At the end of this year, Jeep launched the next-gen model of the much-awaited SUV. It is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This is Cherokee’s 5th birth. That is, the 5th gen model.
Fans of cricket captain Dhoni will definitely love the Grand Cherokee. Because Dhoni loves Jeep Grand Cherokee. Yes, a few years ago, Dhoni bought its 4th gen model in India as an import model, i.e. CBU method, for several lakhs. Now, if he wants to buy its 5th gen model… no need to buy imported ones. 77.5 lakh ex-showroom Jeep is ready to sell locally assembled and CKD mode.
Let’s take a look at the first look of the Grand Cherokee, which shines as the flagship SUV of American Jeep.
Design
If you’re an American car lover, you’re probably familiar with the Grand Wagoneer SUV. Not only America; Jeep has inspired and designed the design of this Grand Wagoneer which is sold all over the world. The Cherokee is almost identical to its sibling.
That 7-slot window grille, Jeep’s trademark style, looks rugged when seen straight on. How much space there is in the side and center air intakes! They have splashed some design works all over the car for a modern look. However, we can find out that the Grand Cherokee is coming. The LED lights are also a taste for this build that is slim and sleek.
From the headlights to the tail lights, the belt-like line is beautiful. The road presence of this SUV is rugged, with large squared wheel arches typical of an SUV, a large roof with a floating effect, blacked-out portion for the C-pillar, sleek tail lights at the rear, and a number plate on the tailgate.
Interior and amenities
The interior is also in an all black theme, semi-matured… rugged… but beautiful. Great with leather seats, in a layered effect. The highlight is the 10.1-inch touchscreen that sits in the center of the layered dashboard. Below that are the HVAC controls. Jeep has retained some physical buttons.
There is another highlight in this interior. It also had a touch screen for the co-driver. Oh, and it’s 10.1 inches. Now this is like a modern trend! But, both seats are definitely the height of luxury.
The back side is no less luxurious. Like the old Cherokee, it is a 5 seater SUV. But the ‘Grand Cherokee L’ which is running globally is a 7 seater version.
Features – 10.25 digital instrument cluster, 10 inch head-up display, wireless charging pad, Apple Car Play and Android Auto connectivity, rear seat entertainment TV screens, panoramic sunroof, full leather seats, front ventilated, rear powered tailgate They have provided enough luxury facilities like gate.
Jeep offers more than 110 safety features. There are many safety features like ADAS (Active Driver Assistance System), 8 airbags, 360-degree surround view camera, tri-relaxence system that refreshes the driver if he gets tired, 3-point seat belt. Apart from this, they have also provided 33 connectivity facilities like VMS (Vehicle Management System).
Engine Powertrain
Jeep is one of the companies that do both diesel/petrol equally well. But I don’t know what happened. Jeep has ditched the diesel in this Cherokee. This new model only has a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine. Its power is 272bhp; Torque is 400Nm. It has an 8-speed automatic torque converter gearbox. This transmits power to all 4 wheels. Yes, it is a 4 wheel drive car. The new Cherokee has drive modes like Auto and Sport and selectable terrain modes like Mud/Sand and Snow.
Being an offroader, it has a ground clearance of 215mm! This Cherokee can also do water wading up to 533mm.
Who is the competition?
The Grand Cherokee is also priced a little grand. Jeep has positioned it at an ex-showroom price of Rs 77.5 lakh. When it comes to on-road, it can cross around 86 lakhs. It costs a few thousand more than the Jaguar F-Pace. Also, the XC90 competes with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Range Rover Velar and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Note that the Audi Q7 and XC90 come in a 7 seater layout!
Jeep brought a 7 seater in the Compass, can we expect a 7 seater in the Grand Cherokee soon?