So, A Hummer EV Crab Walks Into a Bar…

Look, a Hummer is going to turn heads wherever it goes. And an electric Hummer pickup will garner some double-takes at the charging station outside of Target.

But a Hummer EV that…CRAB WALKS? We had to see it to believe it.

What Sorcery is This?

If you’ve seen the videos on YouTube and Instagram, your eyes did not deceive you. General Motors has introduced a Crab Mode (a.k.a. Crab Walk) feature in the new GMC Hummer EV SUV and Sport Utility Truck (SUT).

Based on a four-wheel steering system, Crab Mode allows the rear wheels to turn up to 10 degrees with the front wheels, either in the same or opposite direction. This lets the Hummer drive diagonally, which is great for getting out of jams or getting into tight parking spots.

But when you first encounter it on the road, it may be a little disconcerting. When the driver engages Crab Mode, it appears as though the Hummer is sliding sideways, like a vehicle hitting a patch of ice.

General Motors Reaches into its Technology Archives

Although most of us have never seen it before, the four-wheel steering concept isn’t exactly new. In fact, it’s a technology that General Motors has kept in its back pocket for quite some time.

First created by Delphi (then under the umbrella of General Motors), Quadrasteer was available in the early 2000s. The option was offered on select GMC Sierra trucks and the Yukon SUV, as well as the Chevy Suburban and full-size Silverado pickups.

It was a pricey option, though (as much as $7,000), so its popularity was limited to drivers who towed large trailers. GM stopped offering it as an add-on feature by 2005.

Your Move, Jeep

Crab Walk isn’t just for making the Hummer easier to park or maneuver with a trailer (though it’s brilliant at those things). With its ability to literally side-step large boulders and other trail-blocking debris, the GMC Hummer EV SUV and SUT aim to dethrone Jeep’s Wrangler and Gladiator as the Kings of the Mountain.

At this time, Jeep hasn’t announced plans to have its own Crab Walk mode, nor has Ford mentioned adding this technology to the Bronco or 4×4 Raptor. And there doesn’t seem to be any plans for GM to include the technology in any of its other GMC or Chevrolet trucks and SUVs.

What Else is New in the Hummer EV?

Since it’s a Hummer, you know it’s got some Go Big or Go Home energy. The top trim will run on three electric motors that crank 1,000 horsepower and an eye-popping 11,500 pound-feet of torque. That’ll get you from 0-60 in about 3 seconds.

Crab Walking into a Showroom Near You

Crab Mode/Walk is expected to be available on higher trim levels of the upcoming Hummer EV SUT and SUV. Whether you’re a serious off-roader looking for a Jeep alternative, or you navigate heavy urban traffic on the daily, this is going to be worth a test drive. Check it out at your GMC dealer.