It has been nearly a decade since former Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) CEO Sergio Marchionne, announced that the Wagoneer nameplate would return to the Jeep® lineup. But now, Jeep is showing us a preview of what will be the halo of the premium offerings for its SUV lineup next year, with the new Jeep® Grand Wagoneer Concept. While it may be in concept form, this concept vehicle shows us about 90% of the production model will look like.
The Grand Wagoneer Concept keeps the boxy shape of the original Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer (SJ) that traveled American roads from 1963 to 1991. The new Grand Wagoneer has a bold, aggressive, and yet handsome stance to the overall vehicle. The Grand Wagoneer Concept features a thin, wide headlight and taillight design, given the overall vehicle a wider profile. The Grand Wagoneer Concept highlights the ultimate expression of luxury, technology, and capability of the upcoming production vehicle.
The roof and grille are done in Obsidian Black accents, allowing for a modern and upscale look for the premium nameplate. Of course, there is the famed seven-slotted grille, but keeping in the heritage of the original Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer, there is no bold Jeep badge on the exterior of the vehicle. Instead, only the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer texted are shown.
A new signature lighting pattern is used for the first time on the Grand Wagoneer Concept, which features back-lighting to each of the seven-slot grilles, “Wagoneer” text across the hood, “Grand Wagoneer” on the rear liftgate, a bold LED signature brow that goes across the top of the grille and headlights, as well as a rear LED signature light that goes across the entire rear of the vehicle.
The front of the vehicle is highlighted with a set of twin bi-functional LED projector headlamps that are wrapped around by genuine teak wood. There is also an Obsidian Black aluminum front skid plate and accented front tow hooks to really added to the premium look of the Grand Wagoneer Concept. Helping to give the Grand Wagoneer Concept a more modern and yet aggressive stance is a new set of 24-inch, multi-spoke, Obsidian-finished aluminum wheels featuring 3D-printed elements that reside just below the vehicle’s iconic trapezoidal wheel arches. A three-piece wheel cap features the Wagoneer logo suspended in acrylic.
The Jeep design team also used raised aluminum letters with copper-side accents, to spell out “Grand Wagoneer” on the lower third of each front door. Next to the text is an American flag, paying tribute to the brand’s history.
“Our new Grand Wagoneer Concept marks the first step in the rebirth of Wagoneer – a true and rare premium American icon,” said Christian Meunier, global president of the Jeep brand – FCA. “With the electrification of each Jeep nameplate coming in the next few years and the reintroduction of Wagoneer, we are quickly expanding into new segments and more premium space.”
Based on the fifth-generation Ram 1500 architecture, the Grand Wagoneer Concept features independent front and rear suspension. While the concept vehicle is powered by a new PHEV powertrain, Jeep is refusing to discuss details. But we can expect that the HEMI and Pentastar engines will be in the core lineup when the vehicle makes it way to showrooms. There will be a PHEV version available, but we don’t expect that powertrain to be available until mid-2022.
Inside, the Grand Wagoneer Concept provides a premium interior that is second to none, shouting elegance and refinement. Looking at the instrument panel (I/P) there is an onyx glass mid-bolster that runs the entire length of the dash. Highlighting fully recyclable material, the glass is sustainable and brings one of the many natural raw materials into the interior of the new Grand Wagoneer. The onyx glass mid-bolster floats above a structural wing, which is crafted from sustainable raw aluminum, again hinting at the raw elements theme. Aluminum also was chosen as the key material for creating the door speakers, shift knob, and vent surroundings.
While the original Grand Wagoneer famously featured extensive use of wood on its exterior, the Grand Wagoneer Concept houses a vast amount of genuine heat-treated lacewood within its interior. There are wood inlays that have been sculpted to give an exposed edge on the instrument panel, doors, and center console. The “Grand Wagoneer” nameplate text has been inscribed in raw aluminum directly into the heat-treated lacewood on the passenger side of the instrument panel.
The interior also features premium touches of a full suede headliner made of Dinamica (a recyclable premium microfiber suede), premium carpets made from Thrive fiber (comprised of recycled content using pre and post-consumer materials), and PUR (a sustainable synthetic material) was chosen to upholster all of the seating, console, door, and instrument panel surfaces.
When it comes to technology, there has never been a more advanced vehicle from the FCA portfolio. Thanks to the new Uconnect 5 software, the Grand Wagoneer Concept is more connected, helpful, content-rich, and adds greater personalization. Additionally, Uconnect 5’s Android operating system lays a foundation, bringing access to a broad catalog of applications to answer the rapidly developing demand for improved user experience (UX).
Upfront, the driver will notice a 12.3-inch driver information display cluster has replaced the traditional gauge cluster. An additional 12.1-inch horizontal touchscreen serves as the main display screen in the center console, with the new 10.25-inch horizontal comfort display touchscreen below, separated by the structural aluminum wing that controls the seats and the four-zone climate control. The passenger will also have their own touchscreen with another 10.25-inch passenger screen, allowing more functionality for the “shotgun” seat without disrupting the driver.
Second-row passengers will also have a pair of 10.1-inch entertainment touchscreen, attached to the backs of the seats in the front row, to keep passengers entertained, informed, and comfortable for those long road trips across America. Located in the second-row center console located between the two captain’s chairs, is a 10.1-inch display to control comfort settings, such as climate and seat settings.
When it comes to infotainment, the Grand Wagoneer Concept is an audiophile’s dream. It is the only vehicle audio system in the world powered by McIntosh, who is known for offering distinguished home audio systems. The system includes 23 custom-designed speakers connected to a 24-channel amplifier that provides an immersive audio experience. The audio elements are designed in aluminum and gloss black, true to the design aesthetic of McIntosh’s high-end home audio systems.
According to Jeep, when the production version of the Grand Wagoneer arrives in the second quarter of 2021, it will boast class-leading capability thanks to three available 4×4 systems, the renowned Quadra-Lift air suspension, premium driving dynamics with an independent front and rear suspension, unmatched towing capability, powerful performance, advanced technology, safety and connectivity, a new level of comfort and best-in-class overall passenger volume.
The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer (WS) will be built at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant (WTAP) in Warren, Michigan, located in the Detroit suburbs.
MoparInsiders is also rolling out a new owner forum for the upcoming Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer twins at WagoneerForums.org at 12:00 p.m. EST time. The new site joins our family of owner sites that include 5thGenRams.com, HDRams.com, and WLJeepForums.org.
Jeep® Grand Wagoneer Concept Image Gallery:
