Jeep rolls out three PHEV models

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, the Jeep Renegade 4xe and Jeep Compass 4xe plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) have arrived in New Zealand.

The Jeep 4xe PHEV range starts from $69,990 plus on-road costs, with the Jeep Renegade Limited 4xe, followed by the Jeep Compass S 4xe priced from $77,490 and the top of the range Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4xe from $154,990.

The Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass are eligible for the PHEV Clean Car rebate of $5750, with changes to the Clean Car scheme from July 1.

The Jeep Avenger, the first fully electric Jeep SUV, has debuted in Europe and is due to arrive in NZ late 2023.

“We are delighted to announce the addition of plug-in hybrid models to the Jeep NZ portfolio,” says, Jeep New Zealand’s marketing and communications manager Sarah Williams.  

“The ability to offer a hybrid Jeep solution, that maintains impressive 4×4 capability is a very exciting advancement for the brand in New Zealand.

“Jeep aims to be the greenest SUV brand in the world, and it’s thrilling for Jeep New Zealand to be on this path towards ‘Zero Emission Freedom’”.

Jeep will have an electrified offering in each SUV segment in the next few years, including the battery electric (BEV) Jeep Avenger due in New Zealand before the end of this year.

“Our Jeep 4xe vehicles will be the most efficient, responsible and capable that the brand has ever created,” says Jeep Brand global president Christian Meunier.

“The electrification of the Jeep line-up will allow commuters to travel solely on electric power, delivering an efficient and fun on-road experience, and even more Jeep capability off-road in nearly complete silence.”

The 4xe models offer about 50km electric range.

With E-Selec modes, the 4xe driver can tailor the hybrid powertrain to best suit each trip from daily commuting in pure electric mode to extended highway road trips with no range anxiety

All three modes are selectable via three buttons in the centre console, or to the right of the steering wheel (Grand Cherokee).

In all driving modes, the regenerative braking system recovers energy during passive driving phases (such as deceleration or light braking).

Additional to the regenerative braking on the Compass and Renegade 4xe, the Grand Cherokee 4xe also offers the ability to maximise regenerative energy with the driver-selectable ‘Max Regen’.

With 4×4 engaged, all four wheels feed torque for regenerative braking, maximising energy recovery. Electricity from regenerative braking is fed to the battery pack to maintain or increase the state of charge.

The Jeep Renegade and Compass 4xe models provide up to 177kW power, improved safety (4WD is always available) and low environmental impact in the hybrid mode.

Both pair a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor between the rear axle, which is powered by an 11.4kW battery that can be recharged while driving or through an external power outlet.

The 1.3L turbo engine delivers 132kW power, plus the 44kW produced by the electric motor. In terms of torque, the electric motor produces 250Nm, while the combustion engine delivers 270Nm.

The Grand Cherokee 4xe features a 2.0 petrol I-4 turbocharged engine delivering up to 200kW of power and maximum 400Nm torque paired with the new electric motor delivering 107kW and up to 245Nm torque. Under combined use the Grand Cherokee 4xe can reach up to 280kW.

The 4xe PHEV engine with ESS and an eight-speed automatic transmission and the 17.3kWh, 350-Volt, lithium-ion, nickel-manganese-cobalt, battery pack that powers the e-axle and underneath the second-row seat. An integrated module for controlling the charging of the high-voltage and conventional 12V batteries of the car is in the trunk.

Featured across the range is the Selec-Terrain traction management system that lets customers choose the on- or off-road setting for optimum 4×4 performance.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe has a Quadra-Trac II 4×4 system with rear electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) and is equipped with an active transfer case to improve traction by moving torque to work with the wheel with the most grip.

The Jeep Quadra-Lift air suspension, now with electronic adaptive damping, delivers class leading ground clearance and water fording.

The system automatically adjusts to changing road conditions for enhanced comfort, stability, and control, delivering up to 27.5cm of ground clearance and 61cm of water fording.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe also features front axle disconnect. If the vehicle senses that road conditions do not require all-wheel drive, the front-axle disconnect automatically places the Grand Cherokee in two-wheel drive, reducing drag and improving fuel economy.

Four-wheel drive automatically re-engages when the vehicle senses it is needed.

In terms of safety, the new 4xe models come with some of the most advanced ADAS systems available on the market, including high-visibility full LED headlights (standard on Renegade) Bi-Xenon headlights (on Compass), standard forward collision warning and lane departure warning plus, intelligent speed assist and traffic sign recognition (on the Renegade only) and front (optional on Compass) and rear parking sensors. Available safety features include blind spot detection, ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, automatic park assist and “Keyless Go”.

Click here for more information.