THE new Jeep Grand Cherokee L, designed with a long roof, long bonnet and a sharp nose, is shaped beautifully and has refined handling.
One can safely say it is one of the few big SUVs that offer maximum comfort.
It launched this week and SunWheels was honoured to be among the first to see, feel and drive it from Tshwane to Dullstroom on Wednesday, 17 August.
The car is so comfortable, whether you’re on tar or gravel roads, and you get to choose your terrain from five modes – auto, sport, snow, mud, sand or rock.
What a performer! It is rare to find an all-round best car like this American SUV under Stellantis.
The new Grand Cherokee L truly lives up to the brand values which exude freedom, adventure, authenticity and passion.
The front is now 36mm wider, flanked with powerful LED lights that come standard.
The car is incredibly beautiful on the outside, but the interior will blow your mind.
It sports a dashboard that brings together leather and wood which, according to Stellantis’ head of sales and marketing Brian Smith, makes it a piece of art.
He said the car is built on the new chassis from the ground up, cementing the company’s position.
Adding to the interior beauty is the 10,25-inch frameless digital gauge cluster with nearly two dozen different menus from which the driver can select, including driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, highway assist, night vision (in the Summit model) and drowsy driver detection.
To control the digital cluster, the Grand Cherokee L features an all-new multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters.
There are three different models in the Grand Cherokee L including Limited, Overland and Summit Reserve.
What got me was another 10,25-inch screen for the front passenger which turns you into a second pilot as you operate your own music without interfering with the driver. Of course you’d have to use your own headsets, but it really allows you to be an active passenger.
Smith said the dual aircon is a marriage-saver because couples don’t have to debate over hot or cold temperatures as each can choose their own.
Can we get that for offices too...just pushing the envelope.
You get 12 USB type A and C ports in all three rows.
The market may have waited way too long for this car, 10 years to be precise, to come out, and after seeing it, I say it was worth the wait.
Safety features available across the Grand Cherokee L line-up include adaptive cruise control, a feature that I love – especially on open roads, full speed collision warning, digital rearview mirror, active lane management, advanced brake assist and more.
The standard all-aluminium 3,6-litre Pentastar V6 engine developing 210kW and 344Nm of torque is suited for all models.
Known for its power and refinement, the 60-degree angle between the Pentastar V-6’s cylinder banks make it inherently smooth running, augmented by accessories that bolt directly to the engine block.
Buying this car comes with a standard five year/120 000km warranty and Roadside Assistance. Maintenance intervals are every 12 months or 12 000km with a five-year/100 000km maintenance plan.
Pricing”
Grand Cherokee L Limited – R1 299 900
Grand Cherokee L Overland – R1 479 900
Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve – R1 679 900
