Grand Cherokee L provisioning in three spec levels, with well-proven V6.

JEEP’S first seven-seat Grand Cherokee arrives next month costing between $99,990 and $134,990, prior to options and a hefty Clean Car penalty – but a more affordable five-seat model potentially up to evading the emissions hit is due later in the year.

Significantly larger and offering more technology, not least a new architecture, than the decade-old model that precedes it, the Grand Cherokee L – a designation signalling it features the first-time three row format - nonetheless keeps one foot in the past.

 With diesel power now retired and the 5.7-litre petrol V8 available in the US not travelling, all the immediate models are powered by the 3.6-litre 'Pentastar' petrol V6 highly familiar to the customer base, as it introduced 12 years ago, that is not heading edge for economy or emissions.

A new-generation five-seat model – with the same technology and styling as the L – will arrive later this year, and with it comes a new-era engine that is taking Jeep into the future.

Labelled as the ‘4xe plug-in hybrid power’, this model (below) has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with two electric motors and a 17kWh battery pack.

That might seem small, but it is mighty also. Jeep claim of this powertrain delivering a maximum 280kW and 637Nm means it utterly trounces the Pentastar, which knocks out 210kW and 344Nm.

The make might yet play another card for Grand Cherokee, with word that a new 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine just announced in the US is also coming to this car in the future.

Local market emissions and economy data for the models has yet to be shared, but the hybrid is clearly set to be a lot cleaner and more efficient than the Pentastar.

In past applications the petrol six has tended to deliver no better than 10 litres per 100km economy and chug out 273 grams of CO2 per kilometre. If still relevant, that’s a $5000 penalty.

By comparison, Jeep claims the 4xe will achieve a combined fuel economy rating of 4.1 litres per 100km. Plus, it offers an optimal 40km of pure electric driving range. Total range is cited as 708km.

The powertrain has Hybrid, Electric and eSave modes; the last designed to ‘hold’ the battery charge level until it is needed.

A set of motor-generator units replace the alternator and transmission torque converter, while underbody skid plates and water sealing allow it to have the same 610mm wading depth as other versions.

Jeep says the plug-in hybrid 4xe variant can tow up to 2720kg braked, which is only 92kg shy of the V6.

As expected,  the L will avail in a base Night Eagle spec that elevates into seven-figure territory if ordered with premium paint – a $2000 box tick across the range - and a sunroof, the latter adding $3000.

Also incoming are a Limited, for $104,990, and the flagship Summit Reserve, at $134,990.

The mid-grade has a ‘vision group’ option, comprising a sunroof and head up display, that adds $5000. The option pack for Summit Reserve is called ‘advanced tech group’. It brings head-up display, wireless phone charge, night vision and a front passenger interactive display.

Standard Night Eagle features include an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, electric front seats, LED headlights, leather trim, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a full suite of active safety features.

The Limited adds a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, upgraded Capri leather seats, a nine-speaker sound system. Summit Reserve scores Palermo leather, 21-inch wheels, a McIntosh sound system, front-seat ventilation and massaging, four-zone climate control and air suspension.

The seven and five-chair types use a common eight-speed automatic transmission, though the Summit Reserve has a more advanced four-wheel-drive system.

The new Grand is larger than its predecessor, measuring in at 4910mm long and 2150mm wide, with a 2964mm wheelbase. 

Boot space has risen by 40 litres to 1068 litres, though that measurement was recorded up to the roof, rather than to the window line. There's also more space for passengers in both rows.