The order books for Jeep’s new Grand Cherokee 4xe Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) opened for UK customers on August 1st, 2022. It will be available in four trim levels consisting of the Limited 4xe, Trailhawk 4xe, Overland 4xe and Summit Reserve 4xe, with prices beginning at £69,990.
The SUV’s 380bhp power unit combines a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic gearbox, meaning a 0-62mph acceleration time of 6.3 seconds. 637 Nm of torque also allows for a maximum towing capacity of 2,300kg.
Dual electric motors will play the supporting act, utilising a 400-volt battery pack to deliver up to 30 miles of combined cycle and 32 miles of urban cycle electric range. The 4xe technology - which has been established as genuine Jeep branding - means the Grand Cherokee offers a total driving range of up to 435 miles when both electric and internal combustion engine outputs are combined.
Jeep has also implemented over 110 safety and security technologies, including Active Driving Assist with hands-on Level 2 autonomous driving, 360-degree surround view, and Night Vision cameras.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe also boasts more technology with the Uconnect 5, including Active Driving Assist, a new high-definition rear-seat entertainment system, and an interactive front passenger screen. The Summit Reserve trim features Palermo leather and real wood along the interior, in addition to a 950-watt, 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.
The driver may adjust the hybrid powertrain to best fit each trip, whether it is commuting, or long-distance travel, with the help of the E Selec modes. By pressing the buttons on the instrument panel to the left of the steering wheel, the driver can choose between three powertrain modes.
The ‘hybrid’ mode combines the power of an electric motor and a gasoline engine. To achieve the optimum balance of performance and fuel efficiency, the powertrain will optimise battery and engine power. The ‘electric’ mode only uses zero-emission electric power when the battery is fully charged.
When the driver demands greater torque by opening the throttle wide, the engine will kick in. The ‘eSave’ mode gives the engine priority while reserving some battery power. The Hybrid Electric Pages in the Uconnect 5 monitor also allow the driver to select between Battery Save and Battery Charge.
“The New Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe’s arrival in Europe is the latest step in Jeep’s electrification journey,” said Antonella Bruno, Head of the Jeep Brand in Europe. “We started this journey in Q4 2020 with the launch of the Renegade and Compass 4xe, and the following year the Wrangler 4xe arrived.
“Success soon followed: so much so that in the first quarter of 2022 more than 1 in 3 Jeeps sold in Europe was a 4xe, and in Italy we are the leader in the LEV market which includes plug-in hybrids and BEV. Now it’s the New Jeep® Grand Cherokee 4xe’s turn to carry on.”
Before the vehicle appears in Jeep showrooms early in the new year, customers can configure their desired model via the official site.