Manoli Katakis 
The Jeep brand has quite a few trophies on the shelf, and often represents the epitome of SUV performance in any case. Look no further than the Hellcat-powered Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, the go-anywhere Wrangler Rubicon, or the highly opulent, $100,000+ Grand Wagoneer flagship SUV. Since its mid-century evolution beyond WWII, the all-American icon has climbed some mountains. So, what mountains is the Jeep brand aiming to climb next?
“The mountain of electrification,” Jeep CEO Christian Meunier told MC&T. “For me that’s the ultimate thing to make our product even more exciting and capable. But I think electrification is going to be such a good tool for Jeep and Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer to make it even more attractive, sexy, capable, and even more premium to be honest. The only thing we have to manage is how much we charge… this an awesome technology for Jeep.”
Downmarket, electrification has historically been a struggle for brands to meet customers at a point which they’re willing to agree on the price. Although, none of these vehicles have had a signature seven-slot grille, if you pick up what we’re putting down.
Fortifying this ambition for the brand is a recent CNBC report that also quotes the Jeep CEO.
“Our vision is to be the greenest SUV brand in the world,” Meunier told the business news outlet. “We have a very strong plan to deliver that through a lot of exciting product in the pipeline.”
So far, Jeep has limited options available for those looking for something powered by something conventionally measured in volts, versus horsepower. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe has recently launched, while the Wagoneer will follow it with its electrified powertrain, as will the all new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
A more cutting edge unveiling was the recent Jeep Magneto concept, which is an all-electric Wrangler featuring a six speed manual transmission, and a deceiving hood scoop. Globally, the Jeep Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe help the iconic SUV brand meet ever-escalating emissions extortions. But it’s also what some people want. Complexities, costs, supply chain, pricing and infrastructure be damned.
“Plus, the fact we need it for compliance anyway,” said Meunier.
