After taking the initial steps into the EV market with the Europe-only Avenger, Jeep finally threw its hat into the electric SUV ring. The all-new and all-electric Wagoneer S punches high — 600 hp on tap, and an estimated range of over 300 miles sounds very promising. These numbers clearly indicate that Jeep is looking to pinch some buyers away from the Tesla Model Y. There is one minor issue, though. Jeep has been as brave with the new design as it has been with the price tag.
A Blistering 3.4 Seconds to 60 MPH
The Wagoneer S is a significant milestone for Jeep. It is the fastest production model in the company’s portfolio, and it is the first global EV to be sold by Jeep in many markets, not just at home. The first 4×4 built on the EV-native STLA-Large platform, the Wagoneer S wants a slice of a very lucrative premium electric SUV segment currently dominated by Tesla.
The Wagoneer S has – at least on paper – plenty to offer potential buyers. Despite being a large SUV, it sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, courtesy of its all-wheel-drive 600-horsepower electric powertrain. That’s faster than the Tesla Model Y Performance and quicker than the Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk. Add to it the 100 kWh battery pack that promises over 300 miles of range, and you end up with a very compelling SUV that can recharge from 20% to 80% in 23 minutes — as long as you manage to find a fast DC charger.
Recycled Luxury And High-Tech Infotainment
The powerful Wagoneer S is quite an experience for all the senses. Visually striking, the reinvented classic seven-slot grille now lights up, and the interior has 64 selectable colors for ambient lighting. The Launch Edition has customizable LED lights with different day and night driving patterns.
The opulent interior blends luxury and sustainability. Carpets and non-leather synthetic materials are fully recycled in line with the latest trends. Heated and ventilated seats are available in the front and the rear, while the premium 19-speaker McIntosh audio system belts out tunes with unparalleled precision and power.
Price Tag To Match The Ambitions
There is absolutely no doubt that the Wagoneer S is an excellent SUV. It has the power and range that many EV drivers dream of. It has one of the best interiors out there, and it offers all the latest technology. It promises a proper off-road performance, worthy of the best Jeeps out there. And it wants Tesla’s crown.
The stumbling point might be its price tag. All that luxury and performance will cost you $71,995 of your hard-earned money. That’s not a small amount by any standards, considering the Tesla Model Y Performance costs $51,490. Even the all-wheel-drive Cadillac Lyriq starts at around $66,000, making the Jeep’s price tag look a little bit steep.
The Wagoneer S won’t be sold in huge numbers, but it is positioned as the pinnacle model of the brand. As such, it demands a premium. While Tesla may look like a bargain next to it, the Jeep will be more attractive for some buyers – higher prices and lower production numbers mean exclusivity. The first large electric SUV from Jeep aims high while it awaits the arrival of a cheaper and smaller sibling to cater to budget-conscious buyers. It’ll be interesting to see if this game plan works out for Jeep or if steep discounts follow when the buyers don’t play Jeep’s roulette.