Jeep announced their elaborate electrification plan recently, and kicked off proceedings with the Compass 4xe and Renegade 4xe. Now though, Jeep has added a pair of electric motors in the Wrangler. The Wrangler 4xe will be a plug-in hybrid, with mountains of torque and the ability to tackle obstacles in pin drop silence. Unless you scratch a bumper, of course.
Under the hood sits a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine and, if you’re sat in the second row, under your derriere is a 400V, 17 kWh battery pack, powering two electric motors. The total system output is 370bhp and 637Nm of torque, and it can also do upto 40km on pure electricity. The hybrid system is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission powering all four wheels. However it is important to note that depending on the variant (4xe, Sahara 4xe and Rubicon 4xe), the four-wheel-drive system will differ.
The 4xe and Sahara 4xe get a full-time four-wheel-drive system, complemented by Dana 44 axles on both ends and get a two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range ratio. The Rubicon 4xe gets the Rock-Trac 4x4 system, with a two-speed transfer case which has a low-range ratio of 4:1 low-range gear. It also gets front and rear Dana 44 axles but also gets electric front and rear axle lockers. The Rubicon 4xe also has a crawl ratio of 77.2:1.
Except for the powertrain, the Wrangler 4xe is every bit as capable as the standard Wrangler and that is what Jeep wants to convey with this. The Rubicon 4xe has an impressive approach angle of 44 degrees, a breakover angle of 22.5 degrees, a departure angle of 35.6 degrees and ground clearance of 274mm. Water wading capability is rated at 760mm. If anything, the electric assistance should help with the ability to provide instant torque.
The Wrangler 4xe probably won't make its way to India and neither will the Compass 4xe. However, it is nice to see Jeep not be afraid to dilute the image of an off-road icon by adding the option of electrification to the lineup. It is a good solution — if you prefer an ICE engine you have the option, and if you’re more eco-minded you can still buy yourself a big, capable off-roader. Oh, and the blue badges look cool too.