Jeep has revealed its first plug-in hybrid large SUV, thus revealing the body of the regular-length, fifth-generation Grand Cherokee.
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe was previewed as part of Stellantis’ EV Day 2021, where brand CEO Christian Meunier also outlined the electrification plans for the brand.
These include a full-electric model in every segment, from A to E/F, by 2025.
By 2025, it plans for 70 per cent of all its sales to be electrified vehicles, ranging from mild-hybrid to all-electric.
Jeep also used EV Day to preview features it may offer in the future, like vehicle-to-vehicle charging, drone pairing and biometric recognition, as well something decidedly simpler: front seats that fold flat to form a bed.
It also suggested it could roll out autonomous off-road driving capability by 2030, as well as a function that could allow you to send your Jeep off while you tracked it remotely.
The company also revealed one of the solar-powered charging stations it plans to install at “iconic Jeep Brand locations” like the Rubicon Trail in California and Moab in Utah.
The new Grand Cherokee 4xe joins the European-market Renegade and Compass 4xe models and the Wrangler 4xe, with electrified versions of the not-for-Australia Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer set to don 4xe badges, too.
The 4xe’s reveal is the first time we’ve seen the regular-length Grand Cherokee, though the new, seven-seat Grand Cherokee L was revealed in 2020.
The shorter Grand Cherokee isn’t a major departure stylistically from its extended L sibling, with an almost identical ‘floating roof’ treatment at the D-pillar and slim, wraparound tail lights.
Jeep hasn’t revealed powertrain details for the 4xe, though it appears likely it’ll share its electrified powertrain with the Wrangler 4xe.
The electrified Wrangler mates a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors and a 17kWh battery, for total system outputs of 280kW of power and 637Nm of torque and an electric-only range of 40km.
In contrast, the outgoing Grand Cherokee’s turbo-diesel V6 produces 184kW and 570Nm.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain will effectively replace the turbo-diesel, and is set for an Australian launch in the first quarter of 2022.
The Grand Cherokee L (above) will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2021, and will be powered by a choice of two naturally-aspirated petrol engines.
These comprise a a 216kW/350Nm 3.6-litre V6 and a 266kW/530Nm 5.7-litre V8.
There’s still been no confirmation of the Wrangler 4xe for Australia, though it’ll go on sale in other markets in early 2022.
“We believe the demand and acceptance of electric vehicles will accelerate in Australia and New Zealand and we are currently looking at which products will work best for each country,” said a spokesperson for Stellantis Australia.
“We look forward to sharing our electrification plan in due course.”
Jeep’s electrification efforts will include its upcoming light SUV, set to enter production late in 2022, which will offer an all-electric powertrain and slot in underneath the 4255mm-long Renegade.
It’ll be built in Stellantis’ Tychy, Poland plant alongside similarly-sized crossovers for the Alfa Romeo and Fiat brands.
MORE: Everything Jeep Grand Cherokee
