer brand's premium positioning.
Potential buyers should also consider that while the initial purchase price is high, electric vehicles can offer savings in running costs compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. Lower 'fuel' costs, potentially reduced maintenance needs, and possible tax incentives in some regions can affect the total cost of ownership.
As the electric vehicle market continues to evolve and production scales up, it's possible that future iterations of the Hummer EV lineup could include more affordable options. However, as of 2024, the brand remains positioned in the premium segment of the market.
As of 2024, the most expensive model in the Hummer lineup is the GMC Hummer EV Edition 1, which is the top-tier, fully-loaded version of the electric Hummer. The starting price for the Hummer EV Edition 1 is approximately €130,000 to €140,000 (based on U.S. pricing of around $110,000 to $120,000, converted to euros).
The high price of the Hummer EV Edition 1 reflects its position as the flagship model, loaded with advanced features and cutting-edge technology. The price can be further influenced by several premium features and options:
Additional options or customizations could potentially push the price even higher:
It's important to note that as a limited edition model, the Hummer EV Edition 1 is often produced in restricted numbers, which can affect its availability and, in some cases, lead to prices above MSRP in high-demand situations.
The high price point of the Hummer EV Edition 1 positions it as a premium offering in the electric vehicle market, competing with high-end electric SUVs and trucks from both traditional luxury brands and new EV manufacturers. Its combination of extreme off-road capability, high-performance electric powertrain, and luxury features justify its position at the top of the Hummer lineup.
For potential buyers, while the initial cost is substantial, it's worth considering the total cost of ownership. The Hummer EV, despite its size and performance, may offer lower running costs compared to traditional large, high-performance SUVs due to its electric powertrain. Additionally, in some regions, tax incentives for electric vehicles might help offset the high purchase price to some extent.
