Welcome back Grand Wagoneer. After more than 25 years in the wilderness, Jeep has dug into its back catalogue and dusted off a much-loved badge for its new flagship seven-seater.
Sitting above the Grand Cherokee and based on the Ram 1500 pickup truck, the Grand Wagoneer will likely tackle the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban twins.
As for Australia? Jeep had nothing to say about local plans, so it hasn’t been locked in – but it hasn’t been ruled out either.
For now, the Grand Wagoneer is just a concept though. And what a concept, with a bold exterior paying homage to its ancestors without a single wooden panel in sight. Who you calling woody, pal?
Production details haven’t been finalised, but here’s what we know so far:
- The Grand Wagoneer will be offered with an electrified powertrain when it hits production, and the concept is a plug-in hybrid.
- Jeep hasn’t confirmed any figures for the Grand Wagoneer, but the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid mates a turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17kWh lithium-ion battery. Peak power is 280kW, peak torque is 637Nm, electric range in 40km. A variation of the powertrain could feature in the Wagoneer.
- Although it’s a concept, the styling and interior design of the Grand Wagoneer you see here isn’t far from production ready.
- Three four-wheel drive systems will be available on the production model, and air suspension will be standard.
- Jeep is promising “unmatched towing capability” for the Grand Wagoneer.
- CarExpert understands elements of the Grand Wagoneer’s design and interior will inform the next-generation Grand Cherokee.
Right, now that’s out of the way can we talk about the way the Grand Wagoneer looks? Because it looks… bold, in a way that has split opinion across the virtual CarExpert office.
The boxy shape is finished with a typically star-spangled lack of restraint, strutting onto the scene with a chrome-heavy front end, slim LED headlights, and a new lighting signature spanning the Wagoneer’s considerable width. Even the off-road recovery hooks are have been dipped in chrome.
Classic design touches like the seven-slot Jeep grille, and the Wagoneer name spelt out in gold and chrome, feature as well.
The profile is similar to the Grand Commander offered in China, although the body-coloured window pillars and contrast roof are unique. We’re also seeing hints of Commander (sold between 2005 and 2010) in the squared-off wheel arches.
Jeep has mimicked the headlight design down back, although we’re also seeing Lincoln Navigator in the light signature. Don’t tell Fiat Chrysler we said that; comparing a Jeep to a Lincoln is, presumably, punishable by death in Michigan and Turin (and Paris, once PSA and FCA become Stellantis).
The luxury has been cranked up to 11 inside, where Jeep has leant into the eco-conscious vibes of the plug-in hybrid powertrain with eco-friendly finishes. A glass wing houses heat-treated wooden trim on the dash, and Grand Wagoneer is inlaid on the passenger side to remind occupants where they’re riding.
There are four screens up front: one where the dials would usually sit, two on the centre console, and one in front of the passenger.
The main display measures 12.1 inches diagonally, the instruments measure 12.3 inches, the screen below the infotainment screen measures 10.25 inches, and the passenger display measures 10.25 inches for a combined 45 inches of screen real estate.
We’re reliably informed size doesn’t matter, but 45 inches is a lot of screen regardless. They’re running the latest Fiat Chrysler infotainment technology, dubbed uConnect 5 and built on the bones of Android Automotive.
There’s a trio of screens in the second row, working with plush captain’s chairs for a business class experience. Rear passengers get their own armrest and climate control console, complete with cupholders big enough for a pair of Venti pumpkin spice lattes. This isn’t really a car for piccolo drinkers.
Jeep is putting a focus on premium audio in a distinctly American way, turning to McIntosh to develop a 23-speaker sound system with a 24-channel amplifier.
The Grand Wagoneer will be built in Warren, Michigan, when production starts in 2021. It’s expected to hit North American showrooms before the end of next year.
Would you like to see the Grand Wagoneer in Australia?
