That there are electric vehicles on Jeep’s horizon isn’t surprising. But Wagoneer is also now formally a Jeep off-shoot rather than a separate brand as it was originally. And that’s just the start of what is new and exciting here, but roots run deep and sprout large branches. And Jeep is branching out in many ways.
See our full video walk around here!
Now part of the Jeep family, Jeep Wagoneer S, in a single Launch Edition trim priced at $72,000, is the first all-electric car from Jeep for sale in North America. It promises to be a powerful contender in the electric SUV category. It’ll deliver 600 HP, have a range of more than 300 miles and Jeep says its fast-charging system can replenish 80% of the charge in 23 minutes at a DC fast charger. And the Launch Edition comes pretty fully loaded with all the features we saw on the pre-production model, from massaging seats to a panoramic sunroof.
Reservations for the Jeep Wagoneer S are open, so read on; this is what the first all electric Jeep is all about.
It’s Jeep 4xe Day, And There Are Some New Electric SUVs Coming Our Way!
The Iconic Look of Jeep, Modernized
The look of Jeep Wagoneer S starts with the iconic “Sarge Grille” face. As an electric car, there is no need for a large slotted grille for air intake, so Jeep’s designers, led by global head of design Ralph Gilles, created an architectural light bar with slots that let the light flow, instead of air. The result is all Jeep, a but modern take on the classic.
Decoding Car Design: How Jeep’s DNA Sets the Stage for Off Road Life
Still an Iconic Shape and Style in the Jeep Wagoneer S
In addition to the front grille, Jeep’s designers worked hard to keep the iconic look throughout. The Jeep Wagoneer S is definitely sleeker, seen here in Phantom Blue, but it still carries the signs that this is a Jeep, from its overall shape to the trapezoid wheel arches to the large cargo area. And that’s just on the exterior; there are more signals inside.
Interior details include electric door releases that with the push of a button, the door pops open, though there is an analog door handle too; the Jeep terrain select (sand, mud, snow) for challenging road conditions; the dial gear selector with textured metal that is featured on the Wagoneer, and a clever climate panel that pushes out of the way to reveal a cubby and charge ports. Buyers will also notice full ambient lighting that surrounds the dashboard and spans the door panels and a 19 speaker McIntosh premium sound system.
See what the Jeep 4xe is all about here.
Have you subscribed to our newsletter? Click here to get on the list.
An Open Rear Spoiler Guides the Air, and Efficiency
The rear spoiler on first glance looks like many others, a black piece that bridges the roof line and extends out over the window. But for maximum aerodynamics and battery efficiency, Jeep’s engineers developed an open spoiler design that allows air to flow over the roof and down the rear window where it’s whisked away but a second spoiler below the window. The look is track-wing cool an very modern.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Electric Car: All the Jeep You Want, No Gas Station Stops
All Jeep But Also, Wagoneer
The Wagoneer bagde spans the rear doors, as it does its gas-powered Wagoneer siblings. The badge is flanked by the American flag, reminding us of the roots of this iconic car, though it will be built in Mexico. But that also means that it should qualify for federal and state tax incentives.
The S Badge Is Found On the Rear Pillar
The only “S” badge is on the rear pillar of the Wagoneer S just near the liftgate. S, of course, designates that this is an all electric SUV. The Wagoneer S will carry a dual motor setup with all wheel drive and a 100 kWh battery that can charge to 80 % in 23 minutes using a DC fast charger. A level 2 charger can recharge the battery in about 7 hours.
A Level 2 Charger for Home EV Charging Is More Affordable—and Easier—Than You Think
Inside, Familiar Jeep and Wagoneer Details
Probably the most prominent feature in the interior of the Wagoneer S is all the screen space. There is a 12″ center screen, a 12″ driver display and a 10″ passenger screen. Then, there’s a digital rear view camera, a head up display and a climate control display just below the center screen. That’s a lot of screens, though Jeep has worked to edit them down so functions are purposeful.
The Future of Driving: 10 Technologies You Need in Your Next New Car
The Jeep Wagoneer S Has a Squircle!
This is one of our favorite new features in cars: The square circle steering wheel. It works to reduce distraction and improve your view of the road. With a low-set driver display and head up display, your vision is greatly improved behind the wheel.
2022 Grand Wagoneer Lives Up to the Hype of Luxury and Capability
Leatherette and Recycled Materials Lend an Air of Luxury
You would be forgiven for fawning over the red leather in the Wagoneer S. Though, it’s not leather, it’s leatherette, a strong and resilient vinyl that is lighter weight and more sustainable. Jeep used the opportunity with Wagoneer S to introduce many other sustainable materials and to reduce the use of toxic materials such as chrome (who knew?). Among the new materials are ceramic coated hard surfaces that are scratch and finger-print resistant.
CCS for Now, NACS For Later
When the Wagoneer S makes its debut it’ll feature the CCS charge plug, but coming soon, Jeep will transition to the NACS, the Tesla-type plug that most carmakers are moving to. Until then, buyers can use a CCS charger at home or at a charge station and an adapter if they need to charge at a Tesla station.
To make home charging easy, Jeep is offering all buyers either public charging credits or a level 2 home charge unit with purchase.
Ford EVs Can Now Use the Tesla Supercharger and Its a Game Changer
A Large Tailgate … But No 3rd Row
We were a bit disappointed that as a Wagoneer, there’s no 3rd row. This will be the only Wagoneer without one, and it looks like for now, there is no plan to add one that seats 7 or 8. However, the cargo space is roomy, with about 30 cubic feet of room for tailgating and gear-hauling. The frunk has about 3 cubic feet of space.
Towing 101: What You Need to Know to Tow with Confidence
Surprise! Meet the Jeep Wagoneer Trailhawk
The Wagoneer S had to be all Jeep: Iconic, fun, capable. So the took the Wagoneer idea a step further with a Trailhawk version introduced alongside the Wagoneer S. The Trailhawk, which is still just in the concept stage, is intended to do all the things a gas-powered Trailhawk can do: Tow things, ford water, climb rocks and crawl out of sand.
And then, it can get better. Lower portions of this concept are painted with a ‘self-healing’ paint that will resist scratches and dings, which sounds like a dream to anyone with a car. The roof rack is reinforced and configurable. And there are recovery hooks on both the front and rear of the Trailhawk edition. An all-electric off-roader is a natural for the Jeep family, so we hope they build this one.
True Jeep Details Set the Wagoneer Trailhawk Apart
Clever details in the Trailhawk include this open door panel with elastic to hold your maps and bottles. Notice the button just above the door pocket: It’s an electric door handle; just tap it and the door pops open.
And, There are Easter Eggs, of Course!
How can we not love this detail: on the Trailhawk’s all-terrain wheels is a classic Jeep Easter egg. DNA and heritage matter, and this is a reminder of where Jeep came from, as much as the grille, the spoiler and interior remind us where the brand is going.
