The Jeep brand may have disappeared (more than once) from Malaysia, but the interest in the American SUV brand is still very strong. So, some of you might be interested to learn that the company has got a new generation of Grand Cherokee out and this time, they’re doing things a little bit differently. This 5th generation model debuts as the ‘Grand Cherokee L’, and seats 6 or 7 with its 3 rows of seats. A 5-seater variant will be shown at a later date and presumably will not have the ‘L’ in the name.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L has a 175mm longer wheelbase than the outgoing 5-seater model. It has independent suspension (multi-link at the rear), an aluminium hood and tailgate with a new chassis that uses advanced, high-strength steel on 60% of its construction. It has a new enhanced engine box with a shock-to-shock tower brace that improves local lateral stiffness by 125%, as well as optional variable-rate air spring suspension.
Powering the 5th generation Jeep Grand Cherokee L is either a 3.6L V6 or a 5.7L V8. The 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 now comes with a mild hybrid system and has a total system output of 290hp and 348Nm of torque. It’s an all-aluminium engine with modern features such as engine start-stop technology, two-step variable valve lift, variable valve timing with dual-independent cam phasing and more.
The 5.7L V8 has an output of 357 hp and 529Nm of torque. For better fuel efficiency, this engine comes with cylinder deactivation technology, that allows it to run on 4 cylinders under low-load circumstances. Both engines are paired to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.
Depending on specification, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L comes with either a rear-wheel drive setup or one of 3 sets of all-wheel drive systems. Either Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II with low range gears or Quadra-Drive II with low range gears and Quadra Lift air suspension. Selec Terrain will be available via a toggle switch.
Perhaps Jeep’s new local brand guardian will decide to bring a RHD version of this new Grand Cherokee, as local reception to models like the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk was less than stellar.
Here’s part of the press release with more.
PRESS RELEASE
Nearly 30 years ago, the Jeep® Grand Cherokee began its legacy as the most awarded SUV in history. Today, following four groundbreaking generations of the vehicle, countless industry accolades and nearly 7 million in global sales, the Jeep brand continues to shatter expectations of the full-size SUV segment with the all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
The newest iteration is designed and engineered to deliver an unmatched combination of even more legendary 4×4 capability, superior on-road refinement, premium styling and craftsmanship inside and out, and a host of advanced safety and technology features. The result is the all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, for the first time ever with seating for six or seven.
The state-of-the-art 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is designed inside and out to deliver unmatched capability and composed driving dynamics. Its renowned 4×4 systems Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Terrain traction management system instill Grand Cherokee L with the Jeep brand’s legendary 4×4 capability. An all-new architecture and sculpted aerodynamic body style combine to improve vehicle performance, safety and reliability, while significantly reducing vehicle weight, noise, vibration and harshness. Designed to maximize overall passenger safety, comfort and convenience, Grand Cherokee L packs a powerful punch with next-generation features and technologies that make it a stand out in the full-size SUV segment.
Built at the new Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack Plant, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L will arrive in Jeep dealerships in the second quarter of 2021 and will be available in four different trim configurations – Laredo, Limited, Overland and Summit. The all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee two-row and its 4xe electrified version are scheduled to start production at the Mack Assembly Plant later in 2021.
All-new architecture delivers world-class driving dynamics and durability
The all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L receives a multitude of improvements to optimize ride, handling and quiet sound, while also reducing weight and improving fuel economy. A new unibody design along with three available 4×4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II), an available Quadra-Lift air suspension and standard Selec-Terrain traction management system improve on Grand Cherokee’s legendary 4×4 capability.
The use of lightweight, high-strength aluminum closures, including the hood and tailgate, help reduce weight and boost fuel economy. The Jeep engineering team reduced weight by mounting the axle directly to the engine, along with a solid-mounted aluminum front cradle, aluminum engine mounts and steering gear, a magnesium cross-car beam, aluminum shock towers and an all-new electronic master brake booster system. To help meet weight, impact and to improve durability, the Grand Cherokee L body structure employs the latest grades of Generation 3 steel. The next-generation steel gave engineering and design teams the ability to cold stamp complex parts from higher strength materials, which was not possible in the past, creating a more robust and innovative body structure.
Jeep engineers put substantial emphasis on designing a body structure that is both strong and lightweight, balanced yet functional. To achieve this, Grand Cherokee L is composed of more than 60 percent advanced high-strength steel to aid in ductility, usability and energy absorption.
Jeep Grand Cherokee is widely known for its outstanding on-road driving dynamics and quietness, thanks in part to its front and rear independent suspension. For 2021, Grand Cherokee L employs a newly located front virtual ball joint to improve lateral control and a multi-link rear suspension that enables improvement in ride comfort and routine handling. An enhanced engine box with a shock-to-shock tower brace improves local lateral stiffness by 125 percent. A new variable-rate air spring suspension continuously adjusts stiffness to loading conditions to further compliment the vehicle’s legendary off-road capability. Premium manners are enhanced with approximately 6,500 welds in the body alone.
The Grand Cherokee L’s air suspension system boasts several enhancements to deliver a smooth, comfortable ride both on- and off-road:
- The closed loop air suspension system reuses clean air, resulting in improved compressor durability
- To quickly change vehicle ride height, the Quick Down Leveling (QDL) feature uses an external valve block and secondary air reservoir, which allows for both axles to lower simultaneously compared with single axle lowering in previous generations. QDL enables faster easy entry setting from normal height
- Electrically controlled, semi-active shocks on Grand Cherokee models equipped with air suspension continuously adjust to road conditions and driving styles to create the optimum ride comfort for all driving situations
For the first time ever on Grand Cherokee, the front axle is bolted directly to the engine to allow for better management of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and superior driving dynamics thanks in part to its lower center of gravity. New active/electronic engine mounts absorb more vibration and movement when at idle, but stiffen at higher speeds to optimize ride glide. This is a new feature available on Grand Cherokee and offers a new level of comfort, versatility and performance. An enhanced active noise cancellation system, along with a double-dash body, door seals and acoustic glass round out the enhancements that bring NVH and wind noise down to a whisper.
Grand Cherokee’s electric power steering (EPS) has been carefully calibrated to deliver a superior driving feel and consume less energy. The electric motor works with an adaptive engine control unit (ECU) to monitor steering speed, steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This allows for varying levels of steering assistance to be applied, for example, when more is needed at low speeds, such as maneuvering through a parking lot, or less when at highway speeds, to enhance overall driver confidence. The EPS system uses a variable-rate ratio to improve maneuverability while maintaining on-center stability in all driving conditions.
