Jeep has unveiled its new Grand Cherokee – the largest and most luxurious model that it sells in the UK.
Gaining styling inspired by the Grand Wagoneer (which doesn’t come to Europe), the new SUV gets bolder styling thanks to its large, wide seven-slot grille, a muscular front end and boxy wheelarches to give it more of a rugged stance.
Key to the Grand Cherokee is a 4xe plug-in hybrid that expands Jeep’s growing electrified range. Bringing no compromise in terms of off-roading ability, the 4xe combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with twin electric motors and a 17kWh battery for a combined 369bhp.
Jeep also claims a 25-mile range purely on electricity, and a range of 440 miles when both fuel types are combined. While a 3.6-litre V6 and 5.7-litre V8 will also be offered, it’s not clear if these will come to the UK.
Inside Jeep is promising that the new Grand Cherkee is the ‘most luxurious ever’, with higher-quality materials being used, greater levels of space and an impressive range of technology. Using the brand’s latest UConnect 5 operating system, as standard it gets two 10-inch screens (one for the digital dials, a second the main touchscreen), while the front-seat passenger can even have their own screen nestled into the dashboard.
It also moves the game forward in terms of safety kit, with Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability offered, along with an optional night vision camera that can spot pedestrians and animals using heat-sensing infrared cameras.
However, Jeep hasn’t lost its way when it comes to off-road prowess, with this Grand Cherokee said to be one of its most capable cars yet. Especially when specified in a Trailhawk trim level – which gets various additional off-road tech – the Grand Cherokee will likely leave its other SUV rivals well behind, with its 29cm ground clearance and ability to wade at up to 61cm. A sway bar disconnect feature also allows for improved articulation and traction on trickier terrain.
Further UK-specific details about the Grand Cherokee are expected at the start of 2022, ahead of the model’s launch later in the year.
