The plug-in hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe has officially launched in the UK, and combines off-road prowess with lower fuel bills.
Let’s be honest, Jeep hasn’t always been known for fuel-efficient vehicles. But the firm is definitely responding to lease customers’ needs, particularly here in the UK.
For example, the iconic Jeep Wrangler is available with a whopping great 6.4 litre V8 engine over The Pond in America, but here in Blighty it makes do with a more modest 2.0 litre mill.
And now the Grand Cherokee - the biggest SUV in the manufacturer’s line-up - has grown up, too.
Power of 380 hp and 673 Nm of torque comes by way of a 2.0 litre petrol engine married to a 17-kWh battery.
There’s a range of up to 31 miles using electricity alone while the system combines to give you up to 85 miles to the gallon - pretty impressive when you consider how large the Grand Cherokee is and how much 4x4 capability it’s packing.
Don’t worry - despite all of the high-tech electronics, the big Cherokee can still ford water up to 61 cm deep.
And while it’s likely most Grand Cherokees will be used for the school run rather than conquering extreme trails, you can rest assured that it’s adept on the tough stuff.
No matter which trim level you choose - entry-level ‘Limited’ through to Trailhawk, Overland and Summit - you get all-wheel-drive as standard.
Jeep says the Trailhawk 4xe has conquered the infamous Rubicon Trail - a punishing 22 mile route located in the Sierra Nevada mountains near Lake Tahoe, USA - using electricity alone, while a new anti-roll bar disconnect ‘allows for improved articulation and traction over rocks and rough terrain’.
In fact, no stone has been left un-rolled-over in Jeep’s pursuit of off-road brilliance here.
There are two systems up for grabs - the ‘Quadra Trac II’ or higher-spec ‘Quadra Drive II’ - both of which have an active transfer case.
Quadra Trac II features on Limited and Overland models, and has a 2-speed low transfer case that can send up to 100% of the available engine torque to the front or rear axle.
Quadra Drive II is the ‘definitive capability statement’, according to Jeep, and features on Trailhawk and Summit variants.
There’s a handy electronic limited slip rear differential and Quadra-Lift air suspension that automatically adjusts and adapts to the changing road conditions.
You also get the ‘Selec-Terrain’ system that brings you five different driving modes - Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, Mud/Sand.
Away from the Grand Jerokee’s rock-crawling antics, there are new style tweaks for the exterior, including a larger front grille and a lowered, tapered roofline.
There’s an all-new interior, too.
The centre stack has been realigned for greater accessibility while there’s a 10.1 infotainment touchscreen as well as a 10.25 inch front passenger interactive display.
New 16-way adjustable front seats have power lumbar and memory and higher specification versions offer new front driver and passenger seat back massage. Heated and vented seats are available in the first two rows.
You also get plenty of safety systems and driver aids fitted as standard across the range, including collision warning with active braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, active lane management and a parking system that includes a rear view camera as well as sensors that will force a stop if it detects you’re about to have a prang.
The only slight fly in the ointment is that the Grand Cherokee 4xe won’t be offered with the option of having 7 seats.
Price wise, the Limited models begin at £69,900, making it an alternative to lease cars like the mighty Range Rover Sport or the Volvo XC90 Recharge.
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