Ateco considering Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEV for NZ

The official distributor for the Jeep brand in New Zealand, Ateco Group, says it is considering the market launch of a plug-in hybrid electric versions (4XE) of the all-new Grand Cherokee with two rows of seating later in 2022.

Come May 2022 the Ateco Group intends to launch three versions of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee L, of which all will offer three rows of seating as standard and all are powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.

It’s been 11 years since an all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee was launched into the New Zealand market. The Grand Cherokee L will be available in Night Eagle specification from $99,900, mid-spec Limited from $104,990 and the upscale Summit Reserve from $134,990.

Offering a seven‐seat configuration for the first time in its history, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is ready to break new ground when it arrives in New Zealand showrooms. 

Jeep says it’s off‐road prowess is elevated further, with the available Quadra‐Trac I and Quadra‐Trac II 4×4 setups, Quadra‐Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain traction management system providing the best capability yet in the conditions of the Australian outback, as the brand continues its commitment to a more localised product testing programme. 

The Summit Reserve signifies the pinnacle of luxury for the Jeep Grand Cherokee range. Appointments include ventilated, 12‐way adjustable front seats with memory and massage function that are hand‐wrapped in quilted Palermo leather, open‐pore Waxed Walnut wood finishes, 21‐inch polished alloy wheels and a bespoke 19‐speaker McIntosh audio system specifically tuned to the vehicle’s layout. 

Jeep says it is currently the only automotive brand in the world to incorporate a McIntosh audio sound system into its cars. 

Designed with comfort for up to seven passengers in mind, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L range delivers capacious legroom in the second row, unrivalled third‐row capacity and increased cargo carrying capacity of up to 2,395 litres. 

Underneath the exterior is a new unibody construction which increases rigidity by using lightweight, high‐strength aluminium and steel, and incorporates a number of enhancements to improve the ride quality, handling and comfort, while at the same time increasing efficiency and reducing noise and weight. 

Fully equipped with an array of advanced safety and security features that assist the driver by enhancing their field of vision, making instrumentation easier to see and enabling collision‐avoidance capabilities, on‐board operating speeds are now five times faster when compared to the previous generation, courtesy of the latest Uconnect 5 system – the most advanced Jeep connectivity platform yet says the brand.