First plug-in hybrid Jeep arrives in just one premium spec priced at $130K
Jeep Australia’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model will arrive in August in the form of the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe, priced from $129,950 plus on-road costs.
That makes the sole Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEV more than $10,000 pricier than the previous flagship of the new WL-series range – the similarly-equipped long-wheelbase, seven-seat Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve (from $119,450) – and more than $31,000 pricier than the premium Overland version of the short-wheelbase, five-seat Grand Cherokee on which it’s based.
As well as rubbing shoulders with the penultimate 300 Series Toyota LandCruiser Sahara (from $133,881), the $130K price tag of the only five-seat Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe to be released here so far is also well over double that of large seven-seat hybrid SUV rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe (from $63,000), Kia Sorento (from $66,750) and Toyota Kluger (from $57,620).
It’s probably a good thing then that Jeep is claiming the Summit Reserve 4xe is the most capable and fuel-efficient Grand Cherokee to date, thanks to a pair of electric motors supporting 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.
The system has a combined power output of 280kW, making it the most powerful WL Grand Cherokee offered in Australia thus far, and is claimed to consume just 3.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
The electric motors are powered by a 17.3kWh lithium-ion battery that grants the 4xe an all-electric driving range of up to 52km (NEDC), leaving the petrol engine to power all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission once it’s out of charge.
Three drive modes include ‘Hybrid’, ‘Electric’ and ‘eSave’, all of which do what they say on the tin, with the former being the default setting. But maximum braked towing capacity remains just 2722kg.
However, given its identity as a Summit Reserve, the Grand Cherokee 4xe come dripping with standard kit including off-road hardware like the flagship Quadra-Trac II Active 4×4 system, low-range transfer case, Selec-Terrain and Quadra Lift air suspension.
Inside the cabin you’ll find Palermo quilted leather upholstery, 12-way power adjustable front seats with massage and memory functions, ventilated front and rear (outboard) seats, four-zone climate control, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, 10.1-inch infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 19-speaker McIntosh premium sound system.
Full-LED exterior lighting including the automatic headlights is also fitted as standard, as are 21-inch alloy wheels, a contrasting black roof, digital rear-view mirror and hands-free powered tailgate.
Active safety gear and headline driver-assist functions comprise blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, active lane management, parallel and perpendicular park assist, active driving assist, autonomous emergency braking, traffic sign information and a 360-degree camera.
For an extra $5500, the Advanced Technology Group option adds a head-up display, wireless charging, night vision camera and 10.25-inch front passenger interactive display. Premium paint costs another $1750.
How much does the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee cost?
Night Eagle – $77,950
L Night Eagle – $82,750
Limited – $83,950
L Limited – $88,750
Overland – $98,450
L Overland – $103,250
L Summit Reserve – $119,450
Summit Reserve 4xe – $129,950
* Prices exclude on-road costs
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Keyword: Astronomical price premium for Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe PHEV