Jeep launches Wrangler Unlimited and Grand Cherokee in India as CBUs. Local production to commence from 2017.
It may have taken Jeep a while but the American firm is finally here as it launched the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee models in the country today. The Wrangler will be available in a single four-door, Wrangler Unlimited, whereas the Grand Cherokee will be offered in three variants, including the high-performance SRT derivative. All the models are currently being sold as CBUs although local assembly is set to begin sometime in 2017.
The Wrangler is the entry-level ticket to the Jeep brand in India. Priced at Rs 71.59 lakh, this body-on-frame off-roader will be offered in only one variant – Wrangler Unlimited 4x4. Powering the India-spec Wrangler is a 2.8-litre, inline-4 cylinder, turbo diesel engine developing 197bhp @ 3,600rpm and 460Nm of peak-torque between 1,600 – 2,600rpm. Power will be sent to all four wheels via a 5-speed automatic and Jeep’s Command Trac 4x4 system.
While it looks crude on the outside, it is decently equipped for a purpose-built SUV since it comes with leather seats, an Alpine music system, a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, voice command, etc. It will also come with removable doors along with a modular removable hard/soft top.
The Grand Cherokee, however, is going to be the mainstay for the Jeep brand in India. It’s available in three variants – Limited, Summit and SRT. At the lower end sits the Limited with a price-tag of Rs 93.64 lakh while the Summit is priced at Rs 1.03 crore. The flagship SRT is priced at Rs 1.12 crore.
The Limited and Summit are powered by a Fiat-developed 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel that produces 240bhp @ 3,600rpm and 570Nm @ 2,000rpm. The SRT on the other hand is propelled by a fire-breathing 6.4-litre Hemi V8 petrol that churns out 469bhp @ 6,250rpm and 624Nm @ 4,100rpm. Power in all three variants is channeled to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox, which also comes with paddle shifters.
On the inside, the Grand Cherokee variants come with an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, leather seats and a customisable 7-inch instrument cluster among other highlights. The SRT adds a few more bells and whistles over the Limited and Summit variants. It gets selectable driving modes, adaptive suspension, uprated Brembo brakes with multiple piston-rotors and a ‘Launch Control’ button - which when engaged will push the SRT from a naught to 100km/h in just 5 seconds!
Jeep plans to open 10 dealerships by the end of this fiscal year. The company has also confirmed that it will launch an all-new SUV – presumably based on the Renegade – in India once the local production commences.
*All the prices are indicative of ex-showroom, Delhi.
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