The 4xe Drama
Hold up, weren't 4xe models quietly removed from the Jeep website not so long ago? Why, yes, and it also means you can't order a Wrangler or Grand Cherokee with a plug-in hybrid powertrain anymore. It's unknown whether those models will ever come back, effectively putting the future of Jeep's hybrid models in limbo.
The reason? In case you missed it, the 4xe models have had their fair share of issues in the past couple of months. A fire risk warning was issued in November, and in the same month, engine casting debris was causing the engines to detonate. That's left owners with cars they can't charge and with engines that could let go without much warning.
It's Not Going Away, Apparently
So, are 4xe models gone for good? As it turns out, not at all. During the North American International Auto Show, Jeep displayed a new 4xe vehicle during the show. We say displayed as Mopar Insiders mentioned that it was just sitting there with no fanfare surrounding its debut. The model launched? The Grand Wagoneer 4xe.
It was a blink or you'll miss it reveal, and the only identifying markers were subtle badges and a charging flap on the fender. Interestingly, there's no mention of the new model on Jeep's website or even a press release from Stellantis. One would think the company would be a little proud of a new model launch. The ongoing recall drama is a factor, perhaps?
The Numbers
Issues aside, what numbers does this electrified Grand Wagoneer pack? For starters, it comes with a whopping 92 kWh battery pack that's even bigger than a lot of EVs. It's worlds apart from the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler 4xe that 'only' came with a 17.3 kWh pack. The reason for the massive battery is that the Grand Wagoneer 4xe isn't entirely a plug-in hybrid.
Instead, this full-size SUV is an REEV or range-extended electric vehicle. There's still an engine on board, but its sole purpose is to serve as a generator for its battery that then powers the motors. It's similar to Nissan's e-Power technology, albeit supersized in this application.
The batteries get their charge from the familiar 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. Horsepower and torque figures weren't given for it, but it's largely irrelevant at this point as it doesn't drive the SUV at all. Instead, it's the two electric motors that are responsible for that, and it has a combined output of 647 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque. If those figures look familiar, that's because it's close to the arrangement used in the upcoming (and repeatedly delayed) Ram 1500 REV. With that, it's safe to say that the Grand Wagoneer 4xe is the SUV version of the Ram 1500 REV.
When Is It Coming to Showrooms?
Sadly, we can't answer that yet. There is no official word from Jeep on when order books will open for it, and the same goes for pricing and trim selections. It's possible that it could reach showrooms around the same time as the Ram 1500 REV, although that model still doesn't have a definitive availability date, either.
That said, it's likely to be more expensive than the standard gas-fed Grand Wagoneer. For reference, Jeep's flagship SUV ranges from $63,230, all the way to $100,085. That means the 4xe won't be exactly within reach for many, but it should be an interesting addition to the lineup.
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