After a nearly 30-year long hiatus, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is finally making a comeback. That's right, the Ford Bronco isn't the only iconic SUV making a comeback this year. Debuting alongside the new Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid in Detroit, the Jeep Grand Wagoneer has been presented as a concept previewing the final production version and a new direction for the Jeep brand.
Adorning the premium exterior are Obsidian Black accents, which are applied to the grille that features seven prominent slots. The grille is also outlined with an LED pattern and flanked by LED projector headlamps, while raised illuminated letters spelling out the word 'Wagoneer' are positioned above it. Enhancing its capability is a black aluminum front skid plate, accented front tow hooks, and 24-inch multi-spoke aluminum wheels featuring 3D-printed elements.
LED taillamps extend from the rear quarter panel to the back of the SUV, while a subtle rear diffuser is positioned below the power tailgate, which also improves the SUV's aerodynamics. The headlamps, fog lamps and taillamps all feature LED lighting technology. Another premium design highlight is a glass roof that shines natural light into the cabin, while the roof rails boast four tie-down loop openings with teak wood.
Inside, the opulent interior can comfortably seat up to seven passengers thanks to its second-row captain's chairs and a third row. This is the first time the Jeep Grand Wagoneer has ever been offered with a third row. Customizable ambient lighting and large glass windows offering greenhouse-like views help create a relaxing atmosphere.
A two-spoke steering wheel pays homage to the original Grand Wagoneer and the outer edge of the instrument panel features an "EST. 1963" referencing the original Wagoneer's first model year. While the original Grand Wagoneer's exterior featured extensive use of wood, the new Grand Wagoneer Concept's interior is trimmed in heat-treated lacewood. The full suede headliner is made of Dinamica, a fully recyclable premium microfiber suede.
To modernize the Grand Wagoneer, the Concept is equipped with an abundance of tech, including a 12.3-inch digital display behind the steering wheel, a 12.1-inch horizontal touchscreen in the center console, and an additional 10.25-inch horizontal display touchscreen, separated by an aluminum wing that controls the seats and four-zone climate control. A separate 10.25-inch touchscreen can be operated by the front passenger. Second-row passengers can access a 10.1-inch screen on the center console located between the two captain's chairs.
Each second-row passenger also get their own 10.1-inch entertainment touchscreen. Powering the touchscreens is FCA's all-new Uconnect 5 system, which Jeep says is five times faster than the previous generation. The Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept also features the only vehicle audio system in the world powered by McIntosh with 23 speakers and a 24-channel amplifier.
As part of Jeep's aim to electrify every model in its lineup by 2022, the Grand Wagoneer Concept is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but the specifications are unknown.
Production versions of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will arrive in showrooms next year and will be built in Warren, Michigan, near downtown Detroit.