2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid debuts

When Ford gave the Bronco a new life, Jeep revealed a new V8 Wrangler in a frantic effort to regain some of the stolen limelight. But alongside the V8 Wrangler, they also teased a genuinely interesting version of the Wrangler. That was the icon’s first plug-in-hybrid version, which just debuted as the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe.

Just like every other manufacturer, Jeep is rigorously working on electrifying their lineup, which also includes the Renegade and Compass 4xe models. Before you doubt the place of electric motors in an off-roader, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe gets the brand’s coveted “trail-rated” badge, ensuring that this new beast can take on all terrain, just like its oil-powered siblings.

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe pairs a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, powered by a 400-volt, 17-kWh Lithium-ion battery. The system provides a total of 375 hp. To accompany that, it also churns out a colossal 637 Nm of torque, more than even the 600 Nm in the diesel version.

There are three driving modes — Hybrid, Electric, and eSave. As their names suggest, the Hybrid mode utilises both the petrol engine as well as the electric motors, while in Electric mode, the 4xe can run as a proper EV up to 40 km. The eSave mode helps save power in the batteries for later use. In the 4×4 setting, regenerative braking works on all four wheels. It also adds a Max Regen feature that can be manually turned on to improve the efficiency beyond what the normal regenerative braking achieves.

To give the Wrangler 4xe a somewhat distinct place in the lineup, Jeep added some unique visual cues as well as custom off-road accessories. The body flaunts a lot of electric blue highlights, while the interior is also detailed with blue stitching. The Wrangler 4xe’s catalogue gets a new 2.0-inch lift kit, off-road bumpers, rock rails, bead-lock-capable wheels as well as a 240-volt EV wall charger, along with many other accessories.

Pricing on the Wrangler 4xe is not out yet. It is also unclear whether the new model will be offered in the UAE and GCC.