New Jeep Grand Cherokee arrives in Oz

The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee has arrived Down Under for local testing just three weeks after its global debut on January 7, underlining its importance to Jeep Australia.

As you can see from this image, the fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee is now undergoing public-road testing in Australia, where it will be released by the end of 2021.

The heavily camouflaged right-hand drive prototype can be seen here in three-row Grand Cherokee L form, which has been confirmed for our market.

The first seven-seat Grand Cherokee rides on a 3091mm wheelbase and is being billed as the most spacious vehicle in its class thanks to class-leading legroom in the second row.

Jeep Australia says local testing will extend beyond Melbourne roads over the coming months “to best determine the vehicle's capability within the local conditions of the Australian market”.

Global Jeep boss Christian Meunier recently told Australian journalists there would be significant local testing of the new Grand Cherokee in preparation for its local launch later this year.

“We’re going to test your roads, we’re going to test your dirt roads, test the towing capacity because we know it’s important in your market,” he said.

Jeep says the testing is being conducted by a local team and will include connectivity and infotainment, and performance on gravel, tarmac, off-road and while towing, across a variety of weather conditions and locations including Alice Springs.

As we’ve reported, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee shares much with the all-new Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which like the Wrangler V8 will not be sold here.

Nor will there be a diesel Grand Cherokee this time around, but the new model is expected to bring big strides in technology, refinement and durability, thanks to the Alfa Romeo-derived Giorgio platform.

Jeep claims the all-new vehicle architecture, comprising independent front and rear suspension and optional ‘Quadra-Lift’ air suspension with electronic adaptive damping – delivers class-leading off-roading capability without compromising on-road comfort and handling.

The new Grand Cherokee offers more ground clearance (up to 277mm) and greater water fording capability (610mm) than its predecessors, while V8-powered models will offer generous towing capacity of 3266kg.

It will be offered with a choice of three 4x4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II with rear eLSD) and a Selec-Terrain traction management system with five terrain modes (Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow and Mud/Sand).

Riding on a longer wheelbase and wider tracks, the new Grand Cherokee retains its big, bold visuals while adding a modern touch and new options like 21-inch wheels and a black roof.

The new Grand Cherokee will initially be offered with a choice of two engines that are carried over from the existing model – a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 (217kW/348Nm) and a 5.7-litre HEMI V8 (266kW/529Nm), both matched with a carryover ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

It’s a safe bet that high-performance SRT and Trackhawk versions – powered by a 6.4-litre V8 and 6.2-litre supercharged V8 respectively – will join the range in due course.

There’s nothing carryover inside, where the cabin features a customisable 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch central touch-screen, LED ambient lighting, massaging front seats, 360-degree surround view and night vision cameras, and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is claimed to have the most advanced Uconnect system ever with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, windshield head-up display (HUD), rear seat monitoring camera and a premium 960W, 19-speaker McIntosh audio sound system.

Jeep’s new flagship SUV will be launched in Australia late this year, with pricing again likely to range from $60K to $90K.