Jeep Grand Cherokee to release as PHEV in 2022

The Stellantis brand Jeep has announced a new generation of the Grand Cherokee SUV, which will also be offered as a plug-in hybrid for the first time. A new platform makes this possible. The model is to be offered in North America in early 2022 and in other markets later in the year.

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Like Jeep’s current PHEV models, the Grand Cherokee will also receive the name suffix 4xe. For the drive, however, Stellantis only mentions “targeted” technical data: The system power is to be 276 kW, the maximum torque 637 Nm – the performance data of the 2-litre combustion engine and the electric motor are not mentioned separately. In addition, a “targeted consumption equivalent” of 4.1 litres per 100 kilometres and a targeted electric range of 40 kilometres are mentioned. The total range is supposed to be 708 kilometres.

The battery has an energy content of 17 kWh (whether gross or net is not specified). The 400-volt storage unit, including the battery management system, is installed under the vehicle floor; for off-road use, the battery is protected by underride protection plates. In addition, thanks to the waterproof sealed HV electronics, water penetrations to a depth of 61 centimetres should be possible.

Jeep does not mention the charging power in the announcement, but the charging port is located in the left front wing. The PHEV can be used in three modes, “Hybrid”, “Electric” and “eSave”. When the battery charge level approaches the lower end, the vehicle automatically switches to “Hybrid” mode.

Since there is another clutch between the combustion engine and the electric motor, the all-wheel-drive should also be able to be used purely electrically – unlike, for example, Jeep’s smaller PHEV models, where the electric motor only drives the rear axle. In the announcement, the Americans state that the Grand Cherokee 4xe can tackle the demanding Rubicon Trail purely electrically. Depending on the equipment, three different all-wheel drive systems are available, sometimes with a focus on the road, but for the Trailhawk equipment also optimised for off-road driving.

Consequently, Jeep CEO Christian Meunier speaks of the “most technologically advanced, luxurious and 4×4-capable Grand Cherokee in the brand’s history”. “The Jeep Grand Cherokee is our global flagship and will lead the Jeep brand into a new era of premium refinement, innovative technologies, advanced 4×4 capability and electrification,” Meunier said.

Jeep is not yet disclosing pricing or exact launch dates outside North America.

Update 03 February 2022

Jeep has announced starting prices for the electrified 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe lineup in the USA. The plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee 4xe starts at a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $57,700 (excluding the $1,795 destination and government incentives). Built at the new Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack plant, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is scheduled to start arriving in Jeep dealerships in spring of 2022.

Update 21 February 2022

Jeep has opened reservations for its new plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee to a number of European countries. The Grand Cherokee 4xe is available for pre-order in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, the UK, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands – but initially only in an ‘Exclusive Launch Edition’.

Interested parties can register on a website set up for the launch until 30 March. There, according to Stellantis, they can “also express interest in being contacted as soon as the vehicle is available at Jeep authorised dealers”. The carmaker has not yet named prices for the special model or the later basic version.

stellantis.com (in German), stellantisnorthamerica.com (update), stellantis.com, stellantis.com (both update II)