Jeep unveils new all-wheel drive Avenger 4xe

Here it is, as promised - a new all-wheel drive ‘4xe’ variant of the attractive Jeep Avenger.

Up until now, the Avenger SUV has only been available with front-wheel drive.

That goes for the petrol-powered mild-hybrid variants as well as the fully-electric ones - both of which you can lease right now with Select.

But later this year a full-on, off-road 4xe Avenger will join the line-up, and it’s seen here doing what it does best - blatting through rivers and making mincemeat of mountain passes!

Those all-wheel drive capabilities will be launched with the petrol mild-hybrid Avenger, as opposed to the full EV.

A 1.2-litre turbo engine generating 136 hp (36hp more than the non-4xe Avenger) is combined with two 21 kW electric motors positioned at the front and rear of the vehicle. The system is channelled through an automatic 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Acceleration from 0-62 mph goes by in 9.5 seconds which is, again, quicker than the regular petrol Avenger.

The 4xe model gets improved off-road angles, with a 10 mm increase in ground clearance and the ability to ford up to 400 mm of water.

At low speeds, 4x4 is always on tap. At speeds of between 19 and 56 mph, the rear axle only activates upon command. And above 56 mph, front-wheel drive becomes permanent in order to boost fuel economy.

A Jeep spokesperson explains: “The hybrid powertrain, combined with the 22.7:1 reducer placed on the rear axle, ensures an extraordinary rear wheel torque of 1,900 Nm, providing unparalleled traction. This capability allows for conquering slopes of nearly 40% on challenging terrains such as gravel, and up to 20% when there's no grip on the front axle.”

Besides all-wheel drive, the Avenger 4xe features Jeep’s ‘Selec-Terrain’ set-up, which lets you dial-in the all-wheel drive response depending on what’s going on under the wheels. There are settings for ‘Sand & Mud’ as well as ‘Snow’ and ‘Sport’.

There’s also a ‘Multilink’ rear suspension system that’s typically found on Jeeps higher up the pecking order and which equates to better comfort when the going gets really tough.

Roof bars come as standard, as does additional exterior cladding and protection and a rugged interior complete with waterproof seats.

You also get ‘Mud+Snow’ tyres as standard, too.

Eric Laforge, Head of Jeep Brand Enlarged Europe, said: “The Avenger is one of the biggest success stories of Jeep in Europe with more than 90,000 orders - of which almost 30% are fully electric. In the wake of this success, Avenger 4xe will be the new benchmark in the ‘B-SUV’ segment, offering exclusive design, top performance, and represent the full expression of Jeep’s legacy of all-wheel-drive”.

Order books open later this year. Rivals will include the versatile new Subaru Crosstrek as well as ‘ALL4’ 4x4 variants of the MINI Countryman.

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