√Jeep launches electric offensive with three landmark SUVs

The American icon is aiming to lead the electrification of off-roading, previewing three models that cover the full spectrum of the Jeep brand, from a city SUV to a super-luxury cruiser and a hardcore off-roader.

Jeep has revealed its first three ‘4xe’ electric vehicles, as it plans to become what it calls the “leading electrified SUV brand in the world”.

Previewed overnight in the USA, the three models comprise are a single production car – the baby 2023 Avenger targeted at Europe – and two concept cars covering both ends of the SUV spectrum, the Recon and Wagoneer S.

The hardcore Recon has styling that taps the traditional Wrangler heartland, while the Wagoneer S points to the revival of a classic seven-seater Jeep with an upmarket drive for the electric era. Both are scheduled for production in the USA in 2024.

One further electric SUV is due in European showrooms by 2025, however no images of it have been published.

Although production of the two concept teasers is confirmed for the USA, there is no specific detail for Australia, even though both would likely appeal to local buyers.

“Jeep aims to become the leading zero-emission SUV brand in the world. In due course, we plan to bring electrified vehicles to our markets in the India & Asia-Pacific region at the appropriate timing,” a Jeep Australia spokesperson said in a statement to Drive.

“Specific announcements will be made locally closer to the vehicle introduction in each market.”

The Avenger is confirmed as a 2023 production model for Europe and some targeted markets including Japan and South Korea, as reported by Drive, but may not come to Australia.

MORE: 2023 Jeep Avenger electric SUV unveiled for Europe, Australia unclear

Jeep is setting aggressive targets for its electric cars, aiming to have a fully-electric model line-up in Europe by 2030 and to have half of its US sales with electric power by the same year.

“We are designing and developing the most capable and sustainable Jeep SUVs to date, on our path to becoming the leading zero-emission SUV brand in the world,” said Christian Meunier, Jeep brand CEO, in an official statement.

It is touting the off-road ability of the Recon, which it said will conquer the Rubicon Trail in the USA that serves as its benchmark for four-wheel drive ability for its models, and a range target of 640 kilometres for the Wagoneer.

Jeep Recon

The visual connection between the all-new Recon and previous Jeep off-road heroes is as obvious as the car’s removable doors and glass.

Mechanically, it is fully ‘trail rated’ with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction management system, e-locker axle technology, underbody protection, tow hooks and off-road tyres.

There is no specific mention of its driving range claim, but Jeep has dropped a solid hint by using the 35.41 kilometres of the Rubicon Trail – which is tackled at very slow speeds in power-sapping low-range mode with petrol or diesel vehicles – in its announcement.

“Jeep Recon has the capability to cross the mighty Rubicon Trail, one of the most challenging off-road trails in the U.S., and reach the end of the trail with enough range to drive back to town and recharge,” said Meunier.

Jeep Wagoneer

The arrival of the production version of the Wagoneer S in 2024 will be the electric contribution to the return of a traditional Jeep nameplate to the premium SUV category.

But Jeep is planning a much more upmarket approach than the family-oriented original that joined the range in the 1960s – and even the Ram 1500 pick-up-based Wagoneer V8s in US showrooms today.

The performance targets for the electric Wagoneer are 640 kilometres of range, 450kW and a 0-100km/h time in the 3.5-second range, but the real focus is on luxury.

Meunier said the Wagoneer will be a “highly efficient SUV that is loaded with technology and high quality craftmanship, offering 4×4 capability, high performance, rapid acceleration and a target range of 400 miles [644km] on a single charge.”

Jeep said it is planning to display the Wagoneer S and Recon concept vehicles in the USA, with production to start in 2024 in North America.

It will start taking pre-orders (or ‘reservations’) for US deliveries from early next year.

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