This is the new, plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler 4xe. It joins the Renegade and Compass 4xe PHEVs in the American brand’s electrified line-up, providing fresh competition for the recently launched Land Rover discovery sport PHEV.
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe’s powertrain comprises a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a 17kWh lithium-ion battery pack, a belt-driven starter-generator and a high-voltage electric motor mounted to the front of the transmission case, in place of the conventional car’s torque converter.
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Jeep says the Wrangler 4xe’s powertrain has an output of 375bhp and 637Nm of torque which, unlike the Renegade and Compass 4xe, is fed to a fully mechanical four-wheel-drive system by means of an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The powertrain also offers a maximum pure-electric range of up to 25 miles, says Jeep.
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Like many PHEVs, the Wrangler 4xe’s powertrain comes with three drive modes – Hybrid, electric and eSave. The first two options force the 4×4 to operate in either hybrid or pure-electric mode respectively; the final setting reserves the powertrain’s battery charge level for use later in the driver’s journey, for instances such as zero-emissions off-roading or driving through emissions controlled cities.
Jeep has also fitted a tweaked infotainment system to allow the motorist to monitor the charge state of the battery pack, while a regenerative braking system can top-up the cells on the fly.
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Given the car’s heritage, Jeep has done its best to make sure the PHEV Wrangler retains the same off-road ability as the conventionally driven model. So, as standard, it comes with skid plates, front and rear tow hooks, a two-speed low-range transfer case, locking front and rear differentials and chunky 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in knobbly 33-inch off-road tyres.