Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011 coming to UAE
The other day, at a press event for some car here, all of us media people were sitting at lunch together, and they were all excitedly talking about their upcoming free trip to the United States to test-drive the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The ironic bit was it seemed like I was the only one not invited, and I was the only one who actually owns a freaking Jeep Grand Cherokee, while Chrysler Middle East knew that about me too. So much for brand loyalty. That international Jeep media event is over now though, and the reports are already coming in. Here’s one from the American Road & Track magazine.
Jeep’s bread-and-butter SUV, the Grand Cherokee has long been the class of the field, offering a nice blend of luxury with the kind of go-anywhere, do-anything abilities demanded by hard core off-roaders. This hasn’t changed a bit with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which offers smart looks, a roomy interior, great power and driving dynamics that belie its ability to take on mountain trails.
We have one of the top of the line versions, called the Overland (those keen on Jeep will know the name from the brand’s origins which came out of Willys-Overland), that has a tastefully done interior with a stitched leather cover dash, leather seats and satin finish accents. The only rub is the fake wood on the steering wheel and dash—it has a high gloss finish that does little to disguise the fact that it’s not the real thing. The rest of the interior is high tech and luxurious, the wood looks out of place. And while the seats are supportive, they are on the firm side, although they’ll probably break in nicely over the long haul. This is a traditional SUV in every sense—from its 5-passenger seating, to its good ground clearance and commanding view of the road. There’s even a full-size spare in the back.
Rather than the traditional levers and switches for such modes as 2wd, 4wd, hi and low ranges, there’s a neat dial that allows you to select the terrain and the type of driving you’re doing and then automatically adjusts the system to match torque delivery to the correct set of wheels.
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is already in production and will be hitting showrooms in the U.S. by the end of this summer, with a choice of 290 hp 3.6-litre V6 and 360 hp 5.7-litre V8 engines. It will likely reach the UAE by early next year, by which time stocks of the outgoing model should be cleared out. Chrysler itself is going strong under partial Fiat ownership, as they’ve just announced an operating profit for this year.
Keep track of GCC updates in the Jeep Grand Cherokee buyer guide.
Comments
maniac
Much better exterior and interior then the previous model. Like it 🙂
Anil
i just hope they are free from any reliability issues
ROJ
Looks like a good improvement over the previous one, i assume quality issues have been adressed… Im glad they face-lifted the front to look like the previous generations not like the frog eyed one.. This car will always be an icon car for american SUVs..
Asad
looks good.. is it ‘trail rated’? 😉
Matt
These are said to be a little longer and wider than the out-going model which I think was much needed. To answer asad, yes these are trail rated, one of the coolest features is their new air suspension which provides the ability to raise and lower the vehicle with the touch of a button.
Ameer
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Vs 2011 Ford Explorer…. any ideas?
Bu Shehab
@Ameer: Hehe they seem to look the same from the back, however, the interior of the Jeep is too easy. I mean there aren’t buttons everywhere like .. umm… Maserati Quattroporte or .. any other luxury car.
Maybe one day I’ll be driving this Jeep. Oh I’ll choose the cheapest one .. the 6 cyls 😀
Kevin
Hope they push another SRT-8 out of this one. Would love to take that bad boy for a spin and scare the crap outta everyone 😀
Ameer
@ Bu shehab: 😀 I totaly agree with you… for sure the V6 is on my list… but im looking for a seven seater, so i’ll pick the explorer… 😀
SkidBucket
Hi I’m from Canada and have mine already ordered ( July 8th) should be here Aug 20th or so.
I drove one for about 30 minutes on Friday in the city and on the freeway and I have to say it was amazing. It was like a sports sedan, a limousine & an army tank all in one. I don’t know how they did it but it all works very well together. It was the new V6 with QT1 trans. mine will have QT2 with Select terrain so i look forward to trying “sport mode” which directs 80% of the torque to the rear and decreases the ESP interaction. Can’t wait for it to arrive, well worth the wait for the 2011 in my opinion. Huge change for jeep, this will be the vehicle that makes jeep’s reputation for the next 20 years.
Bibin
i cant wait any more…love the 5.7
Youssif
Yes, it is faced-lifted and nice. But, did they figure out how to keep it at the road more than at the workshop!
mohannad
this car is the most wonderful drivin 4×4 ever…it is the best 4×4 ever and the first SUV in the world…if you have it and drive it, then you simply cant change or replace it..this car has astonishing 4×4 abilities that you cant find it in other 4x4s…and if you dont understand me..then it is ok..because it is a jeep thing, you wouldnt understand…
only in a jeep OlllllllO