Jeep Grand Cherokee L 5.7 V8
Noble and strong
Jeep Grand Cherokee L 5.7 V8 Overland
© press-inform – the press office
The league of luxury SUVs is getting bigger and bigger – not only in the USA. In Europe and Asia, too, the noble crossovers are increasingly replacing the once popular limousines. The best example is the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, the long version of which even scratches the legendary Van Chrysler Voyager.
For many years Chrysler had the most successful van in the western world with the Voyager. In the US it is still on the market as Chrysler Pacifica, but no longer remotely comparable to the market power of the 1990s and early 2000s. The family vans have also been eaten up by the overwhelming power of the crossovers and SUVs, which have long been targeting the luxury sedans as well. The new Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is already on the road in the USA as a version with a long wheelbase, shows how generously dimensioned, luxurious and flexible the off-road vehicle can be. Next year the Grand Cherokee will also be coming to Europe – and customers on this side of the Atlantic can be happy, because it is not only fighting with US competitors such as Cadillac Escalade, Ford Explorer / Expedition or Chevrolet Tahoe, but is also setting the European competition more than ever from Audi Q7, Mercedes GLS or BMW X7 under pressure – with well-known off-road qualities, a new level of comfort and a lot of flexibility.
This applies not only to the interior of the 5.20 meter long Grand Cherokee L, but also to the drive. While the well-known 5.7-liter V8 with its hemi-cylinders is a true ideal choice in the USA, plug-in hybrids and diesels in particular are likely to set the tone in Europe. The calmly running eight-cylinder is anything but economical with a standard consumption of 13.8 liters per 100 kilometers, but in contrast to the competition, the North Americans have for years not been using turbocharging, which would reduce thirst especially in the standard cycle and bring a noticeable leap in performance. On the road, however, the eight-cylinder is perfectly matched to the powerful off-road vehicle and the driver does not care whether he is on his own or in full force in the colossus, which can accommodate up to seven people. Thanks to 520 Nm and the well-coordinated eight-speed automatic, it goes beefy and powerful from any speed. Those who want to consume less opt for the smaller six-cylinder, but rather wait a little longer for the plug-in hybrid or rely on a high-torque diesel, as most US competitors are now offering.
The new Grand Cherokee has not only gained significantly in terms of space and equipment. The chassis set-up with its various driving programs and variable air suspension is more convenient than ever. All-wheel drive is standard on the large eight-cylinder and is more than recommended for the 3.6 V6. On the road, the Grand Cherokee, thanks to electronic damper tuning, is much more comfortable and sensitive than its predecessor. However, the curb weight is impressive at 2,370 kilograms and you can feel that especially in fast corners and when decelerating the family crossover, which rolls on 20-inch wheels. However, the weight distribution is almost balanced and this is reflected in an emphatically neutral driving behavior. The steering could be more precise, but offers the driver the comfort he expects in this class. There is hardly a customer who is likely to chase the American across the country road in too much of a hurry.
In contrast to its numerous competitors, the Jeep Grand Cherokee doesn’t shy away from taking a detour on unpaved slopes and hard terrain. For this purpose, it can be equipped with an off-road package on request, which includes protective plates for the underbody, tank, gearbox and suspension, among other things. Last but not least, an electronic differential lock on the rear axle, which supports driving programs, air suspension and hill descent assistance, ensures propulsion.
In addition to its finely tuned chassis, the interior makes all the difference, because the seats are not only comfortable in the front and in the second row. Even those who can electrically extend the two chairs in the gigantic cargo space can use them for children and adults of medium size and adjust the luggage volume as desired. Depending on the seating, the trunk behind the all too slowly electrically opening tailgate holds 490, 1,330 or 2,390 liters – that’s more than stately. Thanks to the 3.09 meter long wheelbase of the XL Grand Cherokee, it can also be comfortably stopped on longer journeys; especially if the two heated individual seats with armrests are installed in the rear.
We also like the instrumentation, which, in addition to the fully animated head-up display, reveals all the important information at a glance. The only dimly lit steering wheel buttons are the only thing that bothers you in the dark. After a short period of familiarization, the vehicle functions can be easily operated via the 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the smartphone is strengthened further down in the charging cave. The rest of the equipment is charged at twelve USB ports that are distributed across the three rows of seats throughout the interior. Only the number of speakers is even greater, because the McIntosh sound system emits up to 950 watts from 19 loudspeakers. The two top versions Overland and Summit are particularly elegant, with soft nappa leather on the inside, open-pored walnut wood or massage seats at the front if required.
We can look forward to the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and the long version finally serves customers in the USA who have previously migrated to the strong competition for reasons of space. The normal Grand Cherokee, which will come to Europe in 2022, should offer the same luxury and even more dynamism. And if that’s not enough: Above the Grand Cherokee, Jeep will soon be offering the Grand Wagoneer again as the absolute top model. It offers even more luxury, comfort and impresses with its unique history. Hopefully he’ll make the leap across the Atlantic too. With a short wheelbase, V6 engine and rear-wheel drive, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at under $ 37,000 in the US. The long version with 5.7-liter V8 in the noble Overland version costs at least 63,000 dollars and with a few other amenities, the noble model scratches the 70,000 mark. Still a lot of car for the money, because some competitors are ten thousand higher up the road – without the opportunity to shine off-road.