Jeep has unveiled the latest, fifth generation of its Grand Cherokee SUV which includes updated tech, better off-road capability and a new plug-in hybrid version, the Grand Cherokee 4xe. The company is billing it as the most advanced, most off-road capable and most luxurious iteration of the SUV yet.
Sharper looks
Styling is an evolution from previous models rather than a complete departure. We've already seen some of its styling cues on the Jeep Grand Cherokee L which made its debut earlier this year. A wider, larger rendition of Jeep's seven-slot grille conceals a number of advanced tech features (more of which anon) and the level-set line of the bonnet and wider track give the latest Grand Cherokee a beefier, more aggressive stance.
Aerodynamics have been improved too with active grille shutters, front wheel spats, air curtains and a lowered roofline compared to the previous model.
That lowered roof will be available in contrasting gloss black on Overland models as an option and as standard on Trailhawk and Summit versions.
There will be eight wheel options available, with, for the first time on a Grand Cherokee, 21-inch rims.
Big tech
Jeep is making much of the Grand Cherokee's upgraded interior, making particular use of screens front and rear. A 10.1-inch screen forms the digital instrument cluster, while another screen of the same size acts as the radio and multimedia interface.
A full-colour 10-inch head-up display provides additional information to the driver.
For front-seat passengers, there's another, 10.25-inch interactive media display and, for those in the rear a high-definition entertainment system featuring Amazon Fire TV which allows them to stream videos, play music, find information, etc., all while the car is in motion by using the vehicle's in-built 4G Wi-Fi technology.
The multimedia system is Jeep's (and many of its Stellantis stablemates') UConnect 5 and the Amazon Fire screens in the back can connect to the system in order to change individual temperature settings and even to see the projected journey ETA. No more "Are we there yet?" questions then.
Safety features in the Grand Cherokee include Full Speed Collision Warning with active braking, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Active Lane Management and a lane departure warning system, which should make motorway driving a bit safer and more comfortable, particularly when stuck in stop-go traffic. Active Driving Assist gives the Grand Cherokee Level 2 autonomy which means drivers still need to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.
Around town, things like Rear Cross Path Detection, Cyclist Detection and parking cameras and sensors should prove useful in the big Jeep.
This model, a five-seater, is the second Grand Cherokee to be built on Jeep's new architecture. The longer, seven-seat Grand Cherokee L sits elsewhere in the range.
Moving along
The models we're most likely to see if the Grand Cherokee makes it to Ireland are the 4xe PHEV versions featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors and a 400-volt 17kWh battery pack delivering 381hp through an eight-speed automatic transmission. That should provide an electric-only range of around 40km.
A 3.6-litre V6 and 5.7-litre V8 are available in other markets.
The Grand Cherokee will feature three four-wheel drive systems as well as a rear electronic limited-slip differential; the Selec-Terrain traction management system can be adjusted depending on the surface - Road, Rock, Snow or Mud/Sand - to optimise the power delivery for the given conditions. As such, it should be plenty capable off-road, particularly the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk model which has been tweaked ever-so-slightly more than regular models to make it more adept off the beaten track.
Quadra-Lift air suspension means that the ride height can be adjusted for the desired use, whether that raised for challenging off-roading or lowered for motorway mile-munching.
All high-voltage electrics are sealed and waterproof and the 4xe model is capable of fording water up to 61cm deep.
What's happening in Ireland?
Irish market plans for the new Grand Cherokee have yet to be confirmed.