Jeep PHEV line-up arrives in New Zealand.

• The All-New Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, the Jeep Renegade 4xe and Jeep Compass 4xe Plug-in Hybrids have arrived in New Zealand - taking capability and technology to the next level
• 4xe PHEV technology is the natural evolution of over 80 years of Jeep capability leadership – 4xe is the new 4x4
• 4xe models feature a no-compromise hybrid solution that integrates the unmatched technical layout of each Jeep SUV, offering advanced technology, improved safety with 4WD always available and low environmental impact
• This is the first phase of the Jeep product offensive to become the leading electrified SUV brand in the world
• E-Selec Drive mode selector allows drivers to easily tailor the hybrid powertrain dependent on their trip
• The All-New Jeep 4xe Plug-in Hybrid range is now available in New Zealand priced from $69,990MSRP + orc
• Jeep Renegade and Jeep Compass are eligible for the PHEV clean car rebate of $5,750*
• The Jeep Avenger, the first fully electric Jeep SUV, has debuted in Europe and is due to arrive in NZ late 2023

*Govt Clean Car Rebate subject to change

18 May, 2023 – Jeep New Zealand announces the arrival of the first of its electrified models. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Jeep Renegade 4xe and the Jeep Compass 4xe offer a powerful combination of Jeep design, legendary 4x4 capability and electrification, taking the first step towards Zero Emission Freedom for the Jeep range. Carrying the 4xe badge, Jeep PHEV and BEV vehicles will be the most efficient and responsible Jeep vehicles ever.

“We are delighted to announce the addition of Plug-in Hybrid models to the Jeep NZ portfolio.  The ability to offer a hybrid Jeep solution, that maintains impressive 4x4 capability is a very exciting advancement for the brand in New Zealand”. Says Sarah Williams, Jeep New Zealand’s Marketing & Communications Manager.  “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 fully electric BEV Jeep Avenger due in New Zealand before the end of this year. Showcasing Jeep’s dedication to become the leader in eco-friendly vehicle technology while taking performance, 4x4 capability and driver confidence to the next level.  4xe is the new 4x4.

“Our Jeep 4xe vehicles will be the most efficient, responsible and capable that the brand has ever created,” said Christian Meunier, Global President of Jeep Brand – FCA. “The electrification of the Jeep lineup 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.”

Leader in eco-friendly technology and off-road capability

Jeep 4xe Plug-in Hybrids are “More Jeep than Ever” more efficient, more capable, more comfortable, and more fun to drive. PHEV technology enhances the fun, freedom, and adventure that the Jeep brand is known for, while providing unprecedented performance, fuel economy and environmental friendliness. 

4xe models offer the best performance and driving dynamics of any Jeep Grand Cherokee, Renegade, and Compass ever, courtesy of the Plug-in Hybrid technology.   Each model features legendary 4x4 capability improved over more than 80 years.  These vehicles are literally capable of ‘going anywhere and doing anything’ while still being an ideal choice for everyday city driving with an average all electric range of 50km.

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, allowing owners to explore nature off-road in near silence.  All three modes are selectable via three buttons located in the centre console, or to the right of the steering wheel (Grand Cherokee).

• Hybrid: Blends torque from the electric motor and petrol engine. The powertrain will optimise battery and engine power to deliver the best combination of fuel efficiency and performance
• Electric: Operates on zero-emission electric power only until the battery reaches the minimum charge or the driver requests more torque (such as wide-open throttle), which then engages the engine
• E-SAVE: Prioritises the engine, saving the battery charge for later use. The driver can also choose between Battery Save and Battery Charge during eSave:
• Passive E-SAVE or Battery Save: maintains the state of charge of the battery through the predominant use of the internal combustion engine;
• E-SAVE active or Battery Charge: charges the battery up to 80% through the operation of the internal combustion engine on which the combined front electric generator acts.

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’ feature that deploys a more assertive regenerative braking calibration when the vehicle sees zero throttle input from the driver (coasting). Max Regen can slow the Grand Cherokee 4xe faster than standard regenerative braking and generate more electricity for the battery pack.

With 4x4 engaged, all four wheels feed torque for regenerative braking, maximizing the energy recovery. Electricity from regenerative braking is fed to the battery pack to maintain or increase the state of charge.

Power and Performance

The Jeep Renegade and Compass 4xe models feature a no-compromise hybrid solution that integrates the unmatched technical layout of a Jeep SUV and takes their capability to the next level through some of the most advanced technology combining enhanced performance (up to 177kW), improved safety (4WD is always available) and low environmental impact in the hybrid mode.

Both Jeep Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe pair a 1.3-liter turbo petrol engine with an electric motor located between the rear axle, which is powered by an 11.4kW battery that can be recharged while driving or through an external power outlet. 

On its own, the efficient 1.3-liter turbo engine delivers a power output of 132kW, plus the 44kW produced by the electric motor. In terms of torque, the electric motor produces 250Nm, while the combustion engine delivers 270Nm. The combination of an internal combustion engine and the electric units guarantees performance and maximum driving pleasure.

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

4xe Plug-in Hybrid Engine with ESS and an 8-speed automatic transmission and the 17.3 kWh, 350 volt, lithium-ion, nickel-manganese-cobalt, battery pack that powers the e-axle and is located in a secure position underneath the second row seat.  An integrated module for controlling the charging of the high-voltage and conventional 12V batteries of the car which is compact in size and mounted in the trunk. 

Capability

Jeep Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe further improve their benchmark off-road capability courtesy of the greater torque offered by the combination between the two power sources. Thanks to the new Jeep 4xe technology, traction to the rear axle is not provided by a prop shaft, but through the dedicated electric motor. This allows the two axles to be separated and control the torque independently in a more effective way than a mechanical system, giving instant electric boost to the rear wheels when needed.

Featured across the range is the Selec-Terrain™ traction management system that lets customers choose the on- or off-road setting for optimum 4x4 performance. This feature electronically coordinates 4x4 torque split, braking and handling, steering and suspension systems, throttle control, transmission shift, transfer case, traction control, stability control, antilock brake system (ABS) and steering feel. The system offers four available terrain modes (Sand/Mud, Snow, Auto, Sport) to provide optimized calibrations for any given driving scenario.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe steps up its unrivalled 4x4 capability courtesy of the Quadra-Trac II 4x4 system with rear electronic limited slip differential (eLSD).  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 on the driveline and improving fuel economy. Four-wheel drive automatically re-engages when the vehicle senses it is needed.

Blue Design Cues

On the exterior, the new Jeep 4xe models maintain many of the same design cues as their internal combustion engine (ICE) versions but stand out thanks to striking Blue colouring on the front “Jeep” badge and the “4xe” and “Jeep” rear badges. Blue accents also adorn the side badges, while the charge port features a push-open/push-close cover and is located at the rear on the vehicle’s left side.

Safety

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.

The Jeep 4xe PHEV range starts from $69,990MSRP +orc 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. Vehicles are available now.

Jeep Renegade – Fun to drive and packed with eco-friendly technology

The smallest SUV in the range is back, bringing a more eco-friendly, stylish and capable model to New Zealand after almost 5 years.  The Jeep Renegade’s pioneering spirit has been reborn and reimagined with Plug-in Hybrid technology, that offers an enhanced on and off-road driving experience for new adventures – with lower emissions.

Jeep Compass 4xe – Driven by innovation

The Jeep Compass spirit hasn’t changed but now embodies Jeep’s commitment to the future with new 4xe hybrid technology.  The Jeep Compass 4xe further improves its benchmark off-road capability, refined interior details, enhanced safety technology and premium features for maximum comfort.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe - the Greenest Grand Cherokee Ever

An icon of five generations. Building on Grand Cherokee’s legacy as the most awarded SUV ever and a top selling halo model in New Zealand, the all-new Grand Cherokee 4xe brings, new Plug-in Hybrid powertrain, as well as the world-class craftsmanship and first-to-market technologies to the full-size SUV segment.  

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is designed and engineered to deliver even more of what has made the Grand Cherokee a true global icon in the premium SUV segment, including legendary Jeep 4x4 capability, class-leading space and versatility, advanced safety features, premium technology, lower emission, luxury interior and sophisticated exterior.

Underneath the aerodynamically optimised exterior is the unibody construction which increases rigidity by using lightweight, high-strength aluminium and steel, and incorporates several 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.

The Grand Cherokee 4xe available in the Summit Reserve variant, features a range of premium upgrades including Palermo quilted leather seats, 360-degree camera, 10.25-inch frameless digital instrument cluster display with nearly two dozen different menus available, as well as available heads-up display and night vison/animal detection.

For more information, please visit www.jeep.co.nz

Jeep Brand

Built on more than 80 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV brand that brings capability, craftsmanship and versatility to people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a broad portfolio of vehicles that continues to provide owners with a sense of safety and security to handle any journey with confidence. The Jeep vehicle range consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, new three-row Grand Cherokee L, Grand Cherokee 4xe, Renegade and Wrangler and Wrangler 4xe. Jeep Wave, a premium owner loyalty and customer care program that is available to the entire Jeep 4x4 lineup, is filled with benefits and exclusive perks to deliver Jeep brand owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support. The legendary Jeep brand's off-road capability is enhanced by a global electrification initiative that is transforming 4xe into new 4x4 in pursuit of the brand’s vision of accomplishing Zero Emission Freedom. All Jeep brand vehicles will offer an electrified variant within the next few years.