► Fifth-gen Grand Cherokee revealed► PHEV-only in Europe, loads of plush touches
► On sale in summer 2022
Jeep’s new Grand Cherokee has officially made its European debut, with the first models being an exclusive launch edition available to order now.
The fresh-faced SUV, being delivered as a 4Xe plug-in hybrid only in the region, has been designed to turn up the luxe and introduce new tech to Jeep’s range.
It still looks like a Jeep…
It might look like one from the outside, with its seven-slat grille arrangement and chunky detailing, but the interior takes a big leap forward. While the US market benefits from the larger Jeep Wagoneer, CEO Christian Meunier calls the Grand Cherokee the brand’s ‘global flagship.’
Posh wood and leather materials can be had inside, and digital instruments and a large central display are included as standard. There’s also the capability for a passenger display and Jeep says a whole load of technology is standard: adaptive cruise, blind spot monitoring, parking camera and lane keeping systems. Jeep also says tech light night vision, parking assist and surround-view parking aids are on the options list.
You mentioned a plug-in hybrid?
Just one of the available powertrains globally, and the only one being deployed in Europe. It’s under the 4XE banner, and it comprises a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 17kWh battery pack and an e-motor mounted between the engine and the gearbox. That means the Grand Cherokee’s all-wheel drive system remains fully mechanical, like a Defender P400e. Jeep says the 4Xe plug-in hybrid powertrain develops 375bhp and 470lb ft in total, with a maximum e-range of 31 miles claimed.
For the North American market, a 3.6-litre V6 making 290bhp and 257lb ft, and 5.7-litre V8 with a relatively lax 357bhp and 390lb ft will also be available.
Can it still handle the rough stuff?
All-wheel drive is, understandably, standard in three variants: one with a single-speed active transfer case that can move all of the power to the front or rear axle (Quadra-Trac I), a second with that plus a low-range ratio (Quadra-Trac II) and a third with a two-speed active transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle (Quadra-Drive II). Jeep also says this is the first Grand Cherokee that can disconnect drive to its front axle to improve fuel economy.
There’s also a Trailhawk version designed for the roughest terrain. Air suspension and the Quadra-Drive II drivetrain system is standard, as is a disconnectable front roll bar (like the Wrangler Rubicon) for better articulation off road, tough steel skid plates, a specific set of wheels and bodykit.
When does it go on sale?
It’s on sale in the US already, with European orders open now for the initial top-spec launch edition. The rest of the European trim range is to be confirmed.
Keyword: Jeep Grand Cherokee arrives in Europe for 2022