Jeep’s biggest known electric pitch seems set to ultimately usurp its current petrol-reliant big boy here.

WHAT’S likely to become Jeep’s biggest electric pitch on the New Zealand scene, albeit not for another two years, has been unveiled.

These images of the Wagoneer S are the first to provide a sanctioned look at a battery-pure product based off a 2022 concept and destined to be about the same size as Jeep’s current biggest car here, the Grand Cherokee L.

Jeep has previously only shared teaser images, but then leaked photos of an apparently production-ready example leaked on line. So, as result, the pictures here - which concur with those unsanctioned shots - were shared.

The model is still a year away from production, and will initially restrict to North America, but Jeep has already said it is a global car, with export markets served from 2026.

Whole full powertrain detail has yet to be shared, it also previously stated that the official 0-100kmh time will be 3.5 seconds. Media in North America reckon the powertrain will have around 447kW.

The make’s famous seven bar grille is retained in the design, regardless that it is unlikely to serve as a cooling portal; it gets LED back lighting here. Other design signatures include the slimline LED lights. 

Of course, it also carries the Wagoneer name proudly - plus, on the flanks, an American flag.

The model has large alloy wheels, trapezoidal wheel arches and an integrated spoiler and a full-width tail-light bar at the rear.

Images of the interior show a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and indicate four digital colour screens across the dashboard. These will specifically be a driver’s instrument cluster, a pair of stacked central screens – one for infotainment and the other air-conditioning and similar functions – and another for the front passenger. There are few buttons apart from those on the steering wheel.

Other interior details include rotary shift knob, Jeep’s now-customary Selec-Terrain toggle (featuring Sand, Snow, Eco, Auto and Sport modes) and a prominent start/stop button on the centre console, just in front of the shifter. 

Ambient lighting can be seen tracing through the cabin.

Jeep already has a fully electric product here, in the form of a version of the Avenger, designed and developed in Italy and not intended for sale in the place of brand birthright.

The Stellantis-sourced platform means it uses front-drive running gear shared with the likes of the Peugeot E-2008 and Opel Mokka that Kiwis also can buy and Fiat’s 600e.

A pre-rebate sticker of $67,005 makes Jeep’s product less of a budget buy in than those others with the 54kWh (51kWh usable) battery and 115kW/260Nm single motor when RRPs are being considered. 

The lack of AWD and no great level of ruggedness doesn’t mean it has to wholly steer clear of the wilderness duty that has become a brand credo. 

While the Rubicon Crossing credential is absent, the types does have All-Terrain driving modes, allowing the driver to select from Snow, Mud or Sand settings, aside from the usual Eco, Normal and Sport options. However, as all power goes to the front wheels only, the differences between the off-road modes are said to be minimal.