FCA’s Jeep brand reckons the (all but production-ready) Grand Wagoneer ‘Concept’ unveiled this week “marks the rebirth of a classic and premium American icon, providing a vision of what the modern expression of the original, ultimate, premium SUV can be”.
“Our concept marks the first step in the rebirth of Wagoneer – a true and rare premium American icon,” said Christian Meunier, Jeep’s global president. “With the electrification of each Jeep nameplate coming in the next few years, and the reintroduction of Wagoneer, we are quickly expanding into new segments and more premium space.”
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The concept has an electrified powertrain, 4×4 off-road systems, and a claimed industry first passenger side display screen.
Launched in 1962 for the 1963 model year, the original (and still much loved) Wagoneer was the first four wheel drive vehicle with automatic transmission, effectively the first modern SUV though the term wasn’t used then. The 1984 Grand Wagoneer marked the beginning of the premium SUV, giving buyers a combination of previously unheard of standard features, such as leather upholstery, air conditioning, AM/FM/CB stereo radios and added sound insulation, plus a big increase in horsepower and torque.
The new Grand Wagoneer will have third row seating, a first for the nameplate.
Production versions of Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are due in US showrooms mid-2021 after a first quarter production start. They will be built in Warren, Michigan.
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By GlobalDataThe concept’s full length glass roof houses a map showcasing Detroit and the surrounding area.
Jeep claims the production Grand Wagoneer will have “class-leading capability courtesy of three available 4×4 systems and Quadra-Lift air suspension, premium driving dynamics with an independent front and rear suspension, unmatched towing capability, powerful performance, advanced technology, safety and connectivity, a new level of comfort and best-in-class overall passenger volume – all wrapped in a stunning, elegant new design”.
While the original Grand Wagoneer featured extensive use of wood on its exterior, the concept houses genuine heat-treated lacewood inside.
Additional sustainable interior appointments include a full suede headliner made of Dinamica — a fully recyclable premium microfibre suede — as well as premium carpets made from Thrive fibre which is comprised of recycled content using pre- and post-consumer materials. PUR, a sustainable synthetic material, was chosen to upholster all of the seating, console, door and instrument panel surfaces.
Screens are a 12.3-inch driver information display behind the steering wheel, a 12.1-inch horizontal touchscreen as the main display screen in the centre console, a 10.25-inch horizontal comfort display touchscreen below, separated by the structural aluminum wing that controls the seats and the four-zone climate control. A 10.25-inch passenger screen provides the front passenger with touchscreen control.
Second row passengers get a 10.1-inch comfort display screen housed on the centre console between the two captain’s chairs. Each second-row passenger also has their own 10.1-inch entertainment touchscreen.
The interior is powered by FCA’s new Uconnect 5 system, which delivers operating speeds five times faster when compared to the previous generation. It uses the Android operating system.
The concept has plug-in hybrid powertrain.
