Advertisement
BBC TopGear
BBC TopGear
Advertisement feature
WELCOME TO HYUNDAI’S HAPPINESS MACHINE
View the latest news
First Look

VW's new brand Scout Motors has revealed its first two EVs

The US-only Volkswagen spin-off brand showcases its first SUV and pickup truck

Published: 25 Oct 2024

VW’s US-only spin-off brand Scout Motors has launched its first two models, although it's currently referring to them both as “production-intent concepts”. Introducing the Traveler SUV and Terra truck.

The design is based on the original Scout vehicles built in the 1960s and ‘70s, thusly both have a very retro look. The in-house body-on-frame chassis features a solid rear axle and locking diffs front and back.

Advertisement - Page continues below

Scout says its electric motors will generate 1,000lb ft torque delivered via its four-wheel-drive system, helping both the Traveler and the Terra to conquer the 0-60mph sprint in about 3.5 seconds.

No idea how big the battery is, but Scout reckons the Traveler and the Terra will be capable of up to 350 miles of range. They’ll be built on an 800V electrical architecture and will support up to 350kW rapid charging. They’ll also have bi-directional charging.

Though, if you’re not ready to go full EV, there are range-extending variants of both vehicles planned, pushing range to over 500 miles in total. 

Where the Traveler will tow 3,175kg and the Terra 4,536kg, both support almost almost a tonne of payload. Other rugged features include 35in tyres, over one-foot of ground clearance, proper spare wheels and a heavy-duty winch. Plus, they’ll be capable of wading in nearly a metre of water, too.

Advertisement - Page continues below

Scout tells us the software of the production vehicles will be built in a modular way so each area can be updated remotely, give real-time diagnostics and make sure they stay relevant to customers for as long as possible – well into their second- and third-hand lives presumably.

Inside, there’s a mix of touchscreen interfaces and physical buttons, hi-res cameras, and upholstery in line with the practicality and versatility of a rugged 4WD. Both vehicles have a front boot with 120V and USB-C ports.

The Terra truck’s cabin is available with a front bench-style seat, and the pickup bed is 5.5ft long with two 120V sockets and one 240V outlet. We’re also told there’ll be various roof choices, including open-air and panoramic glass.

Presumably the Terra is set to take on whatever gen of the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck will be on the market come 2027 when production finally starts, and the Traveler may get to capitalise on the looming US ban on Chinese connected cars, expected to come into force around the same time.

The company wants to start pricing at a surprisingly low $60,000 (£46,000), dropping to as low as $50,000 (£38,000) with incentives. The release is littered with caveats about how all these figures are subject to change, mind.

Looking for more from the USA?

Top Gear
Newsletter

Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.

“The original core idea — rugged, versatile vehicles capable of off-road adventure and family duty — is more relevant than ever. We couldn’t be prouder to revitalise this iconic American brand, create thousands of American jobs, and put American ingenuity back to work,” said Scout Motors boss Scott Keogh.

More from Top Gear

Loading
See more on First Look

Subscribe to the Top Gear Newsletter

Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.

By clicking subscribe, you agree to receive news, promotions and offers by email from Top Gear and BBC Studios. Your information will be used in accordance with our privacy policy.

BBC TopGear

Try BBC Top Gear Magazine

subscribe