Jeep boss explains how push upmarket and new tech will transform the GC, despite no V8 or diesel
When the new-generation 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L arrives in Australia next month, legions of current and former owners will be watching closely.
That’s because the outgoing WK Jeep Grand Cherokee has a chequered past in Australia, as one of the country’s most recalled vehicles that was plagued by reliability issues.
But Jeep says the all-new fifth-generation WL series will provide a reset of sorts.
“The all-new Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L breaks new ground for Jeep in every area with next-generation technology and equipment that’s never been available on any of our models to date – and we are committed to a customer experience to match it,” Jeep Australia boss Kevin Flynn told carsales.
“We have worked incredibly hard to overhaul our customer experience – both internally and throughout the dealer network.”
“We have also bolstered our internal parts, service and customer experience infrastructure and recently appointed [former Nissan Australia boss] Stephen Lester – one of the country’s most senior automotive executives – to lead the aftersales and customer experience within our organisation.”
Flynn insisted Jeep cost of ownership has been “drastically improved” and that the brand now has “adequate resources to service vehicles all over the country”.
The WL Jeep Grand Cherokee L is due to enter showrooms by May, offering a stretched body and six- or seven-seat layout, starting from $82,250 plus on-road costs.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
But the axing of the V8 petrol and V6 diesel engines has been seen as sacrilege by many.
Flynn conceded the loss of a diesel engine will hurt sales, but said the addition of the seven-seat model and introduction of Jeep Australia’s first electrified SUV in early 2023, the Grand Cherokee 4xe, will balance out the ledger.
“We expect this new model to be highly competitive within this segment and deliver healthy [sales] volumes. We’re also competing in an entirely new three-row segment, which accounts for over 70 per cent of the overall full-size SUV segment,” he said.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
“I can only speak to right-hand drive, and for Australia that has meant moving away from diesel and adding an impressively capable PHEV powertrain.
“Indeed, we understand that will present a natural attrition for some customers, but it will also put Jeep on the shopping list for customers who may not have considered us before.
“The Grand Cherokee will be the Jeep brand’s first foray into electrification in Australia and it’s an exciting step along our journey towards our zero-emission freedom ambitions.”
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
Following the launch of the long-wheelbase Grand Cherokee L, the regular five-seat model is expected to deliver a more affordable proposition for the brand, in the $70,000 price bracket.
But the big SUV’s push upmarket will bring features like diamond-quilted leather front seats with massaging function, six LCD interior screens, a 19-speaker premium stereo and all the class-leading off-road functionality that dedicated 4×4 systems and adaptive air suspension bring.
“It’s our most capable and our most luxurious Grand Cherokee to date,” declared Flynn, adding that it elevates the SUV “into a completely new segment, and a fully premium position”.
Does that mean it will continue to be the brand’s top-selling vehicle, despite the loss of key powertrains and a significant price hike?
“We believe the Jeep Grand Cherokee will continue to be strong volume player within our line up,” Flynn affirmed.
Jeep’s big family hauler competes in the same segment as the Toyota Prado and Isuzu MU-X, among a variety of other 4×4 off-roaders and more road-oriented family SUVs.
However, the Grand Cherokee’s premium push could see it rival European models, such as the Land Rover Defender and even the BMW X5.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
“It’s hard to pinpoint a particular rival,” Flynn admitted.
“Jeep obviously presents a unique offering in the segment with the all-new Grand Cherokee: a premium and refined vehicle, with incredible off-roading prowess.
“We are introducing next-generation technologies, exceptional levels of quality inside and out, all backed by our commitment to exemplary driving dynamics, refinement, and renewed customer experience.”
Watch out for our first drive of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe on April 19.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
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Keyword: Why the new Jeep Grand Cherokee will be a winner