Jeep has finally revealed the all-new India-bound Grand Cherokee SUV. The new two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee is the second model of the latest-gen Grand Cherokee line-up that also features the three-row Grand Cherokee L that was revealed a few months ago.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee will sit above the Meridian
- Will be assembled in India from imported CKD kits
- Could come with 4xe powertrain in India
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee: what's new
The new Grand Cherokee SUV is 294mm shorter than the Grand Cherokee L and besides a few body panels and one less row of seats, the five-seat SUV shares almost everything with the Grand Cherokee L. Both models do look quite similar, but look closer and there are quite a few styling differences, similar to the ones that we've seen on the two-row Compass and the recently unveiled three-row Commander (Meridian for India).
The Jeep Grand Cherokee, however, gets a tad rakish design at the back compared to a more upright look for the three-row version, again similar to the Compass and the Meridian. The new Grand Cherokee even features certain design elements, such as active grille-shutters, air curtains and redesigned rear pillars that boost aerodynamic efficiency. Overall, the design seems to be an evolution of the previous-gen model.
The interior is again quite similar to the three-row Grand Cherokee L, although it gets a new 10.1-inch screen embedded in the dashbaord, dedicated for the front passenger. There's also the 10.1-inch central infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster of similar size. Other highlights include a 10-inch head-up display, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, plus rear seat entertainment screens.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee: engine and powertrain details
The Grand Cherokee has been one of the most popular SUVs for Jeep globally and the model shown today will be sold in multiple engine and gearbox configurations depending on market. Starting the proceedings will be a 290hp 3.6-liter V6 petrol engine that has been known to see duty in the earlier Grand Cherokee and also in models like the Wrangler. The next engine will be a 357hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8, again shared with other Jeep models globally. Both engines come mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Additionally, just like the Wrangler and a few other Jeep models, the Grand Cherokee now gets Jeep's 4xe technology. Similar to the Wrangler, the SUV comes with a 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder engine coupled with twin electric motors and a lithium ion battery, together delivering 375hp and 637Nm of peak torque. The plug-in hybrid motor draws power from a 400V 17kWh battery that can give an electric-only range of 40km or a total driving range of 712km. There are three driving modes that allow you to manage the energy usage.
Notably, the 4xe system will also be offered on the hardcore Trailhawk variant. including a two-speed transfer box, an electric limited-slip differential and Jeep's Selec-Terrain traction management system. The Trailhawk 4xe has a ground clearance of 278mm and a water wading capacity of 610mm. Jeep says that the high-voltage electronics are sealed and waterproof and the battery is protected by underfloor skidplates.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee: local assembly details
While the model shown today is the left-hand drive layout aimed mainly at markets like North America and Middle East, the Grand Cherokee, for the first time, will be assembled in India from CKD kits, joining the Wrangler that is also being assembled at Jeep's Ranjangaon plant. We are told that the assembled-in-India Grand Cherokee will only cater to the domestic market initially, however, there is a possibility of the model being exported to other right hand drive markets where the made-in-India Compass is already sold. There is no news on whether a diesel engine will be offered on the new Grand Cherokee.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee: India launch plan
Jeep has two new models lined-up for the Indian market. First up will most likely be the Meridan SUV, which is essentially a three-row version of the Compass, that will go on sale by mid-2022. While the Grand Cherokee is also slated to come to India in 2022, there's no definite timeline for its launch as of now.
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