The 5th Generation Jeep Grand Cherokee has landed in Mzansi and in L (Long Wheelbase) spec, it packs 7 seats with a value packed price.
Its been over 10 years since the 4th Generation landed in Mzansi and now Jeep has launched the new, 5th Generation Grand Cherokee has landed in Long wheelbase spec V6 petrol spec. There are 3 models to choose from with the base spec Limited, Overland and top spec Summit.
The new model retain the Jeep Grand Cherokee design DNA with a long roof, long bonnet, shark nose with a 7 slot grille. The front gets slim LED lights with LED daytime lights between the legendary 7 slot grille with chrome accents. Lower down, there is a large centre air intake with chrome surrounds, LED fog lamps. The front is dominant in typical Jeep SUV.
The side seas the Limited get 18-inch wheels, Overland 20-inch and Summit 21-inch each with different wheel designs. The trapezodial wheel arches are a Jeep design DNA and these seat above a widened track ensuring on and off road stability. American style reflector lights are placed on the front bumper side whilst the Summit gains a two tone colour with a standard black roof. The Overland and Summit come standard with a large Panoramic sun roof. A bee sting antena is placed towards the end of the roof near the rear spoiler.
The rear gets LED lighting as well with the Jeep name proudly placed in between the lights. Reversing lights and rear fog lamps are placed further down the bumper with chrome surrounds. Twin chrome exhaust tip surroundings finish come standard on all models.
The interior is where Jeep has come with a new wingspan layout which is in line with the digital needs of the trendy premium SUV buyer of today. There is a 10.25 instrument cluster digital screen that conveys driving, navigation, off road, vehicle status info to the driver. The digital screen view can be changeable depending on the driver preference with the Summit model getting Night Vision Assist with pedestrian/animal detection.
The centre console houses a 10.1 infotainment touchscreen with Navigation, audio, climate control, off road settings amongst other things. Thank heavens Jeep has avoided the single control of all functions on the touchscreen as below the infotainment screen are buttons used to control the audio, heated/cooled seats, heated steering wheel, 3 Zone Climate control (Limited & Overland), 4 Zone Climate control (Summit). Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is wirelessly connected with wireless mobile phone charging standard on Summit. Ambient lighting comes standard accross the range. The Overland and Summit spec get a 19 speaker, 950W McIntosh sound sytem.
The Overland and Summit models also come with an additional 10.25 touchscreen placed in front of the passenger which shows Navigation, Phone connections, audio and video streaming. This is positioned so only the passenger can view it.
All Grand Cherokee L spec models come in 7 seat configuration with the Summit being a strict 6 seat with the middle row getting 2 luxury individual seats. The middle row can tilt and move forward in all models with the Summit model getting sun blinds for both windows.
The 3rd row seats have been made to fulfil the needs of adults with leather padding, space for putting items like phones and drinks whilst the charging spots amount to 12 placed around the cabin. Jeep has forgone the rear entertainment screens as most buyers (and their kids) would rather use tablets for streaming. Charging spots are placed to make it easy for tablet charging when in use.
The 2nd and 3rd row can fold flat for additional space whilst the Overland and Summit models come with an electronically opening tailgate.
Powering the current Grand Cherokee L models is Jeep’s tried and trusted 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6 petrol delivering 210kW/344Nm through an 8 speed auto transmission driving all 4 wheels. Jeeps claims a 10.6l/100km fuel consumption figure. The Overland and Summit models come standard adaptive damping, air suspension whilst all models come with configurable off road modes from the Quadra-Trac II. There is a long list of standard spec features accross all models with emphasis on safety, user friendliness and practicality.
All Grand Cherokee L models come standard with a Five years/120,000km warranty and Roadside Assistance. Maintenance intervals are every 12 months or 12,000km but Five years/100 000 km maintenance plan.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited: R 1 299 900
Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland: R 1 479 900
Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve: R 1 679 900