First Drive: Jeep Grand Cherokee L
For the past 11 years, we have been floundering with a somewhat dated model of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and now, the Stellantis-owned manufacturer is back with a bang with its brand new Grand Cherokee L.
The new 5th-generation Grand Cherokee has had a dramatic makeover, entering the local 7-seater SUV fold in three derivatives; Limited, Overland and Summit Reserve.
Unlike the outgoing two-row Grand Cherokee, the local market is only getting the seven and 6-seater models courtesy of 2+3+2 three-row guises for the Limited and Overland and a 2+2+2 'presidential' kind of setup for the range-topper.
On looks alone, it's a drastic departure from the outgoing model, while also giving a nod to the old Wagoneer. It appears big and strong, thanks to an overall length of 5,204 mm, a width of 2,149 mm, a wheelbase of 3,091 mm and a height of 1,816 mm.
By comparison, the BMW X7 is a tad shorter at a length of 4,878 mm; narrower at a width of 1,984 mm and also shorter, registering a height of 1,702 mm. The Mercedes-Benz GLS, on the other hand, is slightly bigger at 5,207 mm, with a width of 2,157 mm and a height of 1,823 mm.
For further comparison, the Land Rover Defender 110 is longer at 5,018 mm with a height and width of 1,967 mm and 2,105 mm, respectively.
American Look
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The exterior is absolutely pretty, courtesy of ultra-slim headlights with unique signature lighting, and slimmer horizontal fog lights. For the first time, the Grand Cherokee L is offered standard with a premium full suite of LED lighting. The rear now boasts sexy, ultra-slim tail lamps that also cast a unique lighting signature. Wheel sizes range between 18" and 21" depending on the specified trim.
Buyers can choose between a wide range of stunning colour palettes. Yes, please, we'll have ours in the shiny Velvet Red Pearl shade.
Living it big on the inside
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Moving inside, the new Grand Cherokee L brings to the table a wide range of alternative technologies, and, if we're honest, we only got to fiddle with a few at the launch.
It's a beautiful space that features a contemporary, upscale design. The Limited comes fitted with an 8.4" Uconnect 5 navigation touchscreen display, while the mid- and top-of-the-range models boast a bigger 10.1" display. Both systems support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a total of 12 USB ports for all three rows.
Another stand-out feature is the fully-digital rearview mirror and an in-car camera that lets the front passengers monitor the second and third row of seats from the infotainment system.
The Overland model we tested includes the McIntosh high-performance audio system for the first time ever in a car. The 19-speaker system boasts a 950-Watt amplifier, while the Limited variant boasts a 9-speaker premium audio system with a subwoofer and a 506 Watt amplifier.
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A first in the segment is the inclusion of a 10.25" front passenger screen which projects features such as navigation, camera viewing, and visual entertainment. It's worth reporting that this screen is invisible from the driver's seat. So, no need to worry about distracting the driver when you're watching movies or catching up on your favourite show.
Another part of excellence has to be its abundant space to accommodate up to seven passengers, which, by far, brings the liberation of a house to the road. There's ample head, leg, and shoulder room inside, further rounded by comfy seats that have been designed by chiropractors.
The boot space is measured at a generous 1,328 litres behind the second row of seats and folding them adds more space. If you decide to leave the kids at home, the second and third-row seats can be folded flat and that makes up for a maximum cargo area of 2,396 litres. With all the seats up, you get 487 litres of boot space.
How does it fare against the competition? With all the seats up, the X7 has 360 litres while the GLS boasts a 470-litres area, while the Defender 110 has 231 litres. However, with all seats raised, there's very limited boot space for sizeable items; we could fit four regular bags with relative ease at the launch.
The muscle of the operation
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The entire Grand Cherokee L range is powered by a sole naturally-aspirated 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine that pumps out 210 kW and 344 Nm. The unit is paired with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission which rarely goes hunting for the correct gear, though if the need to shift manually arises, there are paddle shifters.
Although we feel like the engine could do with more torque, and probably a turbocharger, it delivers a fair shove in a sophisticated fashion. It's enough to shift the car's large body with just two passengers, but we'll see how it feels when laden with seven occupants. Regarding comfort and on-road manners, it has good road manners accompanied by body movements that remain well in check for an SUV of this size.
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During a short stint off the tarmac, it lapped the course with so much aplomb. It's worth noting that it comes with three 4x4 systems, a rear electronic limited slip-differential, as well as five terrain modes; Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, and Mud/Sand. A Quadra-Lift Air Suspension with electronic adaptive damping has been fitted for the first time in the history of the Grand Cherokee.
Jeep claims a combined fuel economy of 10.6l/100 km but we were far off the mark during the launch drive, with the figures hovering around the 15l/100 km mark and dropping just below 11.2l/100 km on the open road.
In the safety department, the entire range is tech-infested and offers more than 110 safety and security features.
Hitting the right notes?
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As much as the competition is concerned, Jeep has hit the right spot with the new product with all the necessities to help it stand out in the respective SUV stable. However, buyers have limited powertrain options and may just consider looking at rivals that offer a variety of options including turbodiesel units.
Nevertheless, the Grand Cherokee L has that iconic Jeep off-road prowess, despite lacking in the torque department. A dent in the armour, we're sure, for those who participate in the annual caravaning exodus. On paper, though, it has a braked towing capacity of 2,813 kg and a 750 kg unbraked ability. Most rivals offer up to 3,500 kg of braked towing capacity.
In its defence, it makes a buyable option for someone who is dubious of diesel engines but wants to have some degree of off-road capability paired with superb on-road manners, vast technologies and impressive space.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited: R1,299,900
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland: R1,479,900
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve: R1,679,900
All models come standard with a 5-year/120,000 km warranty and Roadside Assistance. Maintenance intervals are set for every 12 months or 12,000 km with a 5-year/100,000 km maintenance plan.
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