The first Jeep 4xe (four-by-e) model in the USA, the Wrangler 4xe, was launched last year and quickly became a sales success. In July 2021, Jeep USA announced that the Wrangler 4xe was the best selling PHEV in the marketplace and looks to sustain this momentum, with CEO Christian Meunier stating that Jeep will have a full EV in every SUV segment by 2025.
Jeep 4xe models today
The Wrangler 4xe quickly sold out in America and managed to become the best-selling plug-in hybrid (retail). Image: Jeep
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
You can pick up the Wrangler 4xe today in the USA, with prices starting at USD 52,530. The Wrangler 4xe is sold in three trims: Sahara, Rubicon, and High Altitude. However, all variants are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 gasoline engine assisted with two electric motors getting their juice from a 400V 17.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack located under the second row of seats. Combined system output stands at 280 kW (375 hp) and 637 Nm (470 lb.-ft.) of torque, and an 8-speed AT is standard. The Wrangler 4xe is rated for an EV range of 21 miles (34 km) by the EPA.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe tops out at USD 74,695, clearly indicating the price premium Jeep intends for its electrified range. Image – Jeep
Prices for the Jeep 4xe Grand Cherokee were announced in late-January 2022, and deliveries should commence in spring 2022. Prices start at USD 58,095 for the entry-level 4xe and extend to USD 74,695 for the range-topping Summit Reserve. A total of 5 trim levels will be offered. The powertrain is identical to the Wrangler 4xe though Jeep estimates the Grand Cherokee 4xe could offer 25 miles (40 km) of electric range.
The towing capacity is rated at 6,000 pounds (2,720 kg). It will be interesting to see how the Jeep 4xe Grand Cherokee fares in sales since there is a USD 20,000 price difference between the base Grand Cherokee and entry-level 4xe (however, the 4xe also adds a lot of standard equipment for that price bump).
Jeep 4xe models tomorrow
We are fully committed towards a vision of zero emission future, and by 2025 we will be offering a zero-emission fully electric Jeep 4xe in every SUV segment.
Christian Meunier, CEO of Jeep brand, in July 2021
The smallest Jeep 4xe will be revealed this year, but it will not come to the USA. Image – Jeep/Stellantis
Jeep Renegade 4xe (All-electric)
The Renegade is already available as a PHEV in the European market, and hence the transition will see a full-electric Renegade in the next generation. Jeep has announced that this year will see the debut of its first EV (codenamed Jeep 516 EV), which will be smaller than the Renegade and ride on Stellantis Group’s eCMP platform. Though this platform is a front-wheel drive layout, reports have emerged that an electric motor would be fitted at the rear for AWD capability following a redesign. The Renegade EV would slot above the Jeep ‘Junior’ EV.
Jeep built the Wrangler Magneto concept last year, a working electric prototype used for testing for future Jeep 4xe EVs. Image – Jeep
Jeep engineers have the option of opting for the eCMP for the Renegade EV or using the upcoming STLA Medium (earmarked for C and D segment vehicles), which will ensure a range of at least 440 miles (700 km). The Renegade 4xe EV could arrive around the end of 2023 or in 2024. Keeping with Jeep’s premium positioning, chances are the Renegade EV gets treated to the STLA.
Jeep Compass 4xe (All-electric)
Like the Renegade, the Compass is already available as a PHEV in Europe, and by 2025, we should get the Compass 4xe EV. For the Compass EV, there is no doubt that Jeep will use the STLA Medium architecture, which can accommodate battery packs between 87 kWh and 104 kWh. Multiple range variants will ensure the Compass EV can be taken on Jeep’s trails or a camping trip without too much range anxiety.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer 4xe (All-electric)
The Grand Wagoneer 4xe EV will become the most expensive Jeep when launched around 2024. Prices could start from USD 100,000, but then Jeep will go all out to ensure the product’s premium-ness. As per reports, the Grand Wagoneer EV may not get the typical EV styling where the grille is smoothed out, and the bumpers and wheels are optimized for aerodynamics. Instead, the 7-slot Jeep trademark would be seen (even if the grille is shut, designers will ensure there are cut-outs or embellishments to highlight the Jeep signature). The charging port is expected on the left front fender to provide easy access to charging when parked.
The most premium Jeep 4xe will rival the like of the Cadillac Escalade EV and Range Rover EV. Image: Enhanced official teaser of the Jeep Wagoneer EV. Source: Stellantis
Replying to TopElectricSUV during the Jeep APAC roundtable in July 2021, Christian Meunier, CEO of Jeep, said that the Grand Wagoneer EV was like “magic” and unlike anything anybody has seen before with “very very strong acceleration.”
How the Jeep 4xe works
Taking the example of the new Grand Cherokee 4xe, which uses the same powertrain as the Wrangler 4xe, here’s how Jeep has engineered its first plug-in hybrid setup.
The 2.0-liter I-4 gasoline engine uses a twin-scroll low-inertia turbocharger mounted directly to the cylinder head. An electric power steering and an electrically driven air conditioning compressor are used to remove these loads from the engine.
According to Jeep, the Jeep 4xe Grand Cherokee TrailHawk conquered the Rubicon trail in electric power only. Image – Jeep
Motor generator
Instead of the conventional alternator, a high-voltage, liquid-cooled motor generator unit is used and connected to the engine crankshaft pulley via a belt. The role of this motor-generator is to spin the engine during start-stop operations and generate electricity for the battery pack. Instead of a torque convertor, the Jeep 4xe system uses a larger high-voltage motor generator mounted on the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Two clutches manage power and torque from the e-motor and engine.
To facilitate electric-only mode, a clutch is mounted between the engine and motor, which disengages so that there is no mechanical linkage between the engine and e-motor. When the linkage exists, the 2.0-liter I-4 and the e-motor work in combination to deliver a peak of 637 Nm (470 lb.-ft.) of torque.
The 4xe system on the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee employs a 400-volt, 17 kWh battery. On the Grand Cherokee, the battery units and controls are mounted underneath the vehicle, packaged under the floor, and protected by a series of skid plates. To keep the battery at its optimum temperature, the battery pack system includes a dedicated heating and cooling circuit, which uses the Grand Cherokee’s air conditioning refrigerant to function.
Jeep has provided LED indicators at the charging port and an LED battery level monitor in the instrument panel through which owners can check the level of charge. Image – Jeep
Also mounted underneath the body is an Integrated Dual Charging Module (ICDM) that combines a battery charger and a DC/DC converter in a single, compact unit and a Power Inverter Module. Jeep says all high-voltage electronics are sealed and waterproof, which is how the Trail Rated Grand Cherokee 4xe achieves water fording up to 24 inches (61 cm).
To facilitate nose-in parking at charging locations, the charge port is located on the left front fender as a push open/close cover. It includes LED indicators of charging status, whereas an LED battery level monitor sits atop the instrument panel to check battery state during charging easily.
4xe E Selec modes
The Jeep 4xe system also gets 4xe E Selec modes which the driver can use to optimize the hybrid setup. The driver can toggle between Hybrid (the engine and e-motor are optimized for fuel efficiency), Electric (operates as an EV until the battery reaches minimum charge, or if more power is desired at which point, the engine is engaged again), and eSave (prioritizes the engine and saves the battery charge for later use). Jeep claims an electric-only range of 21 miles (34 km).
The Jeep 4xe system incorporates regenerative braking, and when 4×4 is engaged, all wheels feed torque for regen braking. A driver-selectable Max regen mode results in a more “assertive” braking calibration and naturally slows the Grand Cherokee quicker than normal regen.
The Jeep 4xe Grand Cherokee has a 6,000 lb (2,720 kg) towing capacity, and the Trailhawk 4xe variant has gone through the Rubicon Trail under all-electric power. We should be seeing owners of the Grand Cherokee 4xe share their off-road experiences from later this year.
Featured Image – Jeep/Stellantis
Keyword: Jeep 4xe lineup – What you can buy today & in the future