DESIGNING THE NEW SCOUT: CHRIS BENJAMIN ON RIVIAN COMPARISONS, EVS, AND THE FUTURE OF OFF-ROADING

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This episode of MotorTrend's 'The Inevitable' features an in-depth conversation with Chris Benjamin, Chief Design Officer at Scout Motors. Benjamin shares his extensive career journey, from his early artistic inspirations and challenging path through design education to his significant roles at Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volvo, and Stellantis. The core of the discussion revolves around the rebirth of the Scout brand. Benjamin reveals that upon joining Scout, he felt the existing designs needed a complete overhaul, leading to the creation of new concepts in an impressively short timeframe of three and a half weeks for a board meeting. He emphasizes Scout's commitment to retaining the brand's heritage through its proportions and identity, while also addressing modern needs. A key point of discussion is Scout's decision to offer both all-electric (EV) and range-extender powertrains, a strategic choice to cater to a wider audience and address range anxiety. Benjamin also touches upon how Scout differentiates itself from competitors like Rivian and Jeep, focusing on its unique design language, off-road credibility (body-on-frame, lockers), and interior features like tactile buttons and wide screens. The interview highlights Benjamin's passion for design and his role in shaping the future of this iconic American off-road brand.