Jeep Grand Cherokee: For the first time as a plug-in hybrid. And just the strongest – PRAVDA.sk

The legendary Grand Cherokee comes in the fifth generation. Jeep speaks of it as the most capable and technically advanced model. This was despite the fact that he did not avoid electrification. This allows him to cover 40 km with only battery power.

Photo: Jeep

Jeep Grand Cherokee – 2021 The design is neater and more aerodynamic than in the past. However, this does not mean that the new Grand Cherokee will “soften” in the field. On the contrary, it has to beat its predecessor in all respects.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a true legend. Since 1992, when its first generation was born and rewrites the history of off-road comfort, the “big” Cherokee has found more than seven million customers. Jeep now presents its fifth edition. But it’s not a complete surprise. The new Grand Cherokee debuted in January, in the premiere 7-seater version of the Grand Cherokee L with three rows of seats. The classic had to wait a while, but it’s worth it, because the new Grand Cherokee is coming for the first time in a plug-in hybrid version of 4 × e. But don’t be mistaken with the technology used in Compass and Renegade 4 × e. The rechargeable Grand Cherokee has a completely different electric drive architecture.

The design has clear proportions of the SUV with a virtually vertical front end and a high-lying hood, but it looks surprisingly neat and aerodynamic to the Jeep’s conditions. The front grille with seven holes is narrower and closer in style to the smaller Cherokee. Compared to the Grand Cherokee L, the biggest difference is the rear. For example, differently designed columns. And, of course, the dimensions don’t fit either. The Grand Cherokee is 4,910 mm long, which is 289 mm less, and its 2,837 mm wheelbase is 127 mm shorter. Even so, it is a field, although in the brand hierarchy it stands below the reincarnated Wagoneer. Aerodynamics benefit from a lower roof compared to the previous generation (-10 mm), active slats for air intake and a roof spoiler.

Photo: Jeep

Jeep Grand Cherokee – 2021 Compared to the current Grand Cherokee L, the new Grand Cherokee is 289 mm shorter. It is still 4,910 mm in length.

In the cabin, the Grand Cherokee crew is literally pampered despite the harsh roots. There is more space in it in all directions and explicitly premium materials. The Summit Reserve version features Palermo leather upholstery and top-of-the-line McIntosh audio with 950 W of power and 19 speakers. For the first time, UConnect 5 Infotainment delivers up to three displays, including a 10.6-inch front passenger screen. He can watch, for example, Amazon Fire TV. The interface also includes Amazon voice assistant Alexa and smartphone mirroring via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Up to 110 assistance systems take care of safety, including maintenance in the driving current, assistant for changing the driving current, assistant in traffic jams, or various warnings and monitoring of driver fatigue.

Photo: Jeep

Jeep Grand Cherokee – 2021 The cabin has a distinctly premium atmosphere and state-of-the-art infotainment with a 10.1-inch touch screen and a 10.3-inch virtual cockpit. The third display may be in front of the passenger.

Under the hood there is a choice of three powertrains. The classic are 3.6 V6 Pentastar (219 kW) and larger 5.7 V8 (268 kW) atmospheric engines with four-cylinder shut-off. Always in conjunction with the 8-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission. But the biggest novelty is the 4 × e version – the first ever plug-in hybrid in the Cherokee model line. Technologically, it is fundamentally different from the already existing plug-in hybrids Compass 4 × ea and Renagarde 4 × e, which are basically “front wheels” with an additional rear electric motor. The Grand Cherokee is going differently. It retains the original 4 × 4 distribution, but its supercharged 4-cylinder 2.0 from the Stellantis Global Medium Engine family is connected to a powerful starter-generator as well as a second electric-generator located between the combustion unit and the 8-speed transmission.

Photo: Jeep

Jeep Grand Cherokee – 2021 The biggest novelty is the plug-in hybrid 4xe, which combines a 4-cylinder 2.0 Turbo with a starter-generator and a second electric motor in an automatic transmission. Despite the smaller displacement, 4xe is the most powerful version. It offers up to 280 kW and a torque of 637 Nm.

It is separated from the engine and gearbox by a pair of clutches, so it can be independent or integral with them. In addition, it takes over the function of a hydrodynamic converter. Despite the smaller displacement, the Grand Cherokee 4 × e is the most powerful version. Its system power is tuned up to 280 kW and also offers the highest torque of 637 Nm. The 17 kWh battery, built into a completely new floor platform, allows an electric range of approximately 40 km. The system works in Hybrid, EV and eSafe modes. Thanks to the help of an electric motor, which is also a source of recuperation during braking, the Grand Cherokee 4 × e will be the most economical version. Jeep has not yet released the dynamic parameters, but promises that the plug-in hybrid will remain in the field, true to its invincible reputation.

Photo: Jeep

Jeep Grand Cherokee – 2021 The solar charger is supposed to be Jeep’s solution for charging plug-in hybrids in nature as well.

There will be three quad bikes to choose from – Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II. The first one can change the driving torque in the range of 0: 100 to 100: 0 between the individual axles. Quadra-Trac II adds a reduction gear and Quadra-Drive II as well as an electronic eLSD rear differential lock. In the field, a system of driving modes selected by the driver via the Select Terrain control will help. You can choose from Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow and Mud / Sand modes. But the Grand Cherokee doesn’t end there either. You can pay extra for the Quadra-Lift air suspension, which changes the height of the chassis in five levels. The highest has a diameter of 287 mm. As a result, the Grand Cherokee manages 610 mm deep fords.

The Trailhawk version adds off-road tires, protective plates, larger chassis approach angles, an off-road camera and even detachable stabilizers. This applies to all three motorizations. The 4 × e version tightens a trailer weighing 2,720 kg and 5.7 V8 to 3,265 kg. “The Jeep Grand Cherokee is our global flagship and will lead the Jeep brand into a new era of electrification,” said Christian Meunier, CEO of Jeep. “With the perfect balance of road dynamics, 4 × 4 capabilities and 4 × e performance, the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most technologically advanced Cherokee of all time.” The plug-in hybrid will follow at the beginning of the future and will eventually visit Europe.