In September, Jeep unveiled the Avenger, an all-electric, baby SUV that will only be offered in Europe. The Avenger is powered by a single electric motor that delivers a total of 154 horsepower, and it is Jeep's first front-wheel-drive vehicle. To most, a Jeep without all-wheel-drive system and lacking off-roading capabilities makes no sense. But at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, Jeep presented a solution in the form of the Avenger 4x4 Concept, a model that promises to give the tiny Avenger some off-road chops.
Better All-Electric Off-Roading Capabilities
When compared to the standard Avenger, the 4x4 Concept is equipped with larger, more aggressive tires. As a result, the concept now has a ground clearance in excess of 200 millimeters (7.8 inches), and its approach and departure angles have been improved to 21 and 34 degrees, respectively. By comparison, the Avenger has an approach angle of 20 degrees and a departure angle of 32 degrees. The breakover angle remains at 20 degrees, however.
Improved Exterior Appearance
The exterior look has also been altered a little so the 4x4 Concept looks more aggressive when compared to the standard Avenger. The front end has additional protection, and both the bumpers and the track are wider. With off-roading in mind, the Avenger 4x4 concept has been equipped with tow hooks and a new lightweight roof cargo system featuring a special belt system that compresses the luggage on the roof. The cargo system and the grille both offer an anti-scratch treatment so that you don’t have to worry during trips on the unpaved paths. And finally, for better view at night, the concept comes with extra built-in floodlights.
No Official Specifications….Yet
Surprisingly, Jeep said nothing about the concept’s specifications. However, since it is a 4x4 vehicle, we assume the company has placed another electric motor on the rear axle. In the standard Avenger, the electric motor powering the front axle delivers a total of 154 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque. If Jeep places the same motor in the back, as well, the 4x4 Concept should deliver in excess of 300 horsepower and about 380 pound-feet of torque. In front-wheel drive configuration the Avenger has a range of 249 miles, but do not expect something similar for the 4x4 version due to the added weight.
There is no word on when or if the 4x4 Avenger will make it to production, but it is proof that the tiny SUV is capable of a lot more. During the press conference, Christian Meunier, Jeep brand CEO, said “The Avenger has been designed as a Jeep vehicle from the outset, and the all-electric 4x2 model already offers some of the best-in-class capabilities that identify the Jeep brand. But we couldn’t help but wonder, what would happen if we injected the Jeep brand’s four-wheel drive electrified capabilities into a compact package, while retaining the brand’s unique design language, capability and personality?"
