Though Jeep previously had 4-door SUVs, the 1984 Cherokee broke out of the niche market of hunters, farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts and into the mainstream. Adding the second set of doors made it a practical family vehicle. The Grand Cherokee followed in 1992 and changed the market again by adding luxury and refinement to the formerly rough-and-tumble segment, with upper trim levels becoming the Jeep brand’s first real luxury offering. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe changes expectations again by adding the sophistication of a plug-in drivetrain to the mid-size SUV segment. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe has prompted many questions, which this Benna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram post will address.
How is the Grand Cherokee 4xe Powered?
The Grand Cherokee 4xe replaces the regular model’s 3.6-liter V6 with a powertrain similar to that in the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. It is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 combined with two electric motors. The smaller motor/generator replaces the alternator, adding 44 horsepower and 39 lb-ft of torque. The second, larger motor is mounted to the transmission, producing 134 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. The motors are fed by a 17.3-kWh battery, which in turn is charged by plugging into the grid and brake regeneration.
Is the 4xe More Powerful Than Other Grand Cherokee Models?
The 4xe is significantly more powerful than the V6-powered Grand Cherokee models. Its total system power of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque greatly exceeds the V6’s 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft.
What is the Grand Cherokee 4xe’s Electric Range?
The EPA estimates that The Grand Cherokee 4xe can operate on just an electric current for 25 miles with a full charge. If this is less than your daily routine and you can charge at home, the Grand Cherokee can run as an EV for much of the time. Jeep has pointed out that a Grand Cherokee 4xe has completed the famous 22-mile Rubicon trail entirely in its EV driving mode.
What Kind of Drivetrains Are Available?
All Grand Cherokee 4xe models are equipped with Jeep’s Quadra-Drive® Active On-Demand 4×4 system with Selec-terrain® Traction Management system. Trailhawk and above models feature the Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension System.
Is the Grand Cherokee 4xe the Most Efficient Grand Cherokee Model?
The purpose of the Grand Cherokee 4xe is to provide greater power while retaining efficient operation. Whether it is more efficient than V6 models depends on the length of each trip. The EPA rates the model at 56 MPGe (MPG equivalent based on power usage) when using both EV-only mode and then hybrid mode when the range has been exceeded. Independent of its EV range, the model is rated at 23 combined mpg while the rest of the Grand Cherokee line is rated at 26.
How Quick is the Grand Cherokee 4xe?
Car and Driver tested a Grand Cherokee Overland 4xe and clocked a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds before reaching the quarter mile in 13.9 seconds with a trap speed of 100 mph. The quarter mile is 2.1 seconds quicker than that of V6-powered models. They also noted that the 0-60 time is 0.3 seconds quicker than that of the former V8-powered Grand Cherokee model.
How Much Can It Tow?
The Grand Cherokee 4xe model’s maximum towing rating is 6,000 pounds, which is just 200 pounds less than that of the V-6-equipped models.
How Long Does it Take to Charge?
The Grand Cherokee can be charged with an ordinary wall socket. A full charge from zero will take 8 to 15 hours. A Level 2 home charger should fully charge the battery in approximately 2.5 hours.
What Trim Levels are Available for the Grand Cherokee 4xe?
Jeep has a complete model line of five trim levels for the Grand Cherokee 4xe. They are:
- 4xe $60,490
- Anniversary Edition $63,485
- Trailhawk $66,185
- Overland $73,480
- Summit $74,670
- Summit Reserve $79,150
If your commute or daily driving routine is less than 23 miles, the Grand Cherokee 4xe is a great way to have a comfortable, versatile, powerful, and capable Jeep SUV and essentially say goodbye to gas stations and hello to efficient, emission-free driving. Even if you drive over 23 miles every day, you will find your refueling stops to be infrequent. Yet, you will never have to plan your road trips around charging stations. Pay a visit to Benna CDJR and see how the Grand Cherokee 4xe can bring the wonders of electrification into your life.
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