In a nutshell - Jeep Renegade 4xe
- Renegade 4xe will be the first electrified Jeep model to reach the UK.
- A plug-in hybrid (PHEV), it pairs a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor.
- Range of 26 miles, and zero tailpipe emissions, in electric-only mode.
- Returns 123-134mpg and emits less than 50g/km of CO2 in hybrid mode.
- Still boasts all-wheel-drive and proper off-road capabilities.
- The Renegade 4xe will be in showrooms in September with prices starting from £32,600 OTR.
You can enjoy the best of both worlds with the new plug-in hybrid Jeep Renegade 4xe.
Not only is it the most 'fuel-efficient Jeep SUV ever available in the UK, according to the firm, its also the most capable off-roader - because increased torque from the combination of an internal combustion engine and the electric unit means you should be able to tackle just about anything off-road.
As a Jeep spokesperson points out: Efficiency is not achieved at the expense of performance. The Jeep Renegade 4xe remains true to its all-terrain vocation while offering an enhanced driving experience on the road, with smooth responses and acceleration.
The increased torque generated by the electric motor and the ability to adjust it with extreme precision ensures even greater four-wheel-drive capability on any terrain, for extreme off-road adventures.
Power comes from a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine on the front axle combined with an electric motor, located between the rear axle, which is driven by an 11.4 kWh battery that can be recharged while on the go or through an external power outlet or charge point.
On its own, the petrol engine delivers a power output of 130hp in the base Longitude model, or 180hp in top-spec Trailhawk guise. Add another 60hp from the electric motor and youre left with either 190hp or 240hp to play with.
Whats more, in hybrid mode you should enjoy between 123 and 134 miles to the gallon, which is not too shabby at all.
Now lets talk torque.
The electric motor produces 250Nm, while the combustion engine delivers 270Nm. Add to the two together and youve got effortless grunt while tackling the muddy tough stuff.
A Jeep spokesperson adds: Traction to the rear axle is not provided by a prop shaft but through a dedicated electric motor.
This allows the two axles to be separated and control the torque independently in a more effective way than a mechanical system, with traction being delivered to the rear wheels immediately when needed.
Theres also a 4WD Lock that permanently engages the four-wheel drive at speeds up to 9mph, as well as a 4WD Low setting for really sticky situations.
Meanwhile you also get an impressive 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 81 mph in full electric mode - 124mph in hybrid mode - which means the 4xe is a capable road weapon, too.
All of the models in the 4xe line-up - Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk boast Jeeps eAWD four-wheel-drive system, married to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep says youll be able to travel 26 miles in full-electric mode, without ever engaging the internal combustion engine, meanwhile there are three different drive settings - Hybrid, Electric and E-save - which adjusts how much you rely on the electric motor.
In all modes, a regenerative braking system recovers energy during passive driving phases, such as deceleration or light braking.
The 4xe also boasts something Jeep calls eCoasting, which is active all of the time but which can be adjusted, and which maximises energy recovery.
When it comes to charging, you can opt for a 7.4 kW wallbox which provides a full charge at home in less than two hours. And 4xe customers also have access to the Digital Charging Solutions (DCS) service, which gives you access to a vast public charging network.
The Jeep Renegade 4xe arrives in showrooms in the UK in September priced from £32,600.
