Jeep late last week revealed its first global battery-electric vehicle (BEV), the Wagoneer S, in Launch Edition form. The five-passenger SUV debuts parent Stellantis’ BEV-native STLA Large platform, as Futurride highlighted in January, and will be available in Jeep brand EV-certified U.S. and Canadian dealerships starting in the second half of 2024. At a starting U.S. MSRP of $71,995, it will qualify for U.S. Inflation Reduction Act Retail and Lease EV credits.

“Building upon nearly a century of innovation and design, this first global EV will introduce a whole new generation of owners to an experience that is distinctly Jeep and 100% electric in every way,” said Antonio Filosa, Jeep brand CEO. “With new energy in the Jeep vehicle lineup, ranging from EV to V8, customers have never had more freedom to choose their own adventure.”

The engineering team improved body torsional stiffness by 35% over previous midsize-segment Jeep-brand SUVs bringing a better driving experience with reduced overall noise and vibration levels for a quieter interior cabin and better ride and handling.

The four-wheel-drive powertrain uses Stellantis-designed electric drive modules (EDMs) that power the front and rear axles with the Jeep brand-exclusive Selec-Terrain traction management system featuring five driving modes—Auto, Sport, Eco, Snow, and Sand. The 3-in-1 EDMs combine the electric motor, gearing, and power electronics into compact units, with the front EDM having disconnects to reduce energy draw when cruising and to help optimize range.

Peak outputs of 447 kW and 617 lb·ft (837 N·m) provide 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) acceleration in 3.4 s. Its 400-V 100-kW·h battery pack provides a range of more than 300 mi (482 km) and charges from 20-80% in 23 min with a DC fast charger.

Every Launch Edition includes a 48-A Level 2 home charger or public charging credits through Free2move Charge, Stellantis’ charging ecosystem, with an app enabling searching for charging stations, activating charging sessions, and keeping track of charging history.

 

Aerodynamically slickest Jeep ever

Jeep designers and engineers set aggressive goals to reach optimal aerodynamic performance for maximum EV efficiency, range, and performance. Using tools including state-of-the-art wind tunnels and a rigorous testing and development process, the team achieved a coefficient of drag of 0.29, the lowest Cd ever for a Jeep vehicle and about 15% better than the average SUV, according to Jeep.

At a high level, key exterior design elements focused on aerodynamic efficiency to upgrade the Jeep for electrification include the slope and curvature of the hood and windshield for optimal performance and efficiency at high speeds. A sloping roofline flows under the cantilevered rear spoiler, marrying the aesthetics of a traditional Wagoneer silhouette with a roof and rear liftgate spoiler angled to minimize wake size.

An integrated system of underbody shields, shaped front tire spats, and side-sill design direct airflow smoothly around the tires and to the vehicle rear. The vehicle’s flush-pocket door handles, rear wing, and integrated fins help guide airflow around the vehicle and control the separation point at the rear.

The front fascia gets a reimagined seven-slot Jeep grille that, no longer needed to allow airflow and cooling, is closed but features ambient cast lighting inspired by modern architecture to deliver a unique appearance “even miles down the road.” The Launch Edition will be outfitted with dark accent cues like 20-in gloss black wheels and gloss black and dark gray exterior elements instead of chrome satin-painted accent trim, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof.​

 

Upgraded and recycled materials

Jeep says that, as the 1963 Wagoneer was a cut above the competition, ushering in the widespread adoption of utility vehicles, the 2024 Wagoneer S continues to push boundaries and evolve the brand with a new embrace of technology, luxury, and innovation.

Building upon the current-generation Jeep Grand Wagoneer design, the focal point of the front cabin is a cross-car wing sculpture with a “visually continuous” display that spans the width of the instrument panel with accent stitching and metal decorative trim. The center display is framed by a mix of materials including a cross-metal deco trim applique with a “glazed laced” pattern.

A new black ceramic-coated aluminum with applique appears on many of the vehicle’s touch points. Featured prominently on the driver control center, the material is cool to the touch and has a porcelain-like feel.

“Soft-wrapped” doors feature cross-metal accents trim to match the instrument panel. New for the Jeep brand are electric door releases. The start button is surrounded by die-cast zinc metal with a textured pattern.

The use of recycled materials includes a premium microfiber suede headliner and premium carpets comprised of pre- and post-consumer materials. The seating, console, doors, and instrument panel surfaces feature a synthetic-leather material.

The flat-bottom, twin-spoke steering wheel introduces a Cabo vinyl anti-microbial surface coating, making it easier to keep clean.

Thanks to a segment-exclusive partnership with McIntosh, the high-performance audio system delivers an immersive experience through a 19-speaker system powered by a 1200-W amplifier and 12-in subwoofer for outstanding bass.

The Launch Edition comes standard with customizable LED lighting having daytime/nighttime settings and active ambient lighting with up to 64 selectable colors. The Wagoneer S is said to be the only BEV in its segment to have standard heated and ventilated rear seats.

 

Expansive screens and OTA

The new SUV’s interior features a claimed best-in-class combined usable screen size of more than 45 in. This includes a segment-exclusive 10.25-in front interactive passenger display linked to the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, allowing the front passenger to provide the driver with directions with a quick touch of the screen.

Based on customer feedback, the 12.3-in driver cluster display was designed to be more intuitive and visually impactful. With the standard integrated navigation system, new dynamic road views better assist the driver and augment the vehicle’s standard ADAS (advanced driving assistance system). It features a refined set of menus including BEV-specific elements such as charge level, battery health, and available power.

The 12.3-in center display is said to offer new levels of clarity. The screen is more responsive and provides better visibility than previous generations, specifically related to the readability of maps, cameras, and widgets. An expansive range of saturated colors and backlighting allows better projection of system apps.

For the Wagoneer S, Jeep claims to deliver a combination of more than 170 standard safety and security features that aid in collision avoidance with advanced driver-assist technology. Features on the Launch Edition include active driving assist, intersection collision assist, drowsy driver detection, traffic sign recognition, and surround-view camera.

Wagoner S customers are automatically enrolled in Jeep Wave, a premium loyalty program of benefits and perks including no-cost maintenance and dedicated 24/7 support. They can enroll for three years of Jeep Connect services as part of the Assistance and Navigation package, and participants have access to the Safety and Security package for up to 10 years of vehicle ownership.

A flexible architecture and open software-defined platform enable the Wagoneer S to receive OTA (over-the-air) feature and service updates including automated driving, performance, and other technologies so that the vehicle will evolve.

 

Trailhawk concept

Debuting alongside the Launch Edition was the Trailhawk concept, a ruggedized Wagoneer S focused on off-road design and capability. The “trail-ready” concept has the Selec-Terrain system’s Auto, Sand, Snow, Eco, and Sport modes enhanced with Rock mode, a driver-selectable rear-axle locker, and rugged 31.5-in all-terrain tires.

The concept has a lifted suspension and “aggressive” front and rear design with functional air extractors to improve performance on dusty trails and rocky terrain and an illuminated grille with a more rugged look, textured slots, and Storm Gray metallic accents. Other exterior highlights are a special Banner color, an anti-glare hood decal, flush badging inspired by modern aircraft, front and rear orange tow hooks, unique 18-in multi-piece wheels, laser-cut aluminum roof rack, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof for a variety of open-air experiences.

The interior was upfitted with soft surfaces wrapped in Mantis Green non-leather synthetic material and accented with meteorite-inspired real stone veneer, Storm dark metallic accents, and Radical Red anodizing. More aggressive front heated and ventilated seats are wrapped in Mantis Green with a unique chevron perforation pattern, Ultraviolet accent stitching, and decorative piping.

The concept’s instrument panel gets a meteorite-inspired genuine stone veneer that’s natural and durable and it features a functional cross-car grab bar with exposed fasteners and inserts for mounting gear, devices, and accessories. An octagonal steering wheel has “tactical-inspired” grip side sections and a rounded profile for hand-over-hand all-terrain driving.

The doors and center console feature a new modular cargo management system with re-configurable elastic straps for customized gear storage and organization. The center console features a large open storage bin, a wireless phone charger, and multiple USB outlets to power tools and accessories for outdoor adventures.