The iconic Jeep brand, renowned for its exploration and design, has a rich history dating back to World War II.
Initially designed for military use, Jeeps played a crucial role in the war effort, offering rugged capability and reliability in challenging terrains. This heritage of hardy innovation has been a consistent theme throughout Jeep's narrative, as the marque has continued to push the frontiers of off-road capability and adventure.
Now, Jeep has unveiled the extraordinary new Avenger 4xe, an extension of the globally acclaimed Avenger and a testament to the brand's commitment to electrification. The Avenger 4xe stands out in the SUV market with its distinctive style and advanced mild hybrid technology, specifically a dual-motor electric powertrain combined with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol mill, offering a unique driving experience.
Head of Jeep Brand for Enlarged Europe, Eric Laforge, expressed his excitement about the Avenger 4xe, stating, "The Avenger is one of Jeep's biggest success stories in Europe with over 90,000 orders - of which almost 30 per cent are fully electric. In the wake of this success, the Avenger 4xe will be the new benchmark in the "B-SUV" segment, offering exclusive design and top performance and representing the full expression of Jeep's legacy of all-wheel-drive."
The ushering in of the box-fresh Jeep Avenger 4xe is a testament to the American marque's (now owned by multi-national corporation Stellantis) unwavering devotion to customer-centric innovation. It integrates the enduring appeal of the Jeep brand's design and functionality with cutting-edge technological advancements. And even though we have yet to drive the vehicle, Jeep tells us that the Avenger 4xe will offer a driving experience tailored to and inspired by drivers' needs and desires. Well, we can only wait and tell you if we agree with that once we've driven the model in the not-too-distant future.
So, let’s dig deeper into who the new Avenger 4xe is designed for. It is for urban dwellers who need a compact car during the week but also yearn for weekend outdoor escapades. If this sounds like you, the Avenger 4xe promises to be your perfect companion, empowering you to navigate city streets and explore the great outdoors effortlessly. It is an adaptable and versatile package that indicates it will cater to your every need. Indeed, the Avenger 4xe boasts an additional 10mm of ground clearance over the standard Avenger if your explorations go further than the school run!
Let's take a closer look again at what drives the Avenger 4xe, then. As we've alluded to, the illustrious Jeep capability takes a significant leap forward with an up-to-date powertrain, setting a new standard for fun and lightweight design. This technology merges the advantages of a hybrid system with cutting-edge AWD know-how, paving the way for a refreshing era of stimulating and eco-friendly driving.
The 4xe powertrain brings together a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol unit with a couple of 21kW electric motors, one on each axle, providing instant torque and enhanced traction. Its output of 136 horses and 1,900 Nm of torque translates to quicker pulling power (0-62mph in 9.5 seconds) and a higher top speed of 120mph, while maintaining low CO2 emissions.
At the preview of the Avenger 4xe in Frankfurt, Germany, we learned that the vehicle is the culmination of Jeep's commitment to providing drivers with freedom of choice. This is evident in the Avenger 4xe's multiple driving modes, each ensuring a distinctive motoring experience. The Electric setting allows for zero-emission driving, the Hybrid mode optimises power and efficiency, and the E-Save setting conserves battery power for later use. This versatility ensures that the Jeep Avenger 4xe is always ready for your journey, no matter the conditions.
Moreover, the Avenger 4xe has an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, ensuring that 4x4 capability is available when required. At low speeds (less than 19 mph), traction on all four wheels is permanent, with a 50:50 split. Between 19 and 56 mph, the rear axle drive kicks in only upon request. This intelligent system, known as the Jeep Active Drive Low, automatically adjusts torque distribution to each wheel based on road conditions, enhancing traction and stability. Drive at over 56mph, and front-wheel drive becomes permanent, with the rear e-motor disengaging to help limit fuel consumption.
So, at the unveiling to the European press, the Jeep Avenger 4xe seemed to embody the brand's iconic Avenger essence, intermingling tradition with a flair for innovation. The vehicle takes functional design to the next level with dedicated exteriors engineered to stand out, featuring bold lines, a distinctive grille, and inimitable LED lighting.
The front and rear bumpers are made of moulded-in-colour material with anti-scratch finishing. The new front bumper further exposes the wheel, offering safety and sturdiness in rocky terrain, featuring a higher and more conspicuous cladding shielding the number plate from impact. Additionally, the tough bumper guards components such as the front lower grille and the radar, ensuring durability in unforgiving environments. The Jeep Avenger 4xe also comes with an optional matte bonnet sticker to stop sun reflections from blinding you while driving.
Step inside, and the Avenger 4xe continues to be notable, with various advanced features designed to elevate comfort and convenience. For instance, there’s an array of waterproof fabrics and finishes – perfect for the UK’s weather – or if you live near the coast or a body of water and you regularly swim/jet-ski/dive or whatever! All of this and more is sure to inspire you as you delve deeper into the new Avenger 4xe's offerings and capabilities.
Considering everything, the Avenger 4xe represents a significant leap forward for Jeep, catering to drivers' evolving needs. With its blend of heritage, progressive technology, and versatile capabilities, the Avenger 4xe not only meets but appears to exceed the expectations of the SUV market, solidifying Jeep's position as a long-established innovator in the industry.
The new Avenger 4xe will be on sale in the latter part of 2024, priced from around £31,000.
