Jeep unveils plans for hybrid Grand Cherokee 4xe

Ahead of its full debut at the New York Motor Show, Jeep has shown off its new Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid, joining the Wrangler, Compass, Cherokee and Rubicon as the electrified vehicles in its range.

Based on the five-seater Grand Cherokee which was updated earlier this year, details are scarce surrounding the 4xe though the SUV could adopt the 2-litre, four-cylinder petrol hybrid unit from the current Wrangler 4xe, an engine which makes 280kW and 637Nm with its 17kWh battery pack.

In the Wrangler, the electric motor sits between the petrol engine and the eight-speed automatic gearbox, allowing for up to 34km of driving on battery power alone with an EPA fuel consumption rating of 4.8L/100km.

2

Jeep's planned range of PHEV vehicles

As a part of parent company Stellantis's EV Day, Jeep, alongside the conglomerate's other brands, have committed to bringing in electrified versions of its models by 2025, aiming for a full EV range by 2030.

Jeep CEO Christian Meunier believes the electrification of Jeep's range will retain the brand's spirit of adventure while building on its popularity in the off-road community.

"This year already, we're forging ahead into an electrified future with our four best-selling models including the upcoming, all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe," said Meunier.

"We're installing charging stations to support our community where it matters most – the trail.

"In 2025, we will have a zero-emission Jeep 4xe in SUV segment.

"4xe allows us to give the community more of what they love about the Jeep brand – more capability to increase on-demand torque for maximum, acceleration and four-wheel-drive performance."

Jeep is planning to install solar-powered charging stations along some of the most popular off-road trails in the United States, including locations such as Moab and the Rubicon Trail.

The company's sales are currently booming in Australia, bouncing back after a tough 2020 to record a 71 per cent increase in sales this year, with its best-selling model standing as the Grand Cherokee (1666 sales to the end of June).