SPY PICS: New seven-seat Jeep Grand Cherokee
First three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee caught testingThe next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee has been spotted testing in three-row form for the first time, ahead of its global release next year.
These spy shots of a heavy camouflaged pre-production prototype show the first seven-seat Jeep Grand Cherokee pounding the pavement near Fiat Chrysler’s headquarters in Michigan.
Wearing similar cladding disguise to the two-row vehicles spied previously, this vehicle clearly has a longer rear overhang, although it remains unclear whether the wheelbase will also be stretched and if the biggest ever Grand Cherokee will wear Jeep’s special ‘Trail Rated’ badging.
Based on a derivative of the Giorgio platform that underpins the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Giulia, the new-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee is expected to continue with an upgraded version of FCA’s 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine.
However, some reports suggests a mild-hybrid powertrain based around a new 3.0-litre inline six could replace the 5.7-litre HEMI V8, while new turbo-diesel and plug-in hybrid drivetrains are also expected.
The three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee will be positioned above the all-new five-seat model, but below the upcoming Wagoneer and larger-still Grand Wagoneer, both of which could join the new GC models on sale in Australia following Jeep’s commitment to right-hand drive models and markets.
However, the seven-seat Grand Cherokee is expected to arrive here first – in the first quarter of 2021 – followed by the regular five-seat model around mid-2021.
Both models will form key planks in Jeep’s plan to reboot the US off-road brand and achieve 50,000 annual sales in Australia, where the all-new Gladiator ute will join latest Wrangler off-road on which it’s based by mid-year.
As we’ve reported, the all-new Grand Cherokee could also be tested here at Jeep Australia’s request before then, so it’s possible the all-new large SUV will undergo local chassis and durability assessment to ensure it’s suitable for Aussie road conditions.
The existing WK2 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been the subject of more than 20 safety recalls since its release in 2011.
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