Vanderhall Brawley GTS: Electrifying Trails with 404 HP and a $50K Price Tag

If you’re picturing Vanderhall’s usual suspects – those sleek, three-wheeled autocycles that turn heads at stoplights – think again. This electric side-by-side is their bold leap into four-wheeled territory, packing a wallop of EV power in a rugged package that’s as comfy as it is capable. At a starting price hovering right around $50,000, it’s not your entry-level dune buggy; it’s a premium electric UTV built for folks who want silent torque on the rocks without skimping on creature comforts. Fresh off deliveries kicking off in early 2025, let’s tear into what makes the Brawley GTS a game-changer for off-road EV enthusiasts.

Vanderhall’s Shift Gears: From Three Wheels to All-Terrain EV Dominance

Vanderhall’s got a rep for crafting those head-turning three-wheelers that feel like a Slingshot on steroids – fun, flashy, and perfect for carving canyons on pavement. But with the Brawley GTS, they’re ditching the trio setup for a full quad-wheel assault, entering the crowded electric side-by-side arena where beasts like the Polaris Xpedition are flexing enclosed cabins and off-road chops. Unveiled back in 2021 with reservations opening soon after, production ramped up in Utah, and now real-world units are hitting driveways as of January 2025. It’s Vanderhall’s first four-wheeler, blending their signature style with EV efficiency to target not just U.S. trails but spots in Europe and the Middle East too.

What sets it apart? This isn’t some bare-bones ATV; it’s got an enclosed cabin with HVAC, making it viable for everything from snowy backcountry jaunts to dusty desert runs. And while it’s off-road at heart (no airbags, full-face helmet recommended), street legality varies by state – think wipers and that CCS port hinting at occasional pavement detours to the trailhead. For Vanderhall fans craving more utility, it’s the evolution they’ve been waiting for.

Power That Punches: Quad Motors, Massive Torque, and EV Smarts

Slide under the wheel, and the Brawley GTS hits you with instant gratification – four individual electric motors, one at each wheel, unleashing a combined 404 horsepower and a truckload of 488 lb-ft of torque. That’s right: torque vectoring on demand, letting you crab-walk sideways (eCrab mode) or pivot like a tank (eSteer at low speeds) for those tight trail maneuvers. The 300-volt architecture keeps things efficient, ditching the lower-voltage setups in cheaper UTVs for smoother power delivery and zero maintenance on the motors, inverters, and geartrains for up to a decade.

At a featherweight 2,700-3,000 pounds, acceleration feels explosive – imagine launching up a grade without a whine or roar, just pure, silent shove. Regenerative braking recaptures energy on descents, extending your adventures, and modes like eCrawl dial in low-speed control for rocky crawls. It’s not just fast; it’s clever, with each wheel’s motor tuned independently for precision that rivals high-end EVs on pavement – but dialed for dirt.

Range and Recharge: 140 Miles of Trail Time, No Range Anxiety

Battery life is where skeptics might raise an eyebrow, but Vanderhall claims up to 140 miles on the standard 40 kWh pack – realistic for mixed off-road loops, though that tall, boxy profile and knobby 35-inch all-terrain tires might trim it closer to 100 in heavy mud. Opt for the $5,000 extended pack, and you’re pushing 200+ miles, perfect for multi-day escapes. Charging? A standard 6 kW onboard unit juices it overnight at home, while the CCS Combo port screams for DC fast-charging – ironic for an off-roader, but genius if you’re topping off at a trailhead station. Advanced thermal management fights cold-weather fade, so winter warriors won’t get stranded.

Off-Road Beast Mode: Suspension, Steering, and Go-Anywhere Grit

This thing’s built to bash – 18 inches of ground clearance lets it shrug off boulders, while the four-wheel independent suspension soaks up 21 inches of travel per corner for a plush ride over whoops. Four-wheel steering shines under 15 mph, crabbing the rears opposite the fronts for ninja-like agility in tight spots or syncing for highway-like stability. Approach/departure angles? Steep enough to climb 45-degree grades without scraping.

Towing’s covered too – 1,500-pound rating via front/rear hitches, with integrated ports for winches, plows, or skid plates, all controllable from cabin switches. It’s modular mayhem: bolt on what you need for snow, sand, or surf, and let the EV torque do the heavy lifting.

Cabin Comforts: Luxury Meets Utility for Four

Forget spartan UTV vibes – the Brawley GTS seats four in heated bucket thrones with plaid inserts and four-point harnesses, wrapped in a sealed cabin that filters dust and dials climate control. Toggle switches handle the basics (old-school cool), but add Bluetooth Kicker audio (four speakers standard, sub optional) and wipers for wet-weather runs. Optional sky roof lets in the stars, and future ViDAR integration promises augmented trail mapping. At this price point, it’s like a mobile lounge for your crew – helmets on, but vibes high.

Wallet Check: $49,950 Entry, Wide Availability Incoming

Starting at $49,950 for the GTS (GT trim dips to $42,950 with 303 hp), it’s priced like a loaded Bronco but swaps gas guzzling for zero emissions and endless torque. Deliveries are rolling out now in select U.S. spots, with broader reach by year’s end – reservations are live if you’re itching to lock one in. Factor in lower running costs (no oil changes, cheap “fuel”), and it pencils out for serious adventurers.

Brawley GTS vs. the Off-Road Pack: How It Stacks Up

Feature	Vanderhall Brawley GTS	Polaris Xpedition ADV	Can-Am Defender X MR
Powertrain	Quad EV motors, 404 hp/488 lb-ft	Turbo gas V6, 150 hp	Gas V-twin, 82 hp
Range/Towing	140 miles / 1,500 lbs	50 gal fuel / 2,000 lbs	50 gal fuel / 2,500 lbs
Suspension Travel	21 inches	14 inches	15 inches
Price (Starting)	$49,950	$39,999	$32,999
Unique Perk	eCrab steering, enclosed EV cabin	Modular cargo box	Fox shocks, snorkel-ready

The Brawley edges out on silent power and tech, but gas rivals win on raw capacity – pick your poison.

Trailblazing Ahead: Is the Brawley GTS Your Next EV Obsession?

The Vanderhall Brawley GTS isn’t just another electric side-by-side; it’s a torque monster that marries Vanderhall’s flair with off-road utility, all while whispering through the woods. At $50K, it’s a splurge, but for silent, emission-free thrills that seat four in comfort, it’s tough to beat. Deliveries are underway, so if trails are calling, why not answer with 404 horses? What’s your verdict – ready to trade gas for gears, or eyeing a rival? Sound off below; I’d love to hear your off-road EV dreams!