For anyone who was drawn to the mystique and imagery that the Jeep Wrangler has portrayed for so long but hated the fact that they were big gas-guzzlers, your conflict may soon be no more.
This morning during an online press event in Detroit, Christian Meunier, Global President of Jeep Brand – FCA introduced the world to the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, a Plug-in hybrid variant of Jeep’s flagship model. A PHEV version of the Wrangler has been anticipated for the past few years given that former FCA Chairman, the late Sergio Marchionne revealed that electrification was indeed part of Jeep’s 5 year plan. But plans like this can often change, so to actually see the reveal today is welcomed by many.
Christian Meunier, Global President of Jeep Brand – FCA introduces the new 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe
A Wrangler that whispers in the woods
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe powertrain integrates two electric motors and a 400-volt battery pack with a fuel-efficient, 2.0L turbocharged, four-cylinder engine and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Power output from this powertrain combination is 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque.
The Wrangler 4xe’s plug-in hybrid powertrain is capable of up to 40 kilometres or 25 miles of nearly silent, zero-emission, electric-only propulsion. If you want to hold off on using the silent EV only driving while in the midst of the wilderness on off-road trails, the Wrangler 4xe will allow you to switch to eSave mode. In this mode the energy stored in the battery will be kept and only discharged when switched back to Hybrid mode or Electric mode.
One of the true benefits of offering a PHEV is the fact that torque from the electric motors in the Wrangler 4xe’s hybrid powertrain arrives instantly on demand from the driver, and instant torque will be highly valued by drivers looking to push the Wrangler to its capable off-road limits.
2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 4xe
New battery design minimizes space requirements
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe’s 400-volt, 17-kWh, 96-cell lithium-ion battery pack uses nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) graphite chemistry. The pack and controls mount underneath the second-row seat, where it is protected from outside elements. The Wrangler 4xe’s second-row seat is redesigned, allowing the bottom cushion to flip forward for access to the battery.
Encased in an aluminum housing, the pack is fitted with a dedicated heating and cooling circuit to keep the battery at its optimum temperature for best performance. The temperature control circuit includes a dedicated heater unit and a chiller that uses the Wrangler air-conditioning refrigerant to reduce coolant temperature when needed.
Side view of the 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 4xe hybrid electric.
Looks like a Wrangler
The Wrangler 4xe bears an exterior design that is both instantly recognizable as a Wrangler, but at the same time unique from other variants. New Electric Blue coloring on the front and rear Rubicon tow hooks stands out against the black bumpers. The unique blue coloring also traces the Rubicon name on the hood, Jeep badge and the Trail Rated badge. Select Easter egg design cues also receive the Electric Blue shade. The black hood decal is outlined in the special color with “4xe” that lets the body color show through.
Buyers will have 10 exterior colours to chose from: Black, Bright White, Firecracker Red, Granite Crystal Metallic, Hella Yella, Hydro Blue (late availability), Sting-Gray, Snazzberry, Sarge and Billet Silver Metallic. Two Wrangler interior options (Black and Heritage Tan cloth/ Black and Dark Saddle leather) are available in the 4xe version.
The new Jeep Wrangler 4xe is available in three models: 4xe, Sahara 4xe and Rubicon 4xe. Wrangler 4xe and Wrangler Sahara 4xe models are equipped with full-time 4×4 systems, front and rear next-generation Dana 44 axles and are fitted with the Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. The intuitive system allows the driver to set it and forget it in any environment.
An available Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential provides extra grip and capability in low-traction situations, such as driving over sand, gravel, snow or ice.
2021 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 4xe
SEE ALSO: 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL vs 2016 Wrangler JK (Video)
But is far less thirsty than a typical Wrangler
The most advanced powertrain ever developed for a Jeep Wrangler will maximize efficiency with an estimated 4.7 Le/100 km (50 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe)) while eliminating range anxiety, delivering pure-electric operation for most daily commutes.
To help optimize the benefit of the E Selec modes, the Wrangler 4xe driver information display and the Uconnect touchscreen feature Eco Coaching Pages. The Eco Coaching Pages let owners monitor power flow and see the impact of regenerative braking, schedule charging times to take advantage of lower electric rates, and view their driving history with a detail of electric and gasoline usage.
Regenerative braking is a key part of the Wrangler 4xe eco-friendly equation. When the driver steps on the brake pedal, the powertrain control engages the maximum available regenerative braking, up to 0.25 g, from the electric motors to slow the vehicle, augmented with the Wrangler’s traditional friction brakes. The regenerative braking feature also extends the replacement period for brake pads.
SEE ALSO: 2020 Jeep Gladiator Review (Video)
Arriving Early 2021
During the online media launch, it was announced that the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe will be available in the U.S., Canada, China and Europe in early 2021. Pricing was not announced during the event.
Renegade and Compass 4xe also announced
Jeep announced that it plans to offer 4xe variants across it’s entire model line up, including the all new Grand Wagoneer concept which was also revealed at the same event. A 4xe variant of the Jeep Renegade and Compass has been already released in Europe, but no plans or dates were announced as to when they will make their way to North America.
Some will believe that electrifying a brand and model as iconic as the Jeep Wrangler is risky. But in my personal view, it’s long overdue and about time.
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