JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE SW 2.0 Turbo 4xe PHEV Limited 5dr Auto

Jeep's Grand Cherokee 4xe headlines the fifth generation range and blends PHEV tech with a famous badge. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

The Jeep line-up wouldn't be complete without the Grand Cherokee. And in this day and age, the Grand Cherokee line-up wouldn't be complete without plug-in hybrid power. This fifth generation model headlines with that. And offers a refreshingly different confection compared to the usual premium brands in the large SUV segment.

Background

Since 1992, the Jeep range has had the Grand Cherokee luxury SUV as its European flagship. The US market has the even larger Wagoneer model but on our continent, the Grand Cherokee, here in its fifth generation, remains at the summit of Jeep brand ownership. Lots is different this time round, some of it not currently destined for our market (the long wheelbase 7-seat version for instance). But we do get this model line's first plug-in hybrid powerplant: indeed, initial UK sales are leading with that '4xe' PHEV variant. This MK5 Grand Cherokee still looks like a Jeep - and we're told that it will still drive like a Jeep too. If you want your large luxury SUV to really be able to walk the walk as well as talk the talk when the going gets sticky, you're going to want to take a closer look.

Driving Experience

The key Grand Cherokee engine for Europe is the 4xe PHEV plug-in powertrain. It mates a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 17kWh battery pack and an e-motor situated between the engine and the gearbox. This set-up gives the Grand Cherokee a fully mechanical all-wheel drive system (just like a Land Rover Defender P400e), rather than the nominal electronic four-wheel-drive systems offered by other less capable PHEV large SUV premium rivals. The 4xe model's plug-in hybrid powertrain puts out 380hp and 637Nm of torque. It can deliver up to 31 miles of electric range and offers three drive modes - 'hybrid', 'electric' and 'e-save'. Jeep says that this MK5 Grand Cherokee has been designed to offer 'unparalleled' off-road capabilities and luxury driving dynamics. The Quadra-Drive II 4x4 drive system and the Quadra-Lift air suspension both aim to deliver that. Plus there's the Selec-Terrain traction management system - offering a choice from five driving modes: 'Auto', 'Snow', 'Sand/Mud', 'Rock' and 'Sport'. It should all ensure that the Grand Cherokee retains the Jeep brand's legendary 4x4 capabilities. Certainly, if you want to attempt any kind of off road traversing in a model of this sort, this would be a better choice than anything in the class bar a Land Rover product, thanks to its better traction and body clearance from the ground.

Design and Build

You'd instantly know this as a Jeep. Yes the classic 7-slot front grille is now shallower and flanked by smarter slim LED headlights, but the front end of this fifth generation Grand Cherokee could still only belong to one brand. The boxy profile with its chunky detailing is familiar too, the model name still spelt out on the lower door panels with the US flag alongside. Our market only gets the 4,910mm standard length version; for the time being at least, we won't see the 7-seat long wheelbase 5,204mm-long Grand Cherokee L model that you can have in the US. And inside? Well it's all rather plush and high-tech, with up to three 10.1-inch digital displays, one of which can be dedicated to the front seat passenger: plus a 10-inch head-up display. The central infotainment monitor runs the fastest version of the Stellantis Group's Uconnect infotainment system. And the frameless similarly-sized display for the instruments is clear and smart. There's lots of lovely stitched leather, night vision is optional and you can have an excellent 19-speaker audio system from US specialist McIntosh. Heated and cooled seats are available both in the front - and in the back, where leg and headroom are generous. You can get Amazon's Fire service on board to stream movies for passengers. And there's a huge boot out back.

Market and Model

Jeep is starting UK sales of this fifth generation Grand Cherokee with four versions of the 4xe model, badged 'Limited', 'Trailhawk', 'Overland' and 'Summit Reserve'. Prices sit in the £70,000-£85,000 bracket. But you get a lot of kit for that. Even the base 'Limited' model sits on 20-inch wheels, features full LED exterior lighting and has premium vinyl perforated seats with front and rear ventilation and a 10.25-inch digital TFT cluster, plus a 10.1-inch Uconnect infotainment screen. 'Overland' spec adds a dual pane panoramic sunroof, multi-colour ambient interior lights and premium Nappa leather seats. The 'Trailhawk' version is for off roaders, getting 18-inch wheels with All Terrain tyres, the basis for the Quadra-drive II system, plus there's an Electronic limited slip rear differential axle, a front disconnect anti-roll bar, three skid plates and Jeep's Offroad accessory kit. The interior gets vinyl and suede seats with blue stitching, ventilated in the front. Top of the line-up is 'Summit Reserve'-spec, which comes with 21-inch polished wheels and includes Palermo leather seats and door trim, real walnut wood accents, a 19-speaker 950-watt McIntosh Sound system and a 10-inch interactive passenger display screen.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you this PHEV model's all-electric driving range capability in our 'Driving' section- around 31 miles. Whether this plug-in hybrid 4xe variant will make economic sense for you will of course depend on how much you keep it plugged in. If you don't, you'll merely be driving around in a pretty heavy petrol-powered Grand Cherokee - and there's nothing very frugal or efficient about that. But use the battery to its fullest and the WLTP figures suggest that, with the entire driving range regularly maximised, official fuel economy will be diesel-like. The combined driving range is up to 435 miles. Early customers will have access to an offer which includes a wallbox for efficient home charging, four years of 'Jeep Wave' servicing and roadside assistance. Like other Jeep models, this one comes with a dedicated Jeep Customer Care service where a team of expertly trained agents will be available 24/7 to answer any questions about your journey.

Summary

Jeep may have multi-national ownership these days but there's still very much an American feel to this Grand Cherokee in fifth generation form. And we're pleased that this model's key selling point over lifestyle-orientated large SUV rivals - proper off road capability - hasn't been watered down here. We're not surprised that the big conventional V6 and V8 petrol engines you can have in the US aren't to be offered here, but we are disappointed that, for the time being at least, the 7-seat long wheelbase version of this model isn't going to be available in the UK. That format isn't really compatible with the PHEV '4xe' drivetrain that may bring new customers to the Jeep brand. What they'll find here is a refreshingly different option to the class norm. A new area large SUV. But still a real Jeep.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Electric front windows + drivers one touch

Rain sensitive windscreen wipers

Deep tint privacy glass

Windshield wiper de-icer

Brakes

Electronic stability control

Hill descent control

Electric parking brake

Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition

Four-wheel traction control

Hill start assist with Hold 'n' Go

Anti lock 4wheel Fnc disc brakes

Carpets/Rugs

Front and rear floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Sport mode

Selec Terrain system

Conventional differential rear axle

Conventional differential front axle with disconnect

230Mm Rear axle

3.70 Rear axle ratio

Quadra-Trac Ii (R) 4Wd System

195Mm Front axle

Communication

Uconnect 5 10.1" display with navigation

Public SOS only

Driver Aids

Power assisted steering

Electric power steering

Adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go

Traffic sign recognition

Blind spot and cross path detection

Parkview rear backup camera

Full speed forward collision warning

Intersection collision warning system

Parksense front & rear park assist

Active lane management system

Driver Convenience

Push button start

Active Noise Control

Power liftgate

Map care

180 Amp alternator

Driver Information

Radio navigation system

Speed control

Drowsy driver detection

10.25 " TFT display cluster

Connectivity services

Telematics box module

Off-Road Info pages

140 Mph primary speedometer

Driving Mirrors

Gloss black door mirrors

Auto dimming exterior mirrors

Heated exterior mirrors

Exterior mirrors with memory function

Auto power folding mirrors

Exterior mirrors approach lamps

Auto adjust In reverse exterior mirrors

Exterior mirrors with supplemental signals

High power mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Soft-touch instrument panel

Mold-in-color lower front fascia

Mold-in-color lower rear fascia

Engine

700 Amp Maintenance Free Battery

Heavy duty engine cooling

Entertainment

Steering wheel mounted audio controls

2 USB charging points in 2nd row

Media hub with USB and aux input

Alpine premium audio system with subwoofer + 9 speakers

Exterior Body Features

Body colour roof

Body coloured door handles

Dual pane electric opening panoramic sunroof

Chrome exterior accents

Body coloured shark fin antenna

Rear side wing doors

Underbody aerodynamic treatment

Locking push-push fuel filler door

Jeep + Grand Cherokee badges

Upper active grille shutters

Lower rocker panel cladding Mic

Door Cladding - Mold-In-Color

4xe badge

Mic black/bright roof rails

Exterior Lights

LED third brake light

LED reflector headlamps

Tailgate door puddle lamps

LED front and rear fog lamps

LED daytime running lights with cornering function

Automatic headlights with auto levelling

Auto high beam headlamp control

LED taillamps

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone air conditioning

Interior Features

Heated steering wheel

Leather wrapped steering wheel

Memory for steering column

Illuminated cup holders

An-Teak/Satin chrome interior accents

Power tilt/telescope adjustable steering column

12v power outlet in cargo area

Interior assist handles

Door trim panel vinyl armrest

Steering wheel mounted shift controls

Led Chmsl Lamp

Front and rear led map pockets

230V/50Hz Auxiliary power outlet

Capri Vynil upholstery

12V Auxiliary power outlet

Interior Lights

Rear courtesy light

Front and rear reading lights

LED front footwell lights

Packs

Smokers group pack - Grand Cherokee

Luxury Tech group II package - Grand Cherokee

Safety

Manual rear child locks

3 point seatbelts on all 3 rear seats

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Passive pedestrian protection

Selectable tyre fill alert

Front and rear side curtain airbags

Rear seat reminder alert

Occupant detection sensor - 2nd row

Driver and passenger seat belt alert

Advanced multistage front airbags

Child seat anchor system with top tethers

Driver and passenger knee bolster air bags

Supplemental front seat side air bags

Seats

Heated front and rear seats

Front head restraints

8 way power adjustable passenger seat

Driver seat memory function

3 rear head restraints

8 way power adjustable driver seat

Single front passenger seat

Rear 60/40 folding bench seat

Security

Alarm system

Capless fuel filler

Speed sensitive power locks

Towing

Trailer sway damping

Recovery Eye

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

7.4 kW onboard charger

Wheels - Alloy

20" Machined/painted alloy wheels

Wheels - Spare

Full size spare tyre

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 150

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 7.2

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 17.3

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City: 50

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City - TEL: 51

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - City - TEH: 50

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb: 46

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEL: 48

WLTP - Equivalent AER (km) - Comb - TEH: 46

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb: 24.3

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 23.2

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 24.3

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb: 2.6

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 2.6

WLTP - EC AC Weighted (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 2.7

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City: 31.1

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City - TEH: 31.1

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - City - TEL: 31.7

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb: 28.6

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEH: 28.6

WLTP - Equivalent AER (miles) - Comb - TEL: 29.8

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 17.3

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 7.2

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

Emissions - PHEV

WLTP - CO2 Charge Depleting (g/km) - Comb: 240

WLTP - CO2 Charge Depleting (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 232

WLTP - CO2 Charge Depleting (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 240

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb: 66

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 61

WLTP - CO2 Weighted (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 66

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 84

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90

CC: 1995

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 10.0:1

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

Fuel Consumption - PHEV

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb: 26.6

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 27.7

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 26.6

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb: 10.6

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 10.2

WLTP - FC Ch Sus (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 10.6

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb: 2.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 2.6

WLTP - FC Weighted (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 2.8

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb: 100.9

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEL: 108.6

WLTP - FC Weighted (mpg) - Comb - TEH: 100.9

General

Coin Series: Limited

Coin Description: Turbo 4xe [380]

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 48E

Service Interval Mileage: 7500

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 84

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 81

NCAP Safety Assist %: 81

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 381

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: 0

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.3

Top Speed: 131

Engine Power - BHP: 381

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 280

Engine Power - RPM: 5250

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 470

Engine Torque - NM: 637

Engine Torque - RPM: 3000

Engine Torque - MKG: 65

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 265/50 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 265/50 R20

Tyre Size Spare: FULL SIZE

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: N

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4914

Width: 2149

Wheelbase: 2964

Height: 1795

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2434

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3075

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 72

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 641

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 533

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1463

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.7

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Diamond black

Metallic - Baltic grey

Metallic - Midnight sky

Metallic - Silver zynith

Metallic - Rocky mountain

Metallic - Bright white

Paint - Solid

Solid - Velvet red

Trim - Part Leather

Capri Vynil - Black

Vehicle Charging

Mode 3 charging cable

Cable mode 3 offset