Hummer, GM’s iconic brand of boxy, rugged SUV and trucks inspired by the military Humvee was killed, in part, due to the surging cost of fuel a decade ago and the inability of government-installed bankruptcy brainiacs to construct a business plan. But what would a re-imagined Hummer lineup look like in the year 2019? Well, it would probably look a lot like these two new models from Bollinger Motors.
The new Detroit-based startup made a big splash in 2017 when it promised the B1 sport utility truck (let’s just call it SUV). The B1 featured an exterior design that can be best described as a mix between a Hummer H1 and a Land Rover Defender – with very rugged, tough and boxy proportions. But that was only one part of the story. The other part is that the Bollinger B1 made 360 horsepower from a fully-electric powertrain.
Bollinger Motors B1
Since then, Bollinger had been rather quiet as it worked on developing the B1, with the goal of bringing it to production. And now, the startup just showcased the production-ready B1 SUV, while also revealing the B2 pickup truck.
While the boxy aesthetic has remained, a lot has changed. Now, both models feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup good for a claimed 614 horsepower and 668 pound-feet of torque. A 120kWh battery pack offers a claimed 200-mile range on either model. That power is sent through a two-speed transmission, with a selectable Hi/Lo range gearbox.
Bollinger Motors B2
Indeed, multi-geared transmissions are still somewhat uncommon in the EV space, with many popular models using a direct drive system, since the instantaneous torque delivery tends to munch transmissions. But apparently, that’s not the case for Bollinger.
Both the B1 and B2 have a claimed 5,000-pound payload, and the B2 pickup has a 7,500-pound towing capacity. Bollinger claims both models can accomplish the 0-60 mph sprint in a mere 4.5 seconds.
Bollinger Motors B2
Surprisingly, the unique transmission may be one of the most humdrum things about the Bollinger B1 and B2, as the brand appears to be very serious about these vehicles’ off-road capabilities. Both models tout having 15 inches of ground clearance and 10 inches of suspension travel. Those boxy front ends with minimal front overhang give both the B1 and B2 a commendable 52-degree approach angle, while the shorter rear overhang of the B1 SUV has a 28-degree departure angle.
The cabins of both models are also very reminiscent of the original Hummer H1, with a short, upright dashboard, a vast amount of space between the driver and front passenger seats, and spartan center stack and gauge cluster.
There’s also a highly configurable interior. In fact, Bollinger claims 72 sheets of 4′ by 8′ 1/2″ plywood fits in the back of the B2 pickup with the rear seats removed.
Bollinger has, seemingly, produced a very utilitarian take on what electric vehicles can be, but several questions remain. At present, the firm has neither confirmed a production schedule for these models, nor announced any pricing information. If the startup can pull it off, we may be looking at the reincarnated electric Hummer. Ironically, GM might be exploring the idea of bringing Hummer back as an off-road-oriented purveyor of EV trucks and SUVs. Here’s to hoping that turns into a reality.
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Comments
So, is it trying to say GM should support this company like Rivian with Ford ?
GM should do what this company is doing… but way, way better… via a reincarnated Hummer.
yes – much better. this one looks especially SAFE with all of it’s metallic sharp corners on the boxes and such… And U-G-L-Y VW Thing-like…
Hummers were complete junk.
The Bollingers are well thought out and high quality vehicles. No they don’t have smoothed edges.
That is one ugly truck. It is like all the bad pat parts of International and Hummer crossed with a bad Chinese knock off.
High school shop class, from the 70’s?
Was this made in a shed?
You show all the pictures but this one trucks party trick for the full pass through.
Did they weld a metal tool box down as the center console……lol………who was the clown that thought a ski boat audio head unit was a good idea to take up as little space as possible on a giant flat piece of painted steel? I’m not even close to a automotive engineer and i can tell you all those windows and no real upper bodywork will result in failed IIHS crash test, the greenhouse effect will destroy the interior, and the road noise will be horrific.
no cup holders = zero sales in Murica
I’m all for the growth of electric cars but this thing is a joke! I’ve seen cars built in single bay garages with minimal tools looks a thousand times better.
Can this pass a crash test ? Looks a lot like the K5 Blazer.
Reminds me of the electric car that Top Gear UK designed
TG’s “Geoff” was the first thing I thought of too…….
What no one is talking about is whether General Motors is developing a scalable e-drive integrating multi-speed transmission so that there’s some control in launching their EV so that it doesn’t accelerate like a bat coming out of hell because having 600 lb-ft of torque in a millisecond may not be good without some control.
Question about the title:
Is it “should have become, meaning a present tense reality, or, “ should have became, used as past tense meaning it should have happened?
Just curious!
Good Lord, who designed that thing? What happened to wind resistance, aerodynamics?
That has to be one of the most hideous things I have ever seen on 4 wheels.
Why would they want to be smart about it, big and fugly, needs lots of refinement, did I say back to the drafting board and crayons or chaulk board easier to erase !!!
The last thing GM needs is another division. The can barley handle the four they have.
Now if they could somehow incorporate these into GMC as high mileage high end specialty vehicles perhaps that could work.
Agree. Toyota has 2 divisions and they rule the world. More isn’t always better.
GM can always drop Buick, just a cookie cutter of Chevy GMC and Cadillac . Let Corvette spend their own $$$. If they get back to work, something about Mary , think it’s her hair gel, just my opinion