JEEP has launched its first electrified mannequin in Australia, the Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that can promote from $129,950 plus on-road prices and is due in dealerships this August.
Though bought in five-seat kind solely, the 4xe’s worth represents a $10,500 premium over Jeep’s top-of-the-range petrol V6 Grand Cherokee L seven-seater however counters the lack of two seats with considerably extra energy, nearly double the torque and higher gas financial system over the purely petrol mannequin whereas additionally claiming “superior” off-road functionality.
It has few direct succesful 4×4 PHEV rivals in a big SUV that’s dominated by soft-roaders. Land Rover’s Defender plug-in hybrid P400e HSE is the closest different at $139,300 + ORC. For diminished (though nonetheless first rate) off-road chops however an elevated sense of luxurious, a Vary Rover Velar 2.0 PHEV HSE is available in at $144,400 + ORC.
Jeep says in a press launch that the 4xe has expertise that “enhances the enjoyable, freedom, and journey that the Jeep model is understood for, whereas offering unprecedented efficiency, gas financial system and adaptability”.
It’s mentioned to be able to utilizing as little as an estimated 3.2 litres of petrol per 100km (NEDC) due to the hybrid powertrain and Jeep says the Grand Cherokee 4xe its most fuel-efficient, off-road-capable mannequin but.
The 4xe powertrain combines two electrical motors, a 400-volt 17.3kWh battery pack, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and eight-speed automated transmission.
Mixed output from the system is 280kW and 637Nm, which massively surpasses the three.6-litre petrol V6 in different Grand Cherokee fashions that churns out 210kW and 344Nm.
Of curiosity is the 4xe’s torque that out-points the previous Grand Cherokee V8 SRT8 mannequin with 624Nm, though that one developed almost 350kW.
Jeep claims the Grand Cherokee 4xe’s electric-only drive vary is 52km, much like PHEVs from different manufacturers.
Along with the hybrid powertrain, fuel-efficiency is aided by means of electrical energy steering and an electrically pushed air-conditioning compressor that each take away load from the engine.
Preserving the battery at optimum temperature is a devoted heating and cooling circuit that features a heater unit and a chiller that makes use of the 4xe’s air-conditioning refrigerant to regulate coolant temperature when wanted.
Jeep says charging time varies from lower than 10 hours (Mode 2) to lower than 3 hours (Mode 3 at 7.4kWh).
The automobile options numerous modes for altering hybrid powertrain behaviour to finest swimsuit every journey, from each day commuting in pure-electric mode to prolonged freeway highway journeys with no vary anxiousness or for exploring peaceable off-road trails in close to silence.
When the battery is near depletion, a default full hybrid mode is activated; regenerative braking helps replenish the battery pack and with 4×4 engaged, all 4 wheels feed torque for regenerative braking, maximising the vitality restoration.
Beneath braking, the powertrain management engages the utmost obtainable regenerative braking, as much as 0.25 g, from the electrical motors to gradual the automobile, augmented by standard friction brakes.
Energy goes by a fluid eight-speed automated transmission, and the 4xe can tow as much as 2722kg with the best tools fitted.
On the skin, the 4xe scores an unique trim therapy with a gloss black roof as a part of the Summit Reserve 4xe normal specification to create a “floating roofline” impact, accentuated by a brand new window moulding that begins on the base of the aspect mirror and travels all the way in which to the rear quarter window and extends to the bottom of the backlight.
Together with in depth superior driver help tech, the automobile is provided with a spread of handy options to maintain passengers related whereas driving, some non-compulsory.
Contained in the Summit Reserve 4xe is premium LED lighting with daytime/night-time settings, “true” ambient lighting with a five-colour choice, McIntosh 19-speaker premium audio system and a hands-free, foot-activated energy tailgate.
