The massive electric SUV isn’t going anywhere. You only need to look at the amount of BMW iXs and Audi e-trons on the road for proof of that. The Kia EV9 appears off to a roaring start. An electric Range Rover is inbound, as is a Volvo to rival it. Even Lotus felt the need for one. Global demand for big, battery-powered cars is prompting more manufacturers than ever expected to jump on the bandwagon; next up is Jeep, with the new Wagoneer S.
A Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer have been on sale in certain markets for a couple of years now, with V8 power where and when allowed or else the Hurricane turbo straight-six. The Wagoneer S is something very different, however, to be sold across the world as Jeep’s first global EV and built on a different platform to the combustion cars. This is underpinned by the STLA Large architecture that’s EV-specific and is also the foundation for cars like the new Dodge Charger and electric Alfa Stelvio.
The numbers are… big. Jeep claims 600hp and more than 590lb ft from the 100kWh, dual-motor Wagoneer S, meaning 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds. More than 300 miles from a charge is claimed, and an all-being-well 28 minutes is claimed for a 5-80 per cent DC rapid charger. (Like the Charger, the Jeep is a 400-volt system. The Alfa will be the first to upgrade to 800.) There aren’t efficiency stats yet, though those estimates put it in the region of 3mi/kWh - helped along by a drag co-efficient of just 0.29, making it the most aerodynamic Jeep ever - and expect max charge capacity to mirror the 183kW of the Dodge.
The numbers are no less punchy inside. There’s a 19-speaker McIntosh sound system, for example, with a 1,160-watt amp and 12-inch sub to make those onboard ‘feel like they’re in the recording studio with their favourite artists.’ Auto, Sport, Eco, Snow and Sand drive modes for the Selec-Terrain system ought to keep the Wagoneer moving when the going gets tough. With the 12.3-inch driver’s dials, infotainment screen of the same size and 10.25-inch passenger display - said to be a class-exclusive - there are 45 inches of screens in a Wagoneer S. The kids will love it. Jeep suggests the new model continues the pioneering spirit of the original, ‘63 Wagoneer, continuing to ‘push boundaries and evolve the iconic Jeep brand with a new embrace of technology, luxury and innovation.’ This means there are black ceramic-coated aluminium, electric door releases and sustainable materials. Can’t be an EV SUV without vegan leather and recycled carpet.
Certainly, there’ll be no mistaking the Wagoneer S for anything other than a Jeep outside, even without a burbling V8 soundtrack. The seven-slot grille is repurposed for lighting instead of cooling and the silhouette - if tweaked for aero with flush door handles and new spoilers - is recognisably Jeep. Just.
“The launch of the all-electric Jeep Wagoneer S marks a new chapter in the storied history of the Jeep brand,” said Antonio Filosa, Jeep CEO. “Building upon nearly a century of innovation and design, this first global BEV will introduce a whole new generation of owners to an experience that is distinctly Jeep and 100% electric in every way. With new energy in the Jeep vehicle lineup, ranging from EV to V8, customers have never had more freedom to choose their own adventure.” Even with smaller electrified Jeeps in the lineup, this feels like a big step for the brand. That being said, as so many rival manufacturers have demonstrated, an SUV range isn’t really complete now without a battery-electric one. On sale in the US from the second half of the year, the Wagoneer S will be available more widely - including in Europe - from 2025.
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