The Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models are the ultimate expressions of Jeep capability and luxury. We enjoyed our time with the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, but it’s no secret that, like their ancestors, fuel economy is not a strong suit. However, it would seem that Jeep is out to change all that, with the brand confirming that it has begun exploring the idea of an all-electric EV version with the all-new Grand Wagoneer S and the Grand Wagoneer 4xe.
Sleek Grand Wagoneer S Embraces Three Distinct Pillars
Unlike the Recon, Jeep revealed that the Grand Wagoneer S name itself is only a codename for the moment, but the exterior styling of the S follows three distinct themes, with Chief Design Officer Ralph Gilles confirming that the S embodies “Speed, Striking, and Sexy.” The exterior styling is perhaps the most radical departure from the ICE version, with the boxy square look being pitched for a more rounded look that appears to take a page or two from the smaller Grand Cherokee. This is mainly a concession to aerodynamics, with the slicker suit of clothes having the ability to go through the air more effectively than a square body.
The extra aerodynamics is also needed to help the Wagoneer S deliver the goods on performance, too, with the model being powered by a 600 hp electric powertrain that’s mated to a beefed-up all-wheel drive system. This combination allows the Wagoneer S to have an estimated 0 to 60 time of 3.5 seconds while still allowing occupants to benefit from up to 400 miles of range in between charges. Like the Recon, Jeep will be building the model (name subject to change) with the Wagoneer S is expected to enter production in 2024 with reservations being opened early next year.
Wagoneer 4xe Creates Perfect Bridge To The Future
If you’re not willing to wait that long, Jeep also confirmed that it will be making 4xe version of the current generation Grand Wagoneer. The model is slated to get 500 combined miles of range with its electric and gas engine setup. It’s not known what engine the green components will be mated to it, but look for it to be perhaps a tweaked version of the four-cylinder that also sees duty in the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler 4xe. In those two models, the setup makes a combined 375 hp and while that’s adequate for a model like the Grand Wagoneer, we will not be too surprised if Jeep engineers find a way to squeeze a few more horses out of the powerplant to not only cement it as the flagship of the 4xe lineup but also justify its high price tag amongst buyers.
This model would also allow the Grand Wagoneer to occupy a unique niche of the ultra-luxury SUV market, with neither the Cadillac Escalade nor the Lincoln Navigator offering a dedicated hybrid model of their own. The closest competitors here are actually found in foreign models, with the Range Rover plug-in hybrid and the BMW X7 being the two closest rivals that it has in this segment.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.