Jeep® Grand Cherokee 4xe Ordering Opens Up In Europe!
Limited, Overland, Trailhawk, & Summit Reserve Models Are Now Available...
Offered in Europe exclusively as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), starting today in Italy, France, and Germany, and over the next few days for other major European markets, the Jeep® brand has opened up ordering for its Grand Cherokee 4xe lineup.
This fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee (WL) builds on its legacy as the most awarded SUV ever, bringing an all-new architecture, new PHEV powertrain, all-new exterior design, and an all-new interior with world-class craftsmanship, and first-to-market technologies to the global full-size SUV segment. As the most capable SUV brand pushes toward its future of “Zero Emission Freedom,” the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most technologically advanced and 4×4-capable Jeep Grand Cherokee yet.
With their arrival, the new Jeep fleet is continuing on with the journey it embarked upon with the success of the Grand Cherokee 4xe Exclusive Launch Edition, which sold out in just a few weeks. Certainly, the arrival of the entire range will allow the new Jeep SUV to consolidate the great appreciation received by the American brand’s “4xe” models. A badge, consolidated as authentic Jeep branding, that identifies the evolution of the capability, combining sustainability, efficiency, and even more safety and driving pleasure.
“The new Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe’s arrival in Europe is the latest step in Jeep’s electrification journey,” said Antonella Bruno, Head of the Jeep Brand in Europe. “We started this journey in the fourth quarter of 2020 with the launch of the Renegade and Compass 4xe, and the following year the Wrangler 4xe arrived. Success soon followed, so much so that in the first quarter of 2022 more than 1 in 3 Jeeps sold in Europe was a 4xe, and in Italy, we are the leader in the LEV market which includes plug-in hybrids and BEV. Now it’s the new Grand Cherokee 4xe’s turn to carry on with the success.”
Powertrain –
The 4xe system delivers 375 horsepower (280 kW) and 470 lb.-ft. (637 Nm) of torque. The Grand Cherokee 4xe, targeting an estimated 25 miles (40 km) of all-electric range, returns an estimated 57 MPGe and has an estimated total range of more than 440 miles (708 km). That’s quite impressive.
At the core of the 4xe system is the fuel-efficient and proven turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder which is internally known as the GME-T4 or “Global Medium Engine – Turbocharged Four”. The high-tech, direct-injection engine uses a twin-scroll, low-inertia turbocharger mounted directly to the cylinder head. Efficiency is enhanced via the use of electric power steering and an electrically driven air conditioning compressor, removing those loads from the engine.
The conventional alternator is replaced with a high-voltage, liquid-cooled motor-generator unit. Connected to the engine crankshaft pulley via a belt, the motor-generator spins the engine for nearly seamless, fuel-saving, start-stop operation and generates electricity for the battery pack.
A larger high-voltage motor-generator is mounted in the ZF-sourced transmission, replacing the torque converter. Two clutches manage power and torque from the e-motor and engine.
A clutch is mounted between the engine and the motor. When the system operates in electric-only mode, this clutch is open so there is no mechanical linkage between the engine and the e-motor. When the clutch is closed, combined torque from the 2.0-liter engine and the e-motor flow through the automatic transmission. A variable clutch mounted behind the e-motor manages engagement with the transmission to improve drivability and efficiency.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe carries a 400-volt, 17-kWh EV battery. The battery units and controls mount underneath the vehicle, packaged under the floor, and protected by a series of skid plates. The battery pack system includes a dedicated heating and cooling circuit to keep the battery at its optimum temperature for the best performance. The system includes a dedicated heater unit and a chiller that uses the Grand Cherokee’s air-conditioning refrigerant to reduce coolant temperature when needed.
The Grand Cherokee’s 4xe system also includes an Integrated Dual Charging Module (ICDM) that combines a battery charger and a DC/DC converter in a single, compact unit and a Power Inverter Module (PIM) that is reduced in size. These are mounted under the body and protected with steel shields. All high-voltage electronics are sealed and waterproof. This gives the “Trail Rated” Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe water fording capability of up to 24-inches (61 cm).
The charge port is located beneath a push-open/push-close cover on the left front fender just below the A-pillar for convenient nose-in parking at charging locations. The charge port includes LED indicators of charging status. An LED battery level monitor sits on top of the instrument panel, making it easy to check the battery state of charge at a glance during charging.
Driving Modes –
Following in the footsteps of the Renegade, Compass, and Wrangler 4xe models, the Grand Cherokee 4xe will feature new three E-Selec modes that the driver can tailor the hybrid powertrain to best suit each trip, whether it be commuting, off-roading, or long-distance travel. The three modes include…
- Hybrid – Blends torque from the electric motor and gas engine. The powertrain will optimize battery and engine power to deliver the best combination of fuel efficiency and performance.
- Electric – Operates on zero-emission electric power only until the battery reaches the minimum charge or the driver requests more torque (such as wide-open throttle), which engages the engine.
- eSave – Prioritizes the engine, saving the battery charge for later use. The driver can also choose between Battery Save and Battery Charge during eSave via the Hybrid Electric Pages in the Uconnect 5 touchscreen.
Regardless of the mode selected, the Grand Cherokee 4xe operates as a hybrid once the battery nears its minimum state of charge.
The driver information display and main touchscreen include Eco Coaching Pages. The Eco Coaching Pages let owners monitor power flow and see the impact of regenerative braking, schedule charging times to take advantage of lower electric rates, and view their driving history with detail of electric and gasoline usage
Regenerative braking is part of the 4xe system. When the driver steps on the brake pedal, the powertrain control engages the maximum available regenerative braking, up to 0.25 g, from the electric motors to slow the vehicle, augmented with the Grand Cherokee’s traditional friction brakes. With 4×4 engaged, all four wheels feed torque for regenerative braking, maximizing the energy recovery. Electricity from regenerative braking is fed to the battery pack to maintain or increase the state of charge.
A driver-selectable Max Regen feature deploys a more assertive regenerative braking calibration when the vehicle sees zero throttle input from the driver (coasting). Max Regen can slow the Grand Cherokee 4xe faster than standard regenerative braking and generate more electricity for the battery pack.
Trims –
The new Grand Cherokee 4xe will be available in Europe in Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Summit Reserve trim levels…
- Limited – Grand Cherokee is its purest form. The Limited model sits on 20-inch aluminum wheels and features full LED exterior lighting and an optional dual-panel sunroof. Equipped with the latest in safety and capability, it comes standard with full-speed Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Drowsy Driver, and the Selec-Terrain system for added traction when going off-road. The interior hosts premium wrapped seats and a 10.25-inch digital TFT cluster, plus the 10-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system with navigation.
- Overland – The best of both worlds. Overland features premium comfort and authentic Jeep capability. 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, dual exhaust, and body-color front and rear fascia combine for an elegant and powerful exterior. On the inside, enjoy the standard dual-panel sunroof, multi-color ambient lights, and premium Nappa leather seats.
- Trailhawk – Uncompromised capability, as only Jeep can. Trailhawk comes standard with industry-leading off-road systems and features: 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires are the basis for the Quadra-Drive II system, electronic limited-slip rear differential (eLSD) axle, front disconnect sway bar, three skid plates, and Jeep Off-Road accessories kit. Crafted for those on the move, the interior is comfortable and functional with Capri Leather and Suede seats with Blue stitching, ventilated in front.
- Summit Reserve – The upper echelon of Grand Cherokee. The Summit Reserve stands tall on 21-inch polished aluminum wheels and hosts an interior that offers unmatched comfort. Palermo leather seats and door trim, real walnut wood accents, 19-speaker McIntosh sound system, and 10-inch passenger display, along with countless other exceptional standard features.
The European market Grand Cherokee 4xe will be built at Stellantis’ Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack (DACM) facility in Detroit, Michigan.
