Only as a five-seater and exclusively electrified: Jeep only offers its large SUV in Europe in one variant.
Almost four months after the US premiere, the new generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee now making its European debut. Unlike in North America, the stellantissubsidiary in this country on the long version with seven seats and offers the luxury off-road vehicle exclusively as a five-seater. The only drive is a plug-in hybrid. Prices should start at just under 80.000 euros.
Lots of outside views
Visually, the 4,90 meter long Grand Cherokee is immediately recognizable as a Jeep. However, the designers have punched a modern interpretation of the typical Jeep style elements into the bleached dress, so the radiator grille with the seven slits is wider and sturdier than last. In the side view, the lowered waistline and large side windows are noticeable. Digital instrument clusters can be found in the massively furnished interior. Head-up display, ambient lighting and the fifth generation of the infotainment system Uconnect are always on board, as are current assistance and connectivity systems.
The plug-in hybrid drive celebrates its premiere in the short Grand Cherokee. The 4xe technology combines a 2,0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and provides 280 kW/380 hp. A 17 kWh battery serves as energy storage, and the electric range is said to be around 40 kilometers. American customers also have a choice of two conventional engines for propulsion: a 3,6-litre six-cylinder with 213 kW/290 hp and a 5,7-litre eight-cylinder with 255 kW/357 hp.
5 driving modes await the driver
The luxury SUV, which is based on a new platform, can be ordered with the well-known 4×4 systems. There is also air suspension that regulates ground clearance and wading depth using adaptive damping. The driver can select five off-road modes (Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow and Mud/Sand). As a "Trail Rated", the Grand Cherokee has steel skid plates, an electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle and 18-inch aluminum wheels and manages a fording depth of up to 61 centimeters.
Jeep has not yet announced official prices. After all, the off-road vehicle can now be pre-ordered without obligation in a "Launch Edition", which is supplied with 21-inch rims, leather interior and a maintenance voucher, among other things.