The Grand Cherokee L of the 2021 jeep has Land Rover in its sights – Robb Report

Watch out, Land Rover. Jeep has just launched its fifth generation Grand Cherokee and there is no doubt that the automaker has a certain British SUV in view.

The huge American four-wheel vehicle will be available in three different variants: There is a standard two-row version and a plug-in hybrid model called 4XE. But it is the Grand Cherokee L that will appeal to luxury car drivers. Designed with an extended wheelbase, the model features three rows of soft seats, with a capacity for seven and a series of state-of-the-art features.

The Jeep’s new design follows the example of the original 90’s Grand Wagoneer, which was considered the most luxurious American SUV on the road. The brand is planning to start production of a next-generation Wagoneer in the second quarter of this year, which means that the new Cherokee will be in good company.

Thanks to some external adjustments, the 2021 Grand Cherokee L has a beautiful overall appearance. It has a longer hood and cab, a thinner seven-slat grille tilted forward and LED headlamps narrower than its predecessor. Both the front and rear have been square to give the SUV a striking and slightly square silhouette. The basic wheels measure 18 inches in diameter, but can be exchanged for 21-inch alloy tires if you want a little more strength.

Under the hood, the base model is equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 that offers 290 hp and 257 ft lbs of torque. Opt for Overland or Summit finishes and you’ll upgrade to a 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V-8 that can produce 357 horsepower and 390 ft lbs of torsion. Whichever engine is chosen, power is sent to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

When it comes to handling, the ride features a brand new air suspension with adjustable dampers that continuously adapt to road conditions as well as driving styles. This works in conjunction with five different terrain modes to adjust to weather and road conditions.

The new model will be available with three 4 × 4 systems called Quadra-Trac, in addition to a new disconnection of the front axle. Basically, if the Cherokee determines that conditions do not require four-wheel drive, the front axle automatically disconnects and the car returns to two-wheel drive to improve fuel efficiency. Four-wheel drive is automatically reactivated when necessary.

Inside, the cabin is available in four trim levels: Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit. The new panel layout features a 10.3-inch digital meter cluster and an 8.4-inch central touchscreen, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Wireless. Upgrade to the Summit finish and you’ll have a larger screen and a unique sound system developed by the audio experts at the McIntosh Lab. Summit and Overland finishes also offer adaptive cruise control, assistance with centering the strip, a head-up display and a night vision camera.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is scheduled to go on sale this spring and is expected to cost around $ 40,000. The two-line and hybrid models, in turn, will be launched at the end of the year.

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