A new look for Jeep’spremium product which is due for imminent reveal

Jeep’s Cherokee L has been a breakthrough vehicle for the American SUV brand.

Designed to offer true three-row seating, a luxurious cabin architecture, and prodigious off-road ability, the Grand Cherokee L has enabled Jeep to compete with Ranger Rover. But what if customers don’t require the three-row seating or the reduced straddle angle of that long wheelbase platform?

Jeep is due to redress this issue soon, as a leak of its updated Grand Cherokee indicates a pending new variant reveal.

The restyled Grand Cherokee features a similar facade to its long wheelbase sibling, with the new minimalist Jeep grille.

Although there is no side image, expect the new Grand Cherokee to have more purposeful proportions, thanks to its shorter wheelbase.

Without the need for accommodating adults in a third row of seats, the new Grand Cherokee also features a slimmer aft glasshouse with a floating C-pillar.

Technical details have not been confirmed, but the new Grand Cherokee should mirror all the powertrain options currently available in the L. That should tally the dependable 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine, powering to 216 kW and 348 Nm.

Jeep remains committed to the V8 engine configuration, and the 5.7-litre Hemi should appease fans of big atmospheric engines, with 266 kW of power and 528 Nm of torque.

The new product might help Jeep’s global luxury SUV ambitions by adding a hybrid drivetrain. Large SUVs are now severely taxed in many markets, and having a lower CO2 hybrid powertrain can reduce the potential ownership burden.

Jeep has shown that it can engineer hybrids despite being committed to atmospheric and supercharged V8 engines as a solution to most of its large platform powertrain issues.

The company revealed a Wrangler 4xe earlier this year, using a turbocharged 2-litre petrol engine, and two electric motors. Total system power is rated at 280 kW and with 673 Nm of torque, this could be both the most potent and sensible new Jeep to own.

Further Reading

Jeep reveals updated Compass

Jeep confirms Cherokee L is coming to SA