Jeep has recently begun accepting UK orders for their new flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee. Starting at £69,900, the 375bhp plug-in hybrid SUV is a key step in Jeep’s pledge to fully commit to electrification in Europe.
With the 4th-generation Cherokee released way back in 2011, the newest PHEV version has unsurprisingly had a modern makeover. The exterior has a much sharper, more angular look that is reflective of contemporary design styles, making use of strong squared-off wheel arches and an extended roofline to help maximise aerodynamic performance. Up to seven different paint colours are available depending on the chosen trim, ranging from the striking ‘Velvet Red’ to the more understated ‘Baltic Grey’.
The interior has also been revamped, tapping into new tech whilst maintaining traditional tenets of comfort and luxury. The dashboard has a pair of 10.1-inch displays for the digital cluster and the central entertainment system. There is also a larger 10.25-inch front passenger display that lets riders search and provide destinations to the driver, allowing your co-pilot to truly co-pilot. The digital setup is underpinned by Jeep’s new Uconnect5 system which facilitates Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, TomTom satnav and even Amazon Alexa connectivity.
The redesigned seats have a greater degree of adjustability, with higher spec versions offering massage and heating functions. The front storage bins have also been upgraded to hold two wireless devices and a wireless charger. A suite of customisable LED lighting has also been made available, with day/night settings included as standard.
The Grand Cherokee uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged, 4-cylinder engine alongside a pair of electric motors and a 400-volt, 17kWh battery pack. This provides an electric range of about 31 miles and a combined driving range of up to 435 miles. It offers a trio of driving modes, titled Hybrid, Electric and eSave, each tailoring the hybrid powertrain toward specific driving scenarios. Hybrid mode ensures the battery and engine power are delivered in a way that maximises fuel efficiency and performance. Electric mode operates solely on electric power until the battery is close to depletion, at which point the engine is engaged. eSave is effectively the opposite of Electric, prioritising the engine and preserving battery charge for later use.
The 4 available trims, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland and Summit Reserve, each offer added functionality and styling enhancements in return for a bit of extra cash. The entry-level equipment offered on the Limited model is still high quality, with a Nappa leather interior and heated black vinyl seats ensuring Limited drivers don’t feel like they’ve been left behind. The Trailhawk shifts the focus toward off-roading, offering 18-inch alloy wheels paired with all-terrain tyres and adaptive shock absorbers. The Overland gifts riders the convenience of an automatic boot, double exhaust system and a 19-speaker sound system, making it ideal for urban drivers. Finally, a taste of luxury, the Summit offers a Palermo leather interior, 16- way adjustable memory seats, wood trim and wireless charging.
Images: https://www.media.stellantis.com/em-en/jeep/gallery/6413
Credit: Wasim Uddin
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