Jeep unveils Avenger electric SUV at Paris Motor Show
Jeep has revealed its Avenger SUV – the brand’s first-ever fully electric vehicle – at the Paris Motor Show.
It’s the first of four all-electric Jeep SUVs planned for launch by 2025 as the brand bids to become the leading electrified SUV maker in the world.
Offering a WLTP combined range of 249 miles and open for pre-booking now, the Avenger starts reservations from January 2023.
It’s intended to conquest younger drivers looking for a zero-emission alternative. The smallest Jeep yet – it’s just four meters in length – the Avenger also targets active lifestyle drivers seeking a vehicle with compact dimensions and a spacious interior.
Christian Meunier, Jeep brand CEO, said: “It offers Jeep brand capability that is rightsized for the European market and at the Paris Motor Show, we are showcasing why it is a great all-electric Jeep brand alternative to current players in the B-SUV segment.”
It will be followed by the Recon and the Wagoneer S premium SUV, while a fourth model, as yet unnamed, will make up the Jeep electric quartet.
Despite the Avenger’s diminutive size and electric credentials, the brand has stressed it remains true to the Jeep DNA. Produced at the Stellantis plant in Tychy, Poland, the front-wheel-drive model is said to offer outstanding ground clearance, approach and departure angles along with standard Selec-Terrain and Hill Descent Control, bringing “impressive levels of capability” into the segment. An all-wheel drive model will follow later.
The Avenger has also been equipped to reduce any damage caused by low-speed impacts with skid plates, 360-degree cladding and encased protected headlamps. Jeep estimates these can help customers reduce potential accident damage costs by around €1,000 (£863).
Its powertrain combines a 156hp electric motor, which delivers 260Nm of maximum torque, with a new 54kWh battery. The latter can be charged at 100kW DC, giving a 20 to 80% charge in 24 minutes.
The interior was inspired by the Jeep brand’s history, in particular the Wrangler. Onboard tech includes a 10.25-inch radio screen Uconnect Infotainment combined with full digital cluster available in two variants (seven and 10.25 inches), wireless Android Auto and Car Play, embedded navigation by TomTom with enhanced natural voice recognition, and over-the-air updates. The cabin also comes with electronically adjustable leather seats with a massage function, multicolour ambient light said to reduce the strain on eyes during night driving, and a wide sunroof (which will arrive later).
Boot space is among the best in the segment at 380 litres and functionality is enhanced by a low loading sill height of just 720mm, rear hatch width of over one metre and the availability of a hands-free power liftgate.
Safety features include Level 2 autonomous driving, which automatically adjusts speed and trajectory, and makes use of Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Centring. Traffic Jam Assist is also offered, along Traffic Sign Recognition; Automatic Emergency Braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition; Drowsy Driver Alert; Blind Spot Monitoring; Lane Keeping Assist; 360° parking sensors with Active Park Assist; and 180° rear camera with drone view.
Prices are expected to be around £40k when the Avenger arrives in showrooms early next year and customers can register interest via https://www.jeep.co.uk/jeep-avenger/electric.
Drivers in most European markets can already pre-book the Launch Edition – an exclusive, fully equipped and full electric configuration which in Italy and Spain only will also be available with a turbo petrol engine.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.
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