Jeep's electrified SUV onslaught is about to kick into high gear.
Earlier this month, Jeep teased its exciting electrified future. Yes, this maker of legendary rugged off-roaders has also succumbed to electrification, and all has been revealed at the brand's 4xe Day. That name has already been used for hybrid Jeeps like the Grand Cherokee 4xe and Wrangler 4xe, although we do have our reservations about the unrefined and expensive Grand Cherokee 4xe.
Nevertheless, Jeep's electrified lineup is expanding rapidly, and one of those additions is the all-new Wagoneer EV, codenamed Wagoneer S; a fully electric SUV with 600 horsepower, unique styling cues that set it apart from the gas-powered Wagoneer, and a targeted range of 400 miles.
To be clear, the electric Wagoneer will not be an EV variant of the existing full-size SUV but rather a new addition to the Wagoneer sub-brand, occupying the midsize segment where it will rival the Cadillac Lyriq.
The first images of the electric Wagoneer have been shown, introducing a new interpretation of the traditional seven-slot grille with snazzy LED illumination, a coupe-like roofline, and a new wing design that dips below the D-pillar buttresses.
Above a full-width taillight cluster, the rear windscreen is acutely angled in true coupe fashion, but from a side perspective, it appears to have the profile of a typical SUV. That's because the D-pillars are actually supports for the new rear wing.
Overall, it looks considerably sleeker and less rugged than the gas-powered Wagoneer, but standard 4x4 and an all-terrain management system should make it decent off-road, too. Capable is a relative term here, as the Wagoneer S is not "Rubicon Trail Rated," which is the gold standard for jeep off-roaders.
The Wagoneer S - which will likely end up with a different name when it enters production - is based upon the Stellantis STLA Large platform, which will be used in a plethora of upcoming Stellantis models, including the Dodge EV muscle car and Chrysler 300 successor. Jeep confirmed power outputs of 600 hp and a 0 to 60 mph dash in a scant 3.5 seconds, likely from a dual-motor powertrain, but we suspect less-powerful variants will be made available. On a full charge, Jeep is targeting a competitive range of 400 miles which is decent for an SUV of this size.
The goal of the Wagoneer S is to enter the luxury BEV segment. Speaking of the Wagoneer S, Jeep brand CEO, Christian Meunier said, "We'll delight our customers with a premium, highly efficient SUV that is loaded with technology and high-quality craftmanship, offering 4x4 capability, high performance, rapid acceleration, and a target range of 400 miles on a single charge."
A lot of that luxury will be handled by the interior, but at this early stage, we can't see much of the interior beyond the glass roof and a glimpse of the red leather seats.
The Wagoneer EV will bear similar interior dimensions to the current Grand Cherokee and sport only two rows of seating.
It will enter the US market in 2024, with reservations opening early in 2023. Pricing and more specification will likely be announced closer to the time.
While the exact location of its production hasn't been confirmed, Jeep has stated it will be built in the USA. Price dependent, it may potentially be eligible for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits under the new Inflation Reduction Act legislation. The Wagoneer BEV will also see itself exported to European markets, with Jeep keen on tackling the world's largest automotive market, China.
At the same time as the Wagoneer S reveal, Jeep also made mention of a forthcoming 4xe variant of the current Wagoneer. Without stipulating powertrain details, it was confirmed the plug-in Jeep will have a combined range of 500 miles.
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