2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee breaks new ground

Last week, M&Z Motors launched the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee L during a swanky do at Droombos outside the capital, marking 81 years of 4x4 leadership with the rebirth of an American SUV icon – blending off-road capability with a premium on-road driving experience. Now, for the first time in the vehicle’s history, this includes a third row of seating.

The newest iteration is designed and engineered to deliver an unmatched combination of even more legendary 4x4 capability, superior on-road refinement, premium styling and craftsmanship inside and out, and a host of advanced safety and technology features.

World-class driving dynamics and durability

Legendary off-road capability begins courtesy of three 4x4 systems – Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II with rear electronic limited slip-differential (eLSD). All three systems are equipped with an active transfer case to improve traction by moving torque to work with the wheel with the most grip.

The Grand Cherokee L’s class-leading Selec-Terrain traction management system lets customers choose the on- and off-road setting for optimum 4x4 performance with five available terrain modes - auto, sport, rock, snow and mud/sand - to provide optimised calibrations for any given driving scenario.

Additional to the three 4x4 systems, for the first time in the history of the model, the Grand Cherokee L offers a class-exclusive Quadra-Lift air suspension, featuring electronic adaptive damping.

The air suspension delivers a best-in-class ground clearance at 277mm, while also adjusting height automatically based on road conditions and speed to reduce drag and for better fuel economy.

Award-winning powertrains

The Grand Cherokee L offers buyers a fuel-efficient and refined engine with proven performance for any driving situation.

Standard is the all-aluminum 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, rated at 210 kW and 344 Nm of torque. Lauded for its power and refinement, the 60-degree angle between the Pentastar V6’s cylinder banks make it inherently smooth running, augmented by accessories that bolt directly to the engine block. Fuel-saving engine start-stop technology is also standard on the Pentastar V6.

Unparalleled refinement, uncompromising craftsmanship

The proportion of the Grand Cherokee L was inspired by the original Wagoneer, Jeep’s first full-size luxury SUV. Its lean profile features a longer hood and cab, which shifts the vehicle rearward to give a sense of motion with a ready to react response. A forward-tipped grille further enhances the length of the hood and gives a respectful nod to Wagoneer’s iconic design. A lowered, tapered roof improves aerodynamic performance and efficiency without sacrificing its cargo spaciousness and utility.

For the first time, a premium, full suite of LED lighting is standard on all Jeep Grand Cherokee trim levels, which allowed for design flexibility and helped to shape the identity of the vehicle.

Ultra slim headlamps with unique signature lighting set into gloss black bezels, along with slim horizontal fog lamps, express the serious nature of the front end and allow the Grand Cherokee L to be instantly recognisable both during the day and at night.

In the rear, ultra slim tail lamps with unique lit signatures complete the lighting story. Additional elements include approach-lit door handles and puddle lighting projected from the rearview mirror, which are standard on the Summit Reserve.

Interior design

When it came to the interior design, the team’s objective was to create one of the most exquisite and technically advanced passenger cabins in the industry. The next-generation interior evolves to create a more refined expression, featuring handcrafted materials with an attention to detail and modern amenities that pair seamlessly with its new lean and tailored exterior, and has led the Grand Cherokee L to be named one of Wards 10 best interiors for 2021.

The centre stack has been realigned to be even more accessible to the driver. A bright, structural element neatly frames the next-generation, 10.1-inch display for the new Uconnect 5 system. Also new is a 10.25-inch frameless digital gauge cluster with nearly two dozen different menus from which the user can select, including driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, highway assist, night vision (Summit Reserve) and drowsy driver detection. To control the digital cluster, the Grand Cherokee L features an all-new multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters.

This vehicle offers the most available technology features in its class. With the addition of new front and rear interactive displays, it now boasts more than 30 inches of total available digital screen space. New features for the 2022 model year include a segment-exclusive 10.25-inch front passenger screen, offering co-pilot assistance with navigation, camera viewing and visual entertainment

The front-seat passenger can also easily monitor, as well as stop, start and pause, rear display content.

New levels of dimensionality

Designed to maximise overall passenger comfort, the Grand Cherokee L delivers unsurpassed third-row capacity and increased cargo volume. The vehicle’s 3 091mm wheelbase creates generous interior room and gives passengers expansive, class-leading legroom in the second row.

For improved vehicle access, it features larger second-row door openings than previous generations.

The Grand Cherokee L also offers more than 110 safety and security features, including innovative applications of technologies that refine the connection between driver, vehicle and the road.

Functionality is enhanced for front-row passengers with an available wireless charging pad, plus standard dual USB Type C ports that allow devices to charge up to four times faster. It delivers a class-leading total of 12 USB Type A and Type C ports for all three rows.

For more information, contact M+Z Motors at 061 371 000.