Ages ago, when I was still working for Automobile Magazine (RIP), our colleagues at MotorTrend got a Vanderhall Venice in for a test. The three-wheeled trike was, as you'd expect, a novelty, as even among the supercars and hypercars we got in on test, there was something just odd and exciting about the diminutive vehicle.
There was also the fact that, unlike its Morgan three-wheeled compatriot, the Venice was front-wheel-drive and powered by a Chevrolet economy motor instead of something that was motorcycle-derived. Honestly, it was a weirdo, but one that put a bunch of smiles on all our faces.
But in the interim years, Vanderhall announced that it would be delving not just into four-wheeled machines, but ones purposely designed for going off-road. Vanderhall said the company would be building a side-by-side. And an electric one to boot. Announcing a new product and launching a new product, however, are two separate things.
Now, after nearly five years of development and waiting, it's finally in production with the first few customer deliveries happening as we speak. And like its concept, as well as the production mules we've seen over the years, it still looks pretty dang cool. It does, however, still cost a lot.
For those that need a refresher, Vanderhall's Brawley GTS debuted in 2021 and, at the time, was being described as a "luxury UTV," as it seemingly has more in common with a Jeep Wrangler than your average Polaris Ranger. It's powered by a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery that's supposedly good for around 140 miles of range, depending on the terrain and your foot's ability to control itself. And it'll have to, as the Brawley GTS has a whopping 404 horsepower and 488 pound-feet of torque.
That, dear friends, makes it the most powerful side-by-side on sale today, defeating Can-Am's Maverick R, as well as Kawasaki Teryx H2, and Polaris' RZR Pro R. Hell, that's nearly double all of those, and actually is around the same horsepower as the V8-powered Jeep Wrangler 392. So you get why I'm comparing the two.
Unlike the Wrangler, or any traditional gasoline-powered off-roader for that matter, because it's an EV, you get things like Crab Walking, rear-steering (i.e. shortening the wheelbase), and crawl capabilities that are far more adaptable to an off-road setting. Likewise, 18-inch aluminum wheels are wrapped in 35-inch Atlas Paraller M/T tires. And suspension supposedly offers up 21-inches of travel, though Vanderhall doesn't disclose on its site who makes it. It can also tow 1,500 pounds.
But the real reason I'm comparing the two is because while the average UTV is a pedestrian workhorse, and even the nicer ones like Can-Am's Defender Limited or Polaris' Ranger Northstar up the ante in terms of creature comforts, they're still very much so side-by-sides. They're farm implements, and even with some plushness added, you can't get away from that. Vanderhall's Brawley GTS, however, was a ground-up build, and one focused on the luxuries of modern life.
And that's evident by the interior.
Inside, there are four seats, all of which are clad in leather and are heated. The latter of which makes sense given Vanderhall is right up the street from me here in Utah, i.e. it snows. A lot. There's also a full HVAC system, a Nardi-esque steering wheel, full lights, and storage for a bunch of gear and goodies. Having driven many a Jeep Wrangler over the years, you'd be hard-pressed to show someone the interior of the Brawley GTS and have them think it's anything but a Wrangler. And that's a good thing if you're going for that crowd, which seems to be what Vanderhall is doing.
Speaking ahead of the production start, Vanderhall's Sales and Marketing Manager, Daniel Boyer, started, "Any off-road purists tired of blaring motors and the dust-choked, open-air experience will appreciate its quiet power, comfort, and precision. It’s the perfect blend between a desert runner and a rock crawler."
As for price, it ain't cheap. The starting price before any sort of accessory you'd want on it is $49,950. That's as expensive as the most expensive go-fast UTVs from all the major players on the field. But you don't get the same levels of luxury as you do here, or the quiet that an EV like it offers. It's also finally in production after a long wait, so for those who've already ordered one, yours is likely coming soon.
