One of the best known and most loved Made in USA car icons in Europe is completely renewed for its fifth generation. We are talking about Jeep Grand Cherokee, which debuts with a totally new model after 11 years, and is more Italian than ever. The aesthetics are all new, more modern and massive, the interiors are refined and technological and there will also be one plug-in hybrid version, the 4xe. But the platform is there Giorgio made by Alfa Romeo. So what lies behind this rough aesthetic? Let’s find out together.
From the outside, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is massive and modern, yet more dynamic than the Maxi L version
This winter here on techprincess we told you about the new one Jeep Grand Cherokee L, a totally new and unprecedented model with more than 5.2 meters in length and 7 seats intended only for the American and Asian market. However, presenting that bulky model, we told you that the classic Grand Cherokee for the international market, and here it is ready to be known.
The dimensions, compared to the larger Grand Cherokee L, are decidedly friendlier. From over 5.20 m of the L version we pass to the 4.91 meters of the smaller version, in line with rivals such as BMW X5, Mercedes GLE and the like. The wheelbase is also shorter, going from 3.09 m on the Long ai version 2.96 m of “smooth” Grand Cherokee. Aesthetically, however, even the Jeep Grand Cherokee focuses a lot on a massive and muscular look, as befits a real Jeep. The front follows the stylistic features brought to the debut by the latest Jeeps, with a long hood, the mask with the classics seven slits thin and wide, as well as i to do, more dynamic and elusive. There is also another Jeep trademark, i squared wheel arches which accommodate large wheels with rims up to 22 inches in diameter.
If frontally and sideways the differences with the L version are few, in the queue Grand Cherokee is less massive, while remaining tough and reassuring. In fact, the C-pillar is not part of the bodywork, but is adorned with a molding that descends from the roof and separated from the body by a thin glossy black molding. The rear then has a slightly more inclined rear window, e i thin horizontal headlights joined by a glossy black molding they still increase the feeling of width of the car. Overall, however, this new Grand Cherokee is massive and muscular, but has a more dynamic and slender appearance than the previous generation, now on the market for 11 years.
Inside, a real revolution: up to 3 screens and plenty of space for the 5 passengers
If from the outside the old generation of Jeep Grand Cherokee, the WK2, and the new one, the WL, look like two totally different cars, inside there is a truly impressive generational leap. Nothing was brought from the old WK2, not even the general dashboard setting. Everything is new and renovated, starting with the steering wheel, which is much more modern and dynamic, and the dashboard has been totally revolutionized.
One remains massive center console and which gathers all the main services, but everything is more modern and elegant. The air vents are much thinner and more elegant, and to please even the most traditionalists remain the physical climate controls and air-conditioned seats. The infotaiment screen measures 10.1 inches and hosts the new system UConnect 5 based on Android Automotive, really fast and responsive. There is also a fully digital instrument cluster always 10.1 inches, and a Almost 10-inch Head-Up Display to never take your eyes off the road. According to Jeep, the finishes of this new Grand Cherokee will be the most luxurious ever. On request it will be possible to have the saddlery and the dashboard covered in Palermo leather, and the front seats are electrically adjustable in 16 directions.
Great attention was then paid to theentertainment, not only for the driver but for all passengers. As you can see, in fact, each passenger will have their own 10.25 inch high definition custom screen for the front passenger e two 10.1-inch behind the backrests for the rear passengers. Here you can interact with some aspects of the car, with the voice assistant Amazon Alexa but most of all each screen will have integrated Amazon Fire TV, to be able to watch TV series or videos on YouTube as on the classic Fire TV Stick we all know. For audiophiles, then, you can opt for a McIntosh Hi-Fi system with 19 speakers and 950 W. Thanks to the generous step of almost 3 meters, then, the space will be truly remarkable, for all passengers and luggage.
The mechanics of the Jeep Grand Cherokee are Italian-American: Yankee engines on the Giorgio platform
If Jeep Grand Cherokee surprises with its modern aesthetics and super-equipped interior with technology, on the level mechanic makes your eyes pop even more. In fact, Jeep has decided to abandon the very old platform derived from the Mercedes ML of the early ’00s, focusing instead on a real surprise. Under the skin super American of the new Grand Cherokee, in fact, an Italian heart beats.
The new platform is indeed the famous rear-wheel drive Giorgio platform, made specifically for the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. It is therefore a very dynamic monocoque frame made with driving pleasure in mind, which here must necessarily give its best in other areas, such as the comfort and off-road. Despite the calibrations, which will surely be oriented on comfort and off-road capabilities, we should be facing the best driving Jeep Grand Cherokee ever created. E i engines? Well, here we are at 100% in territorio Yankee. In fact, there will be two thermal engines at launch for the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, both of large displacement and both without turbo.
At the base of the range will be the 3.6 V6 Pentastar, an incredibly long-lived engine and also seen on several Jeeps sold in Italy, as well as on FIAT Freemont. Here the naturally aspirated 3.6, all in aluminum and equipped with a phase variator, delivers 293 hp and 394 Nm of torque. Then there is the standard Start & Stop system, and the 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. At the top of the range, however, we find the legendary 5.7 V8 Hemi with 357 hp and 528 Nm of torque. An ultra-long-lived, fluid and very regular engine, equipped with a Start & Stop system, phase variator and the 4-cylinder deactivation system when maximum power is not required. Both engines are equipped with the Quadra-Trac all-wheel drive o Quadra-Drive for Trailhawks, the more specialized ones. Then there is the Quadra-Lift air suspension and the Selec-Terrain on-road and off-road driving mode system.
The 4xe version, the most interesting of the Jeep Grand Cherokee range: 375 hp and 40 km of autonomy
Waiting to understand if we will also see these engines in Europe and if there will be the return of a diesel engine, however, Jeep Grand Cherokee also presents itself in its most interesting guise for the Old Continent market, the 4xe. As Jeep has accustomed us by now, 4xe is the nomenclature of its only one all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid system. Compared to the Jeep Renegade and Compass 4xe sold in Italy, here the system is decidedly different.
The engine is in fact the 2.0 turbo petrol GME seen on Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio, coupled to two electric motors. The first is an engine BSG, that is a small engine that takes the place of alternator and starter motor. The second engine, the larger one, is placed between the engine and gearbox, instead of the classic torque converter. Despite being a hybrid, therefore, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is also equipped with true all-wheel drive, and not combined like our Jeep 4xe. The overall power of this hybrid system is 375 hp and 637 Nm of torque, even more powerful than the 5.7 V8 version. Performance has not been declared, but Jeep has told about the particular system of clutches of this 4xe engine.
Basically, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe transmission is equipped with two clutches. The first clutch is placed between electric motor and heat engine. When open, the Grand Cherokee moves exclusively with zero emissions, as the connection between the thermal and electric engine is missing. When it is closed, however, the two motors work together. The second, on the other hand, is positioned between the electric motor and transmission, and therefore regulates when the car sails, when it pushes and also how it pushes. To conclude, the battery is 17 kWh with a 400 V system.
Charging can also take place with direct current, and the battery is sealed and waterproof, allowing the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk, the most off-road, of guadare deep waterways up to 61 cm. L’autonomia in full electric? Jeep aims to get to around 25 miles, that is 40 km, zero emissions. For all versions, finally, there is no shortage of well 110 active and passive safety systems, which between autonomous driving systems, adaptive cruise control, blind spot and lane monitoring and the very useful night vision camera allows Grand Cherokee to have a level 2 autonomous driving.
When will we be able to see Jeep Grand Cherokee in Europe? American launch in late 2021, worldwide in 2022
Now you know everything about the new Jeep Grand Cherokee. Italian blood but American heart, and a massive, muscular and typically Jeep aesthetic. Inside, everything changes, with technology that invades the passenger compartment, active safety and even the engines, with the first hybrid Grand Cherokee. We just have to know the price with which this new Grand Cherokee will be launched, as well as his arrival in Italy.
At the moment the European price lists have not yet been disclosed, while we know when it will arrive on the US and European market. The first Grand Cherokee produced in the new Mack factory in Detroit will debut in United States at the end of 2021. It’s in Europe? The launch for the international market is expected for mid 2022, with the arrival on all markets in which Jeep is present by the end of next year. There are still some requests waiting for an answer. A version will come diesel? And the very sporty one Trackhawk will it still have their own space? In the coming months, we will surely know everything. For now, we look forward to seeing the first Jeep Grand Cherokee arrive in Europe, with the first ones already standing they go around in disguise on the streets of Turin. E butter? What do you think? Do you like this new Jeep Grand Cherokee? Let us know below in the comments: it’s your turn.
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