2018 Jeep Grand Commander makes it’s official debut in Beijing:

The market for crossovers and SUVs continues to grow globally. Jeep has officially revealed the all-new Chinese market Jeep Grand Commander at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show in Beijing, China. The Grand Commander is the new 7-seat crossover, slotting just about the Cherokee midsize crossover.

Internally known as “K8” inside Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the all-new Jeep is actually two models. There is a 5-seat version called Commander, while the 7-seat version carries the name of Grand Commander. Both models share the same exterior and interior styling. K8 is based on the same CUSW architecture as the current Jeep Cherokee but on a slightly longer wheelbase.

Power for the K8 models comes from the 2.0L I-4 turbo engine found in the Cherokee. However, there will be two different outputs offered. Either 234 horsepower or 265 horsepower variants will be offered based on either model. Both front-wheel drive and 4×4 models will be offered. K8 is a joint venture between FCA and their Chinese partner Guangzhou Automotive Group (GAC) which also produces Jeep Cherokee and Renegade models for the Chinese market.

With the lackluster sales of the imported Grand Cherokee from the United States due to Chinese import taxes, the Commander and Grand Commander will offer a more affordable option with more seating for the growing Chinese market. The Grand Commander starts out at about 250,000 yuan, which equals out to about $38,000US. Only time will tell if the K8 will be exported out of China to other Asia-Pacific countries.