Jeep Unveils New Details for First-Ever Electric Wagoneer S SUV
Jeep has released new information about its first electric vehicle, the Wagoneer S SUV. This announcement comes at a time when Jeep’s parent company, Stellantis (STLA), and key competitors like GM (GM) and Ford (F) are reassessing their electric vehicle (EV) strategies.
Sleek Design and Powerful Performance
The nearly production-ready Wagoneer S takes design cues from the Jeep Grand Cherokee, featuring clean lines and the iconic Jeep waterfall grille. However, it boasts a lower roofline and a more streamlined shape for improved aerodynamics.
Beneath the exterior, the Wagoneer S is equipped with two electric drive motors (EDMs), which combine the motor, gearing, and power electronics into a single unit. Together, these motors produce 600 horsepower and 617 lb-ft of torque, enabling the SUV to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. Additionally, it features a 100 kWh battery pack and Jeep’s Selec-Terrain drive modes, offering a range of 300 miles on a full charge.
Specification Table
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Motors | Two Electric Drive Motors (EDMs) |
Horsepower | 600 HP |
Torque | 617 lb-ft |
0-60 mph | 3.4 seconds |
Battery Pack | 100 kWh |
Range | 300 miles |
Platform | STLA Large Platform |
Drive Modes | Jeep Selec-Terrain |
High-Spec Launch Edition | Starting at $71,995 (including destination) |
A New Era of Jeep Innovation
Antonio Filosa, Jeep brand CEO, stated, “Building upon nearly a century of innovation and design, this first global EV will introduce a whole new generation of owners to an experience that is distinctly Jeep and 100% electric in every way. With new energy in the Jeep vehicle lineup, ranging from EV to V-8, customers have never had more freedom to choose their own adventure.”
The Wagoneer S will be built on Stellantis’s STLA Large Platform, which is intended for large EVs. This strategy allows Stellantis to produce brand-specific models in a cost-effective manner. As Stellantis, GM, Ford, Volkswagen, and Toyota continue to shape their EV strategies, flexibility and cost-efficiency are key. Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has noted that while the company has committed to its EV plans through 2027, it remains adaptable and will reassess further investments based on consumer demand.
Future EV Prospects and Pricing
Jeep’s strong sales of the plug-in hybrid 4xe models of the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee highlight the brand’s robust position in the market. However, CEO Carlos Tavares remains committed to an electric future for Jeep. At the Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference, Tavares revealed plans for an affordable $25,000 Jeep EV for the US market “very soon,” leveraging the success of the profitable Citroen EV in Europe.
For the US market, the newly introduced Wagoneer S will offer high-spec Launch Edition models starting at $71,995, including destination charges. This price point is lower than the expected $80,000, with details on lower-spec versions yet to be announced.
The launch of the Wagoneer S represents a significant step for Jeep as it broadens its EV lineup. With impressive performance, cutting-edge technology, and competitive pricing, the Wagoneer S aims to attract a new generation of Jeep enthusiasts. As Stellantis and other automakers refine their EV strategies, the Wagoneer S stands as a testament to innovation and flexibility in the evolving automotive landscape.