Electrification, widely seen as the next chapter for the car industry, is gradually filtering into every category - even no-nonsense, go-anywhere 4x4s. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe is proof that plug-in power is now part of that world.
First shown nine months ago in its home market of the United States and now open for orders in Europe, the Wrangler 4xe becomes the latest model in Jeep’s electrified push, joining the Compass 4xe and Renegade 4xe.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe: styling changes
At a glance, the plug-in hybrid Wrangler is not easy to tell apart from the purely combustion versions. The visual differences mainly come down to the charging flap, dedicated alloy wheels (17″ and 18″), and electric-blue highlights on the “Jeep”, “4xe” and “Trail Rated” badges. In Rubicon trim, you also get the version identifier finished in electric blue, plus a 4xe badge on the bonnet.
Cabin technology and displays
Inside, the updates are more obvious. The Wrangler 4xe features a new instrument cluster with a 7” colour display, an 8.4” central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a battery charge-status monitor with an LED indicator positioned at the top of the dashboard.
Impressive figures
Mechanically, the European-spec Wrangler 4xe follows the same formula as the North American model. In total, the 4xe uses three motors: two electric motor-generators powered by a 400 V, 17 kWh battery pack, plus a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.
The first electric motor-generator is linked to the combustion engine (taking the place of the alternator). As well as working alongside the engine, it can operate as a high-voltage generator. The second motor-generator sits within the eight-speed automatic gearbox, where it is responsible for providing drive and recovering energy during braking.
Combine everything and you get a maximum system output of 380 hp (280 kW) and 637 Nm, delivered to all four wheels via the eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission.
This hardware allows the Jeep Wrangler 4xe to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4s, while also cutting CO2 emissions by almost 70% compared with the equivalent petrol version. Average consumption is quoted at 3.5 l/100 km in hybrid mode, and it claims an electric-only range of up to 50 km in urban driving.
As for the batteries behind that EV range, they are packaged beneath the second row of seats. That layout means boot capacity remains the same as the combustion models (533 litres). Finally, charging can be completed in under three hours using a 7.4 kWh charger.
When it comes to driving modes, nothing changes from what was presented nine months ago at the US reveal: Hybrid, Electric and eSave. Off-road capability, meanwhile, is said to be fully retained despite the move to electrification.
When will it arrive?
Offered in “Sahara”, “Rubicon” and “80th Anniversary” trim levels, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe still has no pricing confirmed for the UK market. Even so, it can already be ordered, with the first vehicles expected to reach dealerships in June.
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