GRAND PROMISES (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Jeep's Grand Cherokee 4xe headlines the fifth generation range and blends PHEV tech with a famous badge. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 51

The Jeep line-up wouldn't be complete without the Grand Cherokee. And in this day and age, the Grand Cherokee line-up wouldn't be complete without plug-in hybrid power. This fifth generation model headlines with that. And offers a refreshingly different confection compared to the usual premium brands in the large SUV segment.

Backgroundword count: 146

Since 1992, the Jeep range has had the Grand Cherokee luxury SUV as its European flagship. The US market has the even larger Wagoneer model but on our continent, the Grand Cherokee, here in its fifth generation, remains at the summit of Jeep brand ownership. Lots is different this time round, some of it not currently destined for our market (the long wheelbase 7-seat version for instance). But we do get this model line's first plug-in hybrid powerplant: indeed, initial UK sales are leading with that '4xe' PHEV variant. This MK5 Grand Cherokee still looks like a Jeep - and we're told that it will still drive like a Jeep too. If you want your large luxury SUV to really be able to walk the walk as well as talk the talk when the going gets sticky, you're going to want to take a closer look.

Driving Experienceword count: 219

The key Grand Cherokee engine for Europe is the 4xe PHEV plug-in powertrain. It mates a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 17kWh battery pack and an e-motor situated between the engine and the gearbox. This set-up gives the Grand Cherokee a fully mechanical all-wheel drive system (just like a Land Rover Defender P400e), rather than the nominal electronic four-wheel-drive systems offered by other less capable PHEV large SUV premium rivals. The 4xe model's plug-in hybrid powertrain puts out 380hp and 637Nm of torque. It can deliver up to 31 miles of electric range and offers three drive modes - 'hybrid', 'electric' and 'e-save'. Jeep says that this MK5 Grand Cherokee has been designed to offer 'unparalleled' off-road capabilities and luxury driving dynamics. The Quadra-Drive II 4x4 drive system and the Quadra-Lift air suspension both aim to deliver that. Plus there's the Selec-Terrain traction management system - offering a choice from five driving modes: 'Auto', 'Snow', 'Sand/Mud', 'Rock' and 'Sport'. It should all ensure that the Grand Cherokee retains the Jeep brand's legendary 4x4 capabilities. Certainly, if you want to attempt any kind of off road traversing in a model of this sort, this would be a better choice than anything in the class bar a Land Rover product, thanks to its better traction and body clearance from the ground.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227