Commenting on the design, Dean said, "The Hummer is a vehicle about performance and capability and we don't want to hide things. For instance, we want the suspension exposed because this vehicle is an off-road vehicle. We want to show the capability of our 4-wheel independent suspension by exposing its parts and its strengths."
While its suspension is exposed, the H2 uses fewer exposed rivets and fasteners, cleaning up on the original design considerably. Whether or not Hummer owners and prospective owners want a less utilitarian looking SUV is beside the point. GM tells us that the H2's windshield is more raked (not hard), which should improve the aerodynamics - making its 'wind-cheating' Cd a fraction better than a mobile home. Yet, that said, to the eye the windshield on the new H2 looks every bit as upright as the current Hummer. The most noticeable change from the position of the driver's seat is a one-piece wrap-around windshield sans metal center divider, improving visibility for driver and passengers alike. "We have crowned the bodyside - it's not so flat," said Dean. "It takes the vehicle into the next millennium, providing a sense of strength and newness. The wrap-over windscreen and standout doors really make it appear more contemporary, while maintaining the heritage of the Hummer appearance."
Speaking of visibility, all of the windows are bronze glass, which is "influenced by the gold iridium color of well-known mountain bike glasses and ski goggles." The bronze glass is supposed to be a soothing color to the eye, allowing for maximum visibility in all conditions.
H2 has the Hummers short front and rear overhangs for attacking sharp ramp angles. As well, the doors are offset from the surface, making climbing in and out easier. The H2's intimidating front end includes an integrated winch and a large brush bar that moves in tandem with the hood for easy one-step access to the engine. There are multiple hooks on the front and rear for pulling and hauling, as well as high-intensity headlamps, fog lamps and auxiliary driving lights mounted on the brush bar. Set in the hood, are thermostat-controlled articulating louvers for engine ventilation. Two exposed canister air cleaner filters are on the hood as well, one for providing cool air to the engine and the other for clean air to the passenger compartment.