Little is known about Jeep’s->ke40 upcoming rebirth of the Grand Wagoneer, however, dealers attending the biennial dealer show in Las Vegas this August will get the first glimpse of the all-new SUV.
The Grand Wagoneer is suspected to be the high-class Range Rover competitor FCA boss Sergio Marchionne mentioned he desired early last May. Such a vehicle would push the Jeep brand into uncharted high-end luxury territory with prices that could top $100,000.
Nothing is known about the Grand Wagoneer’s underpinnings, powertrain, or potential styling, though it’s highly suspected its chassis will also underpin the next-generation Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango; its powertrain will include both HEMI V-8 and EcoDiesel powerplants; and its styling will feature loads of retro cues – though likely without the woodie sides.
To compete with the Range Rover’s 5.0-liter supercharged V-8, Jeep may include the powerful 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 or perhaps a detuned version of the Hellcat’s 6.2-liter supercharged V-8.
Of course the Grand Wagoneer would include Jeep’s top-tier 4WD system with Selec-Terrain, with the likely inclusion of a four-corner air suspension system. It’s possible Jeep will take the aluminum route, saving weight and adding strength.
Though the public will not get a chance to view the initial plans for the Grand Wagoneer in August – unless someone leaks a photo – Jeep will likely have the range-topping SUV ready for an auto show by the end of 2016 as a 2017 model. If Jeep truly plans to square off against the Land Rover’s Range Rover, expect Grand Wagoneer prices to start in the high $70,000 to low $80,000 and rise well into the six-figure range.
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Why It Matters
When Jeep introduced the Grand Wagoneer trim level atop its already popular Wagoneer back in 1984, the Jeep represented one of the most well-appointed SUVs on the market. Of course, other automakers have since taken over the top luxury spot in the SUV category, but according to Marchionne’s words, Jeep has the potential to reclaim some of the market.
It will be interesting to see how such a pricy Jeep vehicle sells, but if FCA’s recent track record of year-over-year gains holds any indication, Jeep will have a success on its hands.