What's all this about?

Jeep’s new electric SUV. It’s called the Wagoneer S, a name semi-borrowed from the existing US-market Wagoneer models, and it’s not just the first ‘global’ electric vehicle from Jeep; it’s the most powerful Jeep model ever. Which is why the newcomer is expected to compete with the Tesla Model Y and the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT when it arrives in the UK in 2025.

Hang on, wasn’t the Avenger Jeep’s first electric car?

It was, but as it is only on sale in Europe, it doesn’t count as a ‘global’ model. The Wagoneer S, on the other hand, will be available in Jeep’s home market of the USA and Canada later this year, before coming to Europe in 2025.

It doesn't look all that Jeep-like...?

Well, it does and it doesn’t. Jeep has wildly reimagined the seven-slot grille that’s characteristic of its models, playing with light and panelling to get the desired effect, while the wheel arches are still trapezoidal. So the details are very much ‘Jeep,’ but the overall shape is much more aerodynamic than anything Jeep has produced before. And the figures prove it. With the sloping roofline and the bonnet shape, as well as underfloor panels, a massive rear spoiler and a few other low-drag accoutrements, the Wagoneer S’s drag coefficient is streets ahead of anything else Jeep has ever made.

Similarly, the cabin is more high-tech than anything else Jeep has ever made, with not one but three screens splattered across the dash. With a combined display area of 45 inches, there’s a 12.3-inch central touchscreen flanked by a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 10.25-inch passenger display. All three use Jeep’s latest software, and are integrated with ‘proper’ physical switchgear for volume and heater controls.

The cabin is also home to an optional McIntosh 19-speaker, 1,160-watt sound system and sustainable materials, as well as trim with a ceramic coating to reduce fingerprints and scratches and an antimicrobial steering wheel covering.

Sounds high-tech. What's the powertrain like?

Powerful. The Wagoneer S gets two electric motors that combine to produce 600hp and send it to all four wheels, while they’re fed by a 100kWh battery. Jeep hasn’t homologated the car yet, but it has confirmed it’s aiming for a range of more than 300 miles, well the 0-62mph time will be around the 3.4-second mark. The system will also be capable of disengaging the front motor completely for maximum efficiency in the cruise.

Wow. Will it handle properly?

Jeep says so. The car is 35 per cent stiffer than any previous mid-size Jeep, so it should handle better than any previous mid-size Jeep. And ride better. But that’s just Jeep’s opinion, and we’ll have to wait and see what the Wagoneer is like on the road. If it’s any kind of a steer, Jeep’s executives say it’s “fun to drive.”

What about off-road?

Jeep still says its focus is on off-road vehicles, and the Wagoneer S provides plenty of off-road tech. There’s a Selec-Terrain system for different driving modes to suit the surface and conditions, including Snow and Sand modes. It may not be a Wrangler, but Jeep reckons the Wagoneer S will still go off-road.

So when can I have one?

Jeep is launching the Wagoneer S in the States later this year, but UK customers will have to wait until 2025. Prices and specifications are yet to be confirmed.

James Fossdyke - 31 May 2024