Jeep reveals Recon, Wagoneer S and Avenger EVs; on-sale from 2023
The American off-road specialist Jeep has revealed high-performance off-road and on-road all-electric models on the eve of World EV Day as it moves towards an all-EV lineup in some markets.
The Jeep Recon (pictured above) is described as the brother of the iconic Wrangler 4×4 by Jeep. It also says it ‘Trail-Rated’ and therefore capable of conquering California’s legendary Rubicon Trail that is an unofficial test track for the brand.
A new large SUV codenamed the Wagoneer S isn’t trail-rated but still has its own brand of potent performance, boasting a 447kW dual-motor drivetrain, a 0-97km/h (60mph) acceleration time of just 3.5 seconds and a 644km range.
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Via a Youtube video on its official channel, Jeep also rolled out a new small BEV called the Avenger that is to be built and sold in Europe and showed a plug-in hybrid version of the large Grand Wagoneer SUV, which has been hinted at previously.
So what chances any or all of these vehicles coming to Australia? Well, pretty darn good considering Australia is a key Jeep market and the new federal government is starting to look at emissions regs that will encourage EV take-up.
The Polish-built Avenger will be the first Jeep EV to go on-sale globally when it launches in Europe in early 2023, while the Recon and Wagoneer S will start production in 2024. No timeframe was put on the delivery of the Wagoneer PHEV.
Jeep said the Recon and Wagoneer S would be sold “in major markets around the world”, which should include Australia. But not before 2025 we’d suggest.
Positioned under the Renegade, which is no longer sold in Australia, the Avenger was slated for sale in South Korea and Japan as well as Europe. As the UK (where the Avenger will presumably be sold) and Japan are right-hand drive markets, there is some chance the Avenger could come here.
Jeep is part of the giant global automotive concern Stellantis and a spokesman for its local arm was non-committal on what could arrive locally and when.
“In due course, we plan to bring electrified vehicles to our markets in the India & Asia-Pacific region at the appropriate timing. Specific announcements will be made locally closer to the vehicle introduction in each market.”
Jeep is marketing its electric models under the 4xe badge but until today that had been applied to plug in hybrids, of which only the Grand Cherokee is confirmed for Australia.
Under its ‘Dare Forward’ plan Jeep intends that 50 percent of sales in the US and 100 percent of sales in Europe will be battery-electric vehicles (BEV) by 2030.
It will sell four BEVs in both markets by 2025, as well as PHEVs.
The five-door Recon will come with the Jeep Selec-Terrain traction management system, e-locker axle technology, under-body protection, tow hooks and aggressive off-road tyres.
As with the Wrangler there’s no surprise the five-door Recon will have a one-touch powertop, removable doors and glass.
It will also come with the latest generation Uconnect system, including detailed travel guides of the most notable off-road trails. Hopefully, that includes the Simpson…
While it shares the Wagoneer name with the big new Jeep seven-seat ICE wagon that’s not currently on the list for Australia, the Wagoneer S is actually about the same size as the smaller Grand Cherokee.
It has a bespoke coupe-SUV bodyshape, its own forward-leaning LED-lit take on the seven-slot Jeep grille and a large wing hovering free of the rear window on D-pillars.
The plug-in Grand Wagoneer used the same full-size body as the ICE versions and little was stated about it except Jeep was shooting for a 800km range.
Front and rear exterior shots of the Avenger were shown off during the ‘Dare Forward’ presentation last March although the vehicle was not then given a name.
As with the other models, technical details were not unveiled, but the Avenger is targeting a 400km range between recharges.
“The all-new Avenger will offer Jeep brand capability that is rightsized for the European market,” said Antonella Bruno, head of Jeep Europe at Stellantis.
“This modern, fun and emotional SUV will appeal to a growing set of customers who are looking for a capable, compact, modern and all-electric Jeep brand alternative to the current players.”
