Jeep. Whether you are talking about capability or image and profitability, few American auto brands have been as successful as Jeep in recent years. Riding the explosion in popularity of the SUV (which it basically invented) the Jeep brand is now as popular as it's ever been, with a diverse lineup of vehicles.
Yet with that said, Jeep has yet to expand into the premium/luxury SUV market which includes vehicles like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, as well as numerous offerings from European brands. That’s all about to change though, as Jeep has just debuted its long-rumored Grand Wagoneer SUV in concept form.
Originally launched in 1963 and popularized in the following decades as an upscale family hauler, the original Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer helped establish the idea of a “premium SUV” in an era before those terms even existed, and the the reborn version is looking to bring that swagger back to the brand.
Not only will the Wagoneers be the most luxurious in the Jeep lineup, they will also be the largest, being the only Jeep models that offer three-row seating.
While no major technical details have been given on the Grand Wagoneer Concept, it’s clear that Jeep is planning to build Wagoneer into its own distinct model line with the Grand Wagoneer sitting at the top.
Jeep does say the Wagoneer will have “three available 4x4 systems and the renowned Quadra-Lift air suspension, premium driving dynamics with an independent front and rear suspension.”
When it appears in production from the SUV will likely have multiple engine options, the concept seen here actually uses a plug-in hybrid electric drivetrain with a 4x4 system that Jeep says that will deliver great performance on and off-road with potential for zero emissions.
Along with its commanding size and interior space, the Grand Wagoneer concept comes laden with luxury appointments and attention to detail, including a full-pane glass roof and teak wood finishing. High end, sustainable materials can also be found in abundance.
The Grand Wagoneer will also be heavy on tech of course, with numerous screens for both the driver and second row passengers, and for the first time even the front passenger gets their own screen.
While its unclear how many of the concept’s features will carry over the to the production version, this Grand Wagoneer has an exterior covered with trick LED lighting, a new take on Jeep’s famous seven-slot grille and a set of 24” wheels with 3D-printed accents.
And while it's called a "concept" this one is about as production-ready as it gets. Both the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will be built near downtown Detroit in Warren, Michigan and Jeep is so proud of these Detroit roots that a map of the city can be seen on the concept’s glass roof.
While popularized for its rugged image and capability, the introduction of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer represent a new direction for one of America’s most iconic brands. We will surely find out more prior to the beginning of production next year.