Next Jeep Wrangler could drive under water

There’s no question the Jeep Wrangler is one of the most capable 4WDs right out of the box, including when it comes to water crossings.

But from a standard wading depth of 760mm with the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, the US off-road brand has now teased a fully submersible – yes, underwater-capable – version of its iconic 4x4 off-roader that could be on sale here in a decade.  

We caught a few shots of the futuristic Wrangler driving under water, complete with a fish swimming past, during a video conference with the global boss of Jeep, Christian Meunier.

Speaking just a week after Jeep’s parent Stellantis held its EV Day, where it released a promotional video showing a full-electric Wrangler and a plug-in hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Meunier revealed that the auto-maker planned to take electrification to new heights – or depths, in this particular case.

“We’ve added a few nice features [to the Wrangler EV shown in the promo] and one at the end which is more of a wink to the future, but something that could be a dream after 2030. Maybe not a dream though?” he declared.

As engineers investigate the idea of a completely sealed, underwater-capable Jeep, shown via a futuristic Wrangler with extra LED spot lights in these images, the idea is technically possible.

An EV powertrain doesn’t need to suck in air to mix with fuel in order to provide locomotion like a conventional combustion engine, so there is scope for such capability.

“It’s light-hearted video, and while futuristic in nature this video is reflective of our plans and vision,” said Meunier, suggesting the idea has merit.

Whether owners of a fully submersible 4x4 would require a boat licence to actively explore underwater is still a little murky (and would probably depend on local regulations), but the prospect is now on the fillet-cleaning table.

We note that the recent all-electric Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept did, however, only offer a regular 30-inch wading depth with its battery packs encased in a waterproof material.

Whatever eventuates, it’s clear that Jeep has big plans for the iconic Wrangler and that the brand’s shift towards electrification will include a few surprises along the way.

“For 80 years the Jeep brand has been built on strong values, and has never departed from there – freedom, adventure, authenticity, passion,” said Meunier.

“And our exclusive take on electrification gives us an opportunity to really celebrate and amplify those core values.”

That said, Australians shouldn’t hold their breath.

Jeep might plan to deliver an EV across every model line by 2025, but neither the forthcoming Wrangler EV nor the Grand Cherokee 4xe are confirmed for Australia.

So electrified Jeeps of any description – let alone full-electric – aren’t yet on our horizon.

The new-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee that launches late this year is expected to initially offer only petrol V6 power.

We’ve seen a few drowned Jeeps in our time, so could prospective buyers please note that the new GC also won’t be available at launch with deep-sea diving capability.