Recently we reviewed the latest and really rather good Jeep Avenger 4xe powered by a clever hybrid system. Now it’s the turn of a new fully-electric sport utility vehicle (SUV) from the popular brand: The Wagoneer S. It revives the name from the iconic 1963 Jeep Wagoneer which, in its time, was a cut above the competition, breaking new ground and largely responsible for ushering in the widespread adoption of utility vehicles as we know them today.
It goes without saying that the United States of America will experience this new car first, later this year; the rest of us ordinary mortals will have to wait until 2025. It’s the brand’s first offering in the global battery electric vehicle (BEV) market. To make charging this BEV quick and easy for customers, there’s an efficient 400-volt, 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack that allows owners to charge the vehicle from 5% to 80% in 28 minutes with a DC fast charger.
The Jeep Wagoneer S will then be offered exclusively as a BEV with a range of more than 300 miles (482 km) on a single charge, delivering an astonishing 447kW (600bhp / 608PS equivalent). In the real world this equates to a lightning-quick zero to 62mph (100kph) acceleration time of 3.4 seconds and more than 800 Nm of lovely instant torque. Impressive performance credentials, you’ll agree, for an SUV paired with the brand-exclusive ‘Selec-Terrain’ traction management system. This means that this new BEV should deliver the same driving confidence and traction for all weather and road conditions, as its fossil-fuel powered siblings.
On The Outside
The SUV’s exterior design is an intelligent combination, they say, of harmonious proportions, modern 4x4 capability and aerodynamic efficiency that reimagines the Jeep brand’s functional side for this electrification era. For an all-electric vehicle, aerodynamics is a crucial component of the overall design equation if the best mileage is to be squeezed out of a single charge.
The company designers have set themselves aggressive goals to reach optimal aerodynamic performance for maximum efficiency, range and performance while maintaining its sleek, premium appearance; not an easy task. By utilising a rigorous testing and development process, the team have achieved a coefficient of drag (CD) of 0.29, the lowest CD ever for a Jeep vehicle and approximately 15% better than the average SUV. More slippery through the air in other words.
Structurally, the roof and rear tail-gate spoiler are angled to minimise wake size. The vehicle’s flush pocket door handles, rear wing and integrated fins help guide airflow around the vehicle and control the separation point at the rear. Additionally, an integrated system of underbody shields, three-dimensional shaped front tyre spats and a unique side-sill design all direct airflow smoothly around the tyres and to the rear of the vehicle for minimum drag. All of these contribute to the Wagoneer S being the most aerodynamic Jeep SUV ever.
The front fascia is artfully punctuated by a reimagined, seven-slot grille, transforming the functionality of breathing into seeing. No longer needed to allow airflow and cooling, the enclosed grille now illuminates the line of sight when approaching the vehicle. New striking ambient cast lighting is inspired by modern architecture and delivers a distinguishable appearance even miles down the road, the consideration being that it must still look like a proper Jeep.
Further aerodynamic surfacing is achieved through the precise slope and curvature of the bonnet (hood) and windscreen, both angled for optimal performance and efficiency at high speeds. A sloping roofline cascades beneath a cantilevered rear spoiler, bridging function and aesthetics with its signature Wagoneer silhouette.
On The Inside
The Jeep Wagoneer S builds upon the Jeep brand’s legacy of world-class interiors that exemplify the art of travel. Its tech-integrated interior is equally impressive as its performance numbers, with a best-in-class usable screen space, segment-exclusive interactive front passenger screen, artisan details and premium fit and finish.
The sleek cockpit is fully digital with modern controls and interfaces. The focal point of the front cabin is a cross-car wing sculpture with a visually continuous display that spans the entire width of the front instrument panel with wine-red accent stitching and metal decorative trim. The impactful, integrated 12.3 inch centre display is framed by a rich mix of materials, including a refined cross-metal deco trim with a glazed laced pattern.
There are several new details throughout the interior, including a performance-inspired, wine-red-stitched steering wheel with a flat-bottom design and twin-spokes. The steering wheel introduces a new Cabo vinyl anti-microbial surface coating incidentally, making it easier to keep the vehicle clean.
The electronic door releases, new for the Jeep brand, can be activated with ease by the light touch of a thumb. A newly relocated start button is surrounded by a die-cast zinc metal marked with a fine, navigational haptic textured pattern. Also, leading the way in its class among all BEVs, the all-new Wagoneer S features more than 45 inches of high-definition screen space, including an exclusive 10.25 inch front interactive passenger display that talks directly to the ‘Uconnect 5’ system, allowing the front passenger to provide the driver with directions with a quick touch of the screen.
On The Road
All this on-board technology is all very well, but what, we hear you ask, about the expected Jeep off-road ability? All is well: All-electric, four-wheel drive as standard delivers composed driving dynamics both on-road and in a variety of variable road conditions. In-house Electric Drive Modules (EDM) independently power the front and rear wheels for instant torque response, while the Jeep brand-exclusive ‘Selec-Terrain’ traction management system features five distinct driving modes: Auto, Sport, Eco, Snow and Sand. The 3-in-1 EDMs on the Wagoneer S combines the electric motor, gearing and power electronics into a single, compact unit that is both powerful and efficient. The front EDM is equipped with wheel disconnects to reduce energy draw when cruising and help optimise range.
The driver will experience elevated driving and seamless connectivity through an all-new standard 12.3 inch driver cluster designed to be intuitive and visually impactful based on customer feedback, we learn. Working with the standard integrated navigation system, new dynamic road views better assist the driver and augment the vehicle’s standard autonomous driving system. It also features a refined set of menus, including BEV-specific elements, such as charge level, battery health and available power. When parked and plugged in, the Wagoneer S cluster will display the current charging status, which is activated when the remote key is sensed.
As mentioned and as standard, the award-winning ‘Uconnect 5’ system, offering new levels of clarity. The screen is more responsive and provides better visibility than previous generations, specifically related to the readability of maps, cameras and widgets. An expansive range of saturated colour and backlighting also allows better projection of system apps.
The Jeep offers a combination of more than 170 standard safety and security features that help make instrumentation easier to see and aid in collision avoidance with advanced driver-assist technology. Features include Active Driving Assist, Intersection Collision Assist, Drowsy Driver Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition and Surround View camera. To improve the driving experience and reduce the overall noise and vibration levels to create a quiet interior cabin and a smooth ride, the engineering team have improved body torsion stiffness by 35% over previous mid-size segment Jeep brand SUV’s for a superior ride, handling and effective response to driver input.
Jeep & MHH International
As mentioned, this new Jeep won’t be available until 2025 as things currently stand but there’s still a great range of tough, no-nonsense Jeeps for serious off-roaders and also family-sized vehicles that can still handle a bit of the rough stuff. Find out about the availability of current Jeep models by contacting us here at MHH International and find out how we can assist your purchase by exporting from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand, Ireland, the Caribbean and other global destinations.
