THE new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee — the most technologically advanced edition in the marque’s history — is now available in Zimbabwe ahead of all other countries in the region, including South Africa.
NATHAN GUMA
It is the fifth generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The powerful vehicle was unveiled on Wednesday before being introduced to journalists on Thursday.
The off-road-capable Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is priced at US$99 200, the Overland at US$127 000 while the Summit will set you back US$132 000.
Among the new technological features is a Uconnect 5 App with a segment-first front passenger screen, new high-definition rear-seat entertainment system and active driving assist.
The SUV also has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which makes it safer to use iPhone and Android phones when driving.
It also boasts a new digital rear-view mirror, new full-colour, 10-inch (25.4cm) windshield, head-up display and a new wireless charging pad in the front centre console.
“This fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee builds on its legacy as the most awarded SUV ever, bringing an all-new architecture, all-new exterior design and all-new interior with world-class craftsmanship and first-to-market technologies to the global full-size SUV segment.
“The Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers unrivalled capability along with composed on-road driving dynamics. That legendary off-road capability begins courtesy of three 4×4 systems — Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II with rear electronic limited slip-differential (eLSD). All three systems are equipped with an active transfer case to improve traction by moving torque to work with the wheel with the most grip,” read the statement by Zimoco, the local official distributor.
More than 110 advanced safety and security features have been added to the luxury vehicle that include innovative technologies that refine the connection between driver, vehicle and the road.
The features include blind-spot monitoring, a rear back-up camera and rear park sensors that assist the vehicle to stop when approaching objects.
The luxury vehicle also has a switch-activated electric park brake, tire pressure monitoring and a night vision camera with pedestrian and animal detection.
For safety, the car has a drowsy driver detection system — technology that helps prevent accidents caused by the driver getting sleepy. This adds to a parallel and perpendicular park assist and new traffic sign recognition.
“A new, state-of-the-art McIntosh audio system is available and features 19 custom-designed speakers (including a 10-inch subwoofer), 950 watts of power and a 17-channel amplifier. The Jeep brand is currently the only automotive manufacturer in the world to carry a McIntosh sound system.
“With an unsurpassed blend of refined sophistication, dynamic performance, cutting-edge technologies and unsurpassed levels of elegance, the new Grand Cherokee carries an attractive presence and capability that is uncommon in its class, unquestionably Jeep brand and unmistakably world class,” said Zimoco in a statement.
The new Jeep has also been given a new exterior design that includes flexible architecture that allows for a long wheelbase and introduction of a third row of seats.
Its all-new slim and sculpted exterior delivers a more modern and updated premium appearance to the most luxurious Grand Cherokee ever, whilst a lowered and tapered roof improves the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance and efficiency without sacrificing cargo spaciousness and utility.
The all-new SUV also has a lowered, tapered roof that improves aerodynamic performance and efficiency without sacrificing cargo spaciousness and utility, while its lowered beltline and expansive glass allows more light into the cabin.
The SUV’s elongated level-set hood and bold head-first stance delivers visual strength, while its aerodynamic body style allows for design flexibility, improved fit and finish.
