JEEP has debuted its all-new Grand Cherokee L massive SUV with the model holding some excessive hopes for its largest household hauler in addition to including a 3rd row of seating to the equation and the long run addition of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 4xe model.
On account of arrive in Australia on the finish of the 12 months, the brand new mannequin rides on an all-new platform and brandishes a daring new look in comparison with its predecessor with the general theme being one among aggression and muscularity due to the intensive use of squares and parallel traces.
The entrance fascia is adorned with the most recent model of Jeep’s signature seven-slot grille under which resides a big consumption, flanked on both aspect by two smaller ones additionally encompassing the foglights.
The slimline LED headlights sit excessive up instantly underneath the bonnet line, complemented properly by an identical set of tail-lights on the rear the place the parallel theme is sustained save for 2 diagonal traces which carve out the boot launch button and numberplate mount.
Considered from the aspect, the Grand Cherokee L sports activities a decrease belt-line and larger glasshouse than its predecessor whereas the wheelbase is a sizeable 176mm longer at 3091mm.
The general silhouette carefully resembles that of the equally sized Hyundai Palisade with loads of rear overhang on account of the brand new third row – there’s even the same piece of gold trim operating alongside the roofline and down the again of the D-pillar (C-pillar on the Palisade).
In an attention-grabbing transfer, the Grand Cherokee L will initially be provided in each six and seven-seat guises – the six-seater has pilot seats within the second row – whereas the extra acquainted two-row variants will observe Stateside later within the 12 months.
Beneath the pores and skin is impartial suspension on all 4 corners whereas an adaptive air-sprung set-up can even be obtainable in North America – unconfirmed for Australia – which may decrease the experience top at pace by 21mm to assist on-road dynamics.
As for the engines, the acquainted duo of the three.6-litre V6 and 5.7-litre Hemi V8 petrol mills might be making a return largely unchanged, producing 216kW/348Nm and 266kW/529Nm respectively.
Each powerplants ship their energy to all 4 wheels by way of an eight-speed automated transmission nonetheless drive to the entrance axle may be robotically disconnected if the ECU senses all-wheel drive shouldn’t be needed.
In step with the model’s heritage, Jeep claims the brand new Grand Cherokee L will ship “improved unrivalled functionality” off-road throughout the vary with three completely different 4×4 techniques and mixtures obtainable relying on the variant.
The Quadra-Trac I system is probably the most primary of the lot and goes with out low-range or a limited-slip/locking rear differential, the previous omission being mounted by Quadra-Trac II.
Quadra-Drive II in the meantime comes with the complete suite of low-range paired with an digital restricted slip differential (rear).
Actually upping the ante even additional is the beforehand talked about non-compulsory Quadra-Raise air suspension which may improve the bottom clearance (212mm commonplace) to as much as 278mm.
Not solely does this improve clearance however wading depth too, which is rated at 610mm.
Different off-road centered options embody the six-mode Selec-Terrain traction administration system and hill-descent management whereas the important thing angles are 30.1 levels (method) and 23.6 levels (departure) with a 22.6-degree breakover angle.
Customary gear highlights embody an 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 5 consumer profiles, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, twin Bluetooth connectivity, Alexa “Dwelling to Automotive” performance, new Uconnect cellular app, TomTom satellite tv for pc navigation, over-the-air updates for Maps and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.
Vary-wide security expertise in the meantime consists of collision warning with lively braking and pedestrian/bike owner detection, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise management with cease and go, lively lane administration, lane departure warning with lane hold help, superior brake help, blind-spot monitoring, parkview rear back-up digicam, parksense rear park help sensors, switch-activated electrical park brake and tyre-pressure monitoring.
World Jeep president Christian Meunier mentioned the brand new Grand Cherokee L was crafted to “exceed expectations and do what no different SUV can do” in mixing “legendary Jeep 4×4 off-road functionality” with “superior on-road manners”.
“It’s constructed on an all-new structure and wrapped in a surprising new design that honours its iconic Jeep design heritage, whereas additionally extending to accommodate a 3rd row to fulfill the rising wants of our Jeep prospects who’ve requested for more room and performance,” he mentioned.
Jeep Australia offered 2870 Grand Cherokees final 12 months, accounting for 3.1 per cent of the sub-$70,000 massive SUV phase, a far cry from the 18,034 Prados (19.8%) offered by Toyota, maybe the Grand Cherokee’s most sensible rival.
