Jeep has presented the plug-in hybrid version of the Wrangler. Just like the plug versions of the Renegade and Compass, this plug-in hybrid gets the designation 4xe after its name. Now it is finally known what the powertrain of the Wrangler 4xe is built on.
At the beginning of this year, Jeep already showed the Wrangler 4xe at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, a plug-in hybrid variant of its most capable model next to the asphalt. Although the Wrangler 4xe is certainly not the first plug-in hybrid from Jeep, the Renegade, Compass and the Chinese Grand Commander were already fitted with a plug, it is certainly an interesting model. Never before has the relatively rudimentary Wrangler on paper had such a modern powertrain. It certainly won’t be the last. In time, an electrified version of every Jeep model should become available.
Back to the Wrangler. The Wrangler 4xe has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine in its angled muzzle, a blown-out machine paired with two electric motors. The first serves to replace a regular alternator and not only generates electricity for the battery pack, but also ensures the operation of the stop-start system. The second electric motor replaces the regular torque converter that you find with an automatic transmission. The gearbox in the Wrangler 4xe is an eight-speed automatic. The Wrangler 4xe has a system power of 375 hp and squeezes an electric range of 40 kilometers from its 17 kWh battery pack mounted under the rear seat. Just like with the regular Wranglers, this plug-in version also requires you to wade through ‘puddles’ with a depth of up to 76 centimeters. The charging point is located at the front left, directly below the A-pillar. LED indicators on top of the instrumentation indicate the charging status.
Jeep indicates that the electrical part of the powertrain has a “[…] more precise and controlled driving experience when climbing and crawling “, partly because the combustion engine does not have to rev up. We are curious how that works out in practice. The Wrangler 4xe will be available in three versions: 4xe, Sahara 4xe and Rubicon 4xe. The Rubicon is the most off-road worthy of the bunch and has difflocks front and rear, among other things.
The plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler 4xe will hit the Dutch market next year. Prices of the Wranglers, which can be recognized by various blue details, are not yet known.