PREVIEW – 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
Words and Photos: via PracticalMotoring.com.au
Boosting its environmental credentials, Jeep will offer their Grand Cherokee with the brand’s 4xe (pronounced ‘four by e’) plug-in hybrid powertrain in Australia early next year, signifying the next steps in the all-American carmaker’s move to electrification.
Jeep’s adoption of electrification is not just a reflection of the times and indicative of developments being made by many other carmakers. It’s also crucial for Jeep’s survival beyond the North American market, as some countries (particularly in Europe) are forcing manufacturers to either go electric or get out. While that means Jeep won’t ever offer another pure-combustion engine car in those markets, Australia is getting both the V6 found in the Grand Cherokee L (which arrived here recently) and a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain, which is due to land mid-2023.
Power – the 4xe way
Jeep’s fifth-generation Grand Cherokee 4xe is based on an all-new architecture and features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine driving an eight-speed automatic transmission, while a 17.3kWh battery feeds a pair of electric motors (one a motor/generator, the other a drive motor in the transmission), helping the hybrid Grand Cherokee retain the model’s off-road capability.
The petrol and electric motors produce a combined total of 280kW and 637Nm, while Jeep claims a zero-emissions range of 50km “in urban areas”. Ensuring credibility for the 4xe drivetrain in off-road conditions, Jeep had a 4xe-equipped model actually complete the famous Rubicon Trail in the US on electric power only.
The 4xe powertrain features three different ‘E Selec’ drive modes: Hybrid, Electric and eSave. In Hybrid mode, both power sources drive the wheels, with the car optimising battery and petrol power to best balance fuel economy and performance.
Electric prioritises EV-only running, with the petrol engine only cutting in when battery charge is depleted or the driver asks for full-throttle acceleration.
Finally, eSave will retain battery charge for use at a later point, for example in a built-up area with air-quality restrictions. Users can also choose a 'Battery Charge' setting within eSave mode that sees the petrol engine actively charge the battery on the move. Regenerative braking also features, incorporating a ‘Max Regen’ setting to further boost efficiency and all-electric running.
Tough Enough
Due to the 4xe model’s battery pack, Grand Cherokees so equipped feature extra underbody protection in this area in the form of 3.5mm steel skid plates. These will help avoid rupturing the cells in the event of a knock during off-road driving.
Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system, with a two-speed transfer case and a low-range gear ratio will be offered, featuring selectable driving modes tailored for different terrains, including Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow and Mud/Sand. Jeep’s Selec-Speed Control hill descent function is included, too.
With 75mm of ground clearance as standard, the Grand Cherokee 4xe can also wade through water up to 610mm deep in the suspension’s highest Off Road 2 setting – 100mm more than its predecessor. There’s also an easy entry/exit function that will reduce the car’s ride height to make it easier to climb in and out of, as well as load up.
Inner Space, Standard and Available Features
The Grand Cherokee offers 1,067 litres of load space behind the first row of seats, which is 40 litres more than the previous model. Jeep hasn’t clarified where they found the extra space, but they do say a new interior architecture gives the Grand Cherokee 4xe a more upmarket appearance.
Horizontal elements on the dash include contrasting wood and leather trim, with metal finishers and LED ambient lighting – plus double diamond-stitched quilted leather on top-spec models – completing the redesign.
The new dash layout houses Jeep’s new UConnect 5 infotainment system as the Grand Cherokee comes loaded with more technology than ever. A digital instrument panel is joined by a central screen running the new infotainment set-up, including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and over-the-air map updates. Additionally available features include an interactive passenger display and a digital rear-view mirror.
There’s more storage space, including a bin for two smartphones and a wireless charging pad, while the brand is claiming a boost in quality and comfort, too, thanks to a new seat design. Heating, cooling and massage functions will be available.
Safety kit is also improved, including pre-collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection plus autonomous emergency braking. Rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control, active lane management, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, a rear-view camera with parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring are also offered.
Outside Makeover
Alongside the interior redesign, Jeep has also overhauled the 2022 Grand Cherokee’s exterior, with a more sculpted, sportier look, while retaining the trademark seven-bar grille layout.
Beyond improved aesthetics, Jeep claims this new design has functional benefits, too, with the SUV’s lower, more tapered roof helping improve its aerodynamic performance and therefore efficiency. The lowered belt line compared to the previous Grand Cherokee allows more glass area and lets more light into the cabin.
Grand Cherokee 4xe models feature blue accents in the exterior badging, reflecting the 4xe plug-in powertrain, including on the charging flap mounted on the car’s front guard. Blue tow hooks also feature to further differentiate the plug-in hybrid from the combustion engine equivalent.
Electric is Coming
Jeep Australia is expecting to launch the new Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe locally in early-to-mid 2023 with final pricing and specifications to be announced closer to launch.
