Can Jeep’s new luxury SUV be a Land Rover killer?
After unveiling a stunning concept Grand Wagoneer last September, Jeep has revealed both the Grand Wagoneer in its production guise, as well as identically sized but slightly less-grand standard Wagoneer.
Yes, identically sized. Both Wagoneer variants look prime to take on posh European rivals, but it’s the Grand Wagoneer that’s been handed the torch. Its name does not denote additional dimensions, but instead refers to extra equipment levels and refinement.
Sadly the light-up grille from the concept has not made it to production. Some of the more zany features, however, have. This includes the Grand Wagoneer’s fourth screen (yes, fourth), installed on the passenger-side of the dashboard to complement the dual centre screens (12.1-inch up top for primary functions, 10.25-inch underneath for air conditioning) and the driver’s digital cluster.
Other features of note? Well the Grand Wagoneer also gets 24-way adjustable front seats, four-zone climate control, better leather upholstery, and power-retractable running boards. The standard model is also fairly ‘premium’ itself, with three of the four screens, leather, and McIntosh audio all present.
The seating arrangement is different, too — the Wagoneer houses eight to the Grand Wagoneer’s seven. This is because the latter trades away its more traditional second-row seating for a pair of more plush ‘captain’s chairs’ (although you can order similar thrones in the Wagoneer should you need them).
Mechanically, it’s reported that each model utilises a heavily modified version of the ladder-chassis platform from the Ram 1500. The entry-level model can be had either as a 2WD or a 4WD, while the Grand Wagoneer is exclusively an all-paw beast. These aren’t small, with both measuring in at 249mm longer and 102mm taller than the Grand Cherokee L while simultaneously tipping the scales at almost three tonnes.
There’s two V8 engines on offer, one for each model. The Wagoneer gets a 5.7-litre V8 paired with a hybrid system, producing 292kW of power and 548Nm of torque. The big boy Grand Wagoneer, meanwhile, gets a not-so-electrified pure ICE 6.4-litre V8, making 351kW of power and 617Nm of torque. Stomp the throttle and it’ll hit 100km/h in about six seconds.
Along with a larger donk under the bonnet, the Grand Wagoneer also gets a standard two-speed Quadra-Trac II transfer case and a limited-slip differential. Both are optional on the Wagoneer, too.
Jeep’s newly named parent company, Stellantis, has been making a few moves when it comes to moving certain brands in its arsenal upmarket. It recently helped push through a new badge and dealership design for Peugeot, with both linked to the brand’s upmarket aspirations. This dual release could be part of a similar transformation for Jeep.
For the moment, the two models appear unlikely for New Zealand. Sadly they’re both slated to be left-hand drive only, which means any Kiwis who want to get their hands on one will have to do so via the grey market.
