Jeep has finally introduced the Wrangler plug-in hybrid in Europe. The Euro-spec Wrangler 4xe arrives with the Trail Rated badge which means it will be as good at the off-roading escapades as the conventionally-powered counterpart.
The Jeep Wrangler Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) was unveiled in the US, in September last year. The updated SUV now comes with an added 10 km boost to its all-electric drive range which now is in excess of 50 km according to the WLTP drive cycle. The Europe bound plug in hybrid will be available in three models: Sahara 4xe, Rubicon 4xe and the exclusive 4xe “80th Anniversary” special edition.
The Wrangler 4xe is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged Inline 4 engine. It is paired with two electric motors and a 400-volt, 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack sitting under the second row of seats. The powertrain offers a combined output of 375 bhp with 637 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. The SUV is capable of making a 0 to 100 kph sprint in just 6.4 seconds.
This new setup comes with a high-voltage, liquid-cooled motor generator unit mounted at the front of the engine, replacing the conventional alternator. The generator unit is connected to the engine crankshaft pulley via a belt. The Wrangler 4xe now also gets a 12-volt battery to run accessories, instead of a 12-volt starter motor. Jeep claims that the Wrangler 4xe PHEV emits 70 per cent lower CO2 compared to its petrol iteration and the battery pack can be fully charged in less than three hours.
There are three drive modes on offer – Hybrid, Electric, and eSave. In hybrid mode, the powertrain will use battery power first and only when when the battery reaches the minimum state of charge, the 2.0-litre engine will take over the job. In electric mode, the powertrain operates on zero-emission electric power only until the battery is drained or the driver deliberately engages the engine to kick in. Finally, in the eSave mode, the system sources power from the 2.0-litre engine, saving the battery juice for later use. The driver can also choose between Battery Save and Battery Charge during eSave via the Hybrid Electric Pages in the Uconnect monitor.
Wrangler 4xe and Wrangler Sahara 4xe models are equipped with full-time 4WD systems, front and rear next-generation Dana 4×4 axles and are fitted with the Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe models carry the Rock-Trac 4×4 system that includes a two-speed transfer case with a 4:1 low-range gear ratio, full-time 4×4, front and rear next-generation Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lok electric front- and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited slip differential and electronic front sway-bar disconnect.
The standard technological content on all trims include a 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect NAV system, equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and Uconnect Services. There another 7-inch TFT screen that displays information on battery charge levels and range in electric and hybrid modes. The cabin has a 9-speaker Alpine audio system with 552-W subwoofer to complement the modern setup.
Talking of safety, the new Wrangler 4xe offers the most advanced ADAS systems, including standard Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Path Detection, rearview camera, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), front and rear Park Assist and Keyless Enter’n’Go. Optional safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning Plus and new forward-facing camera that comes standard on Rubicon trim.
Wrangler 4xe will be available in 10 exterior paint schemes: Black, Bright White, Firecracker Red, Granite Crystal Metallic, Hella Yella, Billet Silver Metallic, Sting-Gray and, for the first time in the range, the new Hydro Blue, Snazzberry and Sarge Green. All color options can be combined with the several roof configurations available on this vehicle – soft top, hard top, power soft top and dual top – for an unparalleled open-air driving experience, in typical Wrangler style.
Jeep is also giving a ton load of other customization option on the new 4xe, courtesy of the Mopar brand. The car manufacturer informed that the customers will be able to select more than 100 accessories to enhance the vehicle’s functionality with additional content, increasing the options for personalization and expanding the offer to improve the iconic Wrangler’s capabilities even further. The US automaker confirmed its new offering will reach the European dealerships in June. An Indian launch could be expected soon after that.
