Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe PHEV confirmed for Australia
Legendary off-road brand Jeep will venture into electrification in Australia in 2022 when it launches the plug-in hybrid EV Grand Cherokee 4xe SUV.
The local arrival of the 4xe – click here to learn how Jeep’s 4xe system operates – has been confirmed in the wake of last week’s global reveal of the fifth generation Grand Cherokee.
It’s the same PHEV system featured in the hard-core Jeep Wrangler 4xe off-roader, but it isn’t scheduled to make Australia in that model.
READ MORE: First Jeep EV confirmed for 2023
READ MORE: Jeep Wagoneer makes high-tech comeback as PHEV hybrid
READ MORE: Jeep Compass and Renegade plug-in hybrid EVs revealed
FEATURE: Why electric cars and 4WDs will be more capable off-road
READ MORE: Jeep teases electric future with Wrangler-based Magneto concept
The Grand Cherokee’s PHEV system combined a direct injection 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine and eight-speed auto with dual electric motors and a 17kWh 400-volt battery.
Jeep claims the Grand Cherokee has a usable electric-only range of about 40km.
The 4xe drivetrain produces a combined 280kW and 637Nm and claims a combined fuel consumption number of just 4.1L/100km.
Pricing is yet to be confirmed for the new Grand Cherokee including its 4xe option, which is no surprise considering it is about 12 months away from launching. Current pricing starts at $59,950 plus on-road costs.
“The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe driver can tailor its hybrid powertrain to suit each trip, from daily commuting in pure- electric mode to extended highway road trips with no range anxiety, allowing owners to explore nature off-road in near silence,” said Jeep’s global boss Christian Meunier.
“This is another important step toward achieving our global vision of Zero Emission Freedom. By 2025, we plan to offer a fully electric Jeep vehicle in every SUV segment.”
The first of those Jeep EVs will launch in 2023.
The 4xe (or four-by-e) system will be available in a variety of trims including the most off-road capable Trailhawk, which has already completed the rugged Rubicon Trail (which is almost like Jeep’s unofficial proving ground) under electric power.
The Trailhawk gets several distinguishing features including blue tow hooks, blue highlights on the wheels and a blue bonnet decal.
The 4xe models come with low range gearing for off-road exploring and the PHEV Grand Cherokee also offers a 2720kg braked towing capacity, which is down from the 3500kg achieved by some models.
The unveil of the five-seat Grand Cherokee follows on from the reveal of the long wheelbase seven-seat Grand Cherokee L and the Grand Wagoneer, both of which also offer PHEV technology overseas.
The Grand Cherokee L will beat the short wheelbase model to Australian sale by a few months but will only offer conventional petrol engines. Diesel engines are being phased out of the Jeep line-up.
The luxurious Grand Wagoneer and its Wagoneer sibling are yet to be confirmed for Australia.
The new Grand Cherokee is 82mm longer than its predecessor and rolls on a new architecture, independent front and rear suspensions and Quadra-Lift air suspension with electronic semi-active damping.
The exterior and interior design is new and features and options include a front passenger screen and Amazon Fire TV, Palermo leather interior and 950-watt, 19-speaker McIntosh audio system and a claimed 110 safety systems such as hands-on automated driving, 360-degree surround view and night vision cameras.
