CAUGHT: 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited High Altitude 4xe:

It was just over a month ago when the Jeep® brand introduced its electrified Wrangler Unlimited 4xe model. It was then we learned about the Wrangler’s plug-in hybrid powertrain. It is capable of up 25 miles of nearly silent, zero-emission, electric-only propulsion. Jeep also announced that there would be three models offering the powertrain. Those trim models are the 4xe, Sahara 4xe, and Rubicon 4xe. 

Although the Jeep brand didn’t elaborate on the model specifics, we have the 4xe model which appears to be based on the Sport, the Sahara 4xe, and Rubicon 4xe models all testing on public roads around Metro Detroit. But now it appears that there will be more of the Jeep lineup receiving the 4xe powertrain. Our spy photographers have caught the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited High Altitude 4xe out testing. 

In February, Jeep showed off its new premium content Wrangler High Altitude model. The High Altitude is based on the Sahara and is the Wrangler’s most luxurious package ever. Each High Altitude model features 20-inch Gloss Black painted aluminum wheels, LED headlamps, LED front fog lamps, LED daytime running lamps (DRLs), and LED taillamps with Blind-Spot Monitoring built into the housings. The exterior also receives body-colored treatments for the hardtop, fender flares, exterior mirrors, door handles, tailgate handle, and front and rear bumpers. Each model also gets a set of running boards with an integrated step and a Matte Black “Trail Rated” badge as well.

Inside, High Altitude models feature a full leather luxury interior with a leather-wrapped dashboard, center console, steering wheel, and door panels. The seats are wrapped with Nappa leather with quilting up the sides. Of course, there is an array of technology that comes standard on the premium package, like an 8.4-inch Uconnect 4C touchscreen, Alpine premium audio system, 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, automatic high-beam headlamps control, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection, and ParkView rear backup camera.

These spy photos show that unlike the standard gasoline or diesel-powered High Altitude models, the black side badging is replaced with Surf Blue-colored “Wrangler Unlimited” decals under the side Jeep badging. Also, the 4xe badge is clearly shown on the rear driver side of the vehicle. Tow hooks remain black, as the only model to get Electric Blue-colored tow hooks will be the Rubicon. We can also see the recharging port located in front of the driver side A-pillar.

This revelation leads us to believe that the 4xe powertrain which consists of a turbocharged 2.0-liter GME-T4 (Global Medium Engine – Turbocharged 4-Cylinder) engine, engine-mounted motor-generator, ZF-sourced 8P75PH transmission with integrated motor-generator, and a 400-volt, 17-kWh, 96-cell lithium-ion, nickel manganese cobalt battery pack will be offered across the lineup as powertrain option, rather than the core models. The electrified powertrain is good for a combined 375 horsepower (280 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. (637 Nm) of torque making an estimated 50 MPGe.

Jeep has yet to releasing pricing information on the new Wrangler Unlimited 4xe powertrain. The new 4xe models will be arriving in dealer showrooms in the first quarter of 2021 in the United States. To discuss the new electrified model more, check out the Jeep forums in the MoparInsiders.com forums.