Stellantis is cooking up an expansion for its electrified utility vehicle lineup with a new plug-in hybrid variant of the Jeep Wagoneer and Jeep Grand Wagoneer. The upcoming Jeep Wagoneer 4xe was recently spotted testing as a prototype model, giving us an early look at the SUV prior to its official release. GM currently offers no direct rival, although fuel-conscious buyers can still spec the Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban, and GMC Yukon with the 3.0L I6 LZ0 turbodiesel Duramax engine, if desired.
While this particular prototype is missing its front fascia, it still offers a peek at the redesigned headlights, which are more angular than before and wrap nicely into the fenders. This prototype also shows a revised hood and new fender surface development, while the rest of the front fascia should be revised as well.
One of the most significant developments is the addition of a plug-in charging port, as concealed by the camouflage on the fender. The port connects to a new Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) powertrain, coinciding with statements made by Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa who confirmed during the Wagoneer’s debut that a range-extender strategy would be used throughout the brand’s full-size utility vehicle lineup.
The new Jeep Wagoneer 4xe’s EREV powertrain is expected to be nearly identical to that of the Ram 1500 Ramcharger. The SUV will be based on the STLA architecture, and will likely use a V6 ICE generator to support a dual-motor electric drivetrain. In the Ramcharger, this setup delivers 647 horsepower and 610 pound-feet of torque when paired with a 92 kWh battery pack. The Wagoneer 4xe may also use a slightly smaller battery due to packaging constraints, but is still expected to offer substantial driving range and towing capability.
Inside, the prototype doesn’t show much change over the current model. The dashboard, infotainment screen, and steering wheel appear to be carried over, although this prototype also includes a bright yellow emergency stop button – typical of early-stage test vehicles. That said, later prototypes may reveal some interior changes.
Comments
PHEVs, like EVs, are unwanted by most. Automaker stupidity and arrogance continues….
PHEV’s are fantastic and many want them I would imagine. They cover the usually range of daily driving for most, then it completely throws out any range anxiety. What is your problem with them? Give me a PHEV any day over EV.
They’re gonna need a bigger bumper if they’re going full Zombie Apocalypse.