The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the world's most successful and beloved SUVs, with over 7 million units sold since its debut in 1992. It has earned a reputation for being a versatile and capable vehicle, offering legendary off-road performance, premium comfort, and advanced technology. Now, the Grand Cherokee is entering a new era of electrification with the introduction of the 4xe plug-in hybrid model.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe is the flagship of the Jeep brand and the first plug-in hybrid version of the Grand Cherokee. It aims to deliver a unique blend of power, efficiency, and sustainability without compromising on the qualities that make Jeep vehicles iconic. It is also the most powerful and fastest Grand Cherokee ever, thanks to a sophisticated hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and two electric motors.
The Powertrain of the Grand Cherokee 4xe
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe uses the same plug-in hybrid powertrain as the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, which was introduced last year and became the best-selling plug-in hybrid in America in 2021. The powertrain consists of a four-cylinder, two-liter petrol engine producing 272 horsepower and a 143-horsepower electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. A second electric motor acts as a generator and starter for the engine. A 14-kWh lithium-ion battery pack provides energy for the electric motors and can be recharged via a port on the left front fender.
The powertrain can operate in three different modes: Hybrid, Electric, and eSave. Hybrid mode is the default mode, which optimizes the use of both the engine and the electric motors for maximum efficiency. Electric mode allows the Grand Cherokee 4xe to run solely on battery power, ideal for short trips or urban driving. eSave mode preserves the battery charge for later use, relying mainly on the engine for propulsion.
The powertrain's combined output (they peak at different revs, so you can't just add their numbers) is a remarkable 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This makes the Grand Cherokee 4xe the most powerful and fastest Grand Cherokee ever, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 130 mph.
The Efficiency of the Grand Cherokee 4xe
The Grand Cherokee 4xe is not only powerful but also efficient. The plug-in hybrid system allows it to travel up to 25 miles on electric power alone and achieve a combined fuel economy rating of 56 MPGe. It also has a total driving range of 470 miles, thanks to a 17.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a 17.2-gallon fuel tank.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe also features a regenerative braking system, which captures kinetic energy during braking and coasting and converts it into electricity to recharge the battery. This reduces fuel consumption and brake wear and enhances driving performance.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe also comes with a Level I (120-volt) charging cable as standard equipment, which can fully recharge the battery in about 12 hours using a typical household outlet. Optionally, customers can purchase a Level II (240-volt) charger from Mopar or other suppliers, which can reduce the charging time to about two hours.
The Capability of the Grand Cherokee 4xe
The Grand Cherokee 4xe is not only a plug-in hybrid SUV but also a true Jeep SUV. It comes with the renowned Quadra-Trac II four-wheel drive system, which provides superior traction and stability on any terrain. Depending on the road conditions and driver input, the system can automatically distribute torque between the front and rear axles.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe also has an exclusive feature called Power Transfer Unit (PTU), which allows the electric motor to power the front axle independently from the engine, enhancing off-road performance and efficiency. The PTU also enables a full-time low range for improved low-speed control.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe also offers five different drive modes: Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Rock. These modes adjust various parameters such as throttle response, transmission shift points, steering feel, suspension damping, traction control, stability control, and brake lock differential to optimize performance for different driving scenarios.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe also features an air suspension system that can raise or lower the ride height by up to four inches, depending on the speed and drive mode. This improves aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, ground clearance, approach, departure, and break-over angles.
The Luxury of the Grand Cherokee 4xe
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a capable SUV and a luxury SUV. It has a refined and spacious interior with premium materials, advanced technology, and comfort features. The Grand Cherokee 4xe has leather seats, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a wireless charging pad, a ParkSense front and rear park assist system, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. It also has a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 software, which supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, wireless updates, and more.
The 2023 Grand Cherokee 4xe is also a safe SUV, with over 110 standard and available safety and security features. Some of these features include adaptive cruise control with stop and go, blind spot monitoring with rear cross path detection, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, forward collision warning with active braking, a rearview camera with dynamic grid lines, and more.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe is the plug-in hybrid flagship of the Jeep brand, representing the best of both worlds: power and efficiency, luxury and adventure, innovation and tradition. It is the ultimate SUV for those who want to enjoy the benefits of electrification without compromising on the qualities that make Jeep vehicles iconic.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe will be available in Europe in 2023, with prices starting from €69,900 ($79,000). It will be offered in three trim levels: Limited XE (€69,900), Trailhawk XE (€74,900), and Summit XE (€79,900). The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe will also be available in North America in late 2023.
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