Jeep Wagoneer S: an Off-Road-Capable Trailhawk EV with Electric Motor and Electronic Mechanics
Jeep unveiled its first electric SUV for the US market in New York. And while all the focus was on the $71,995 Wagoneer S, the automaker had one more thing to show off: an off-road-capable Trailhawk concept of the same EV, sitting pretty on 31.5-inch tires.
The only trim announced today was the Launch Edition, which goes on sale this fall with a starting price of $71,995. Other trims, including more affordable versions, will be announced later.
Jeep has a reputation as one of the most recognizable auto brands in the US. The hybrid models are very popular. People will be curious about the first battery-electric model.
But unlike other STLA Large platform vehicles with 800-volt architectures, the Wagoneer S will only have a 400-volt architecture, which, theoretically, could mean slightly slower DC fast charging. But Jeep insists it will still be relatively quick, to the tune of charging 20 to 80 percent in 23 minutes.
The Jeep Wagoneer S’s 3-in-1 EDMs combine the electric motor, gearing and power electronics into a single, compact unit that is both powerful and efficient. When cruising the front EDM has wheel disconnections to help reduce energy draw.
The engineers at Jeep made the ride as smooth as possible by tweaking the body rigidity of the Jeep to make it 35 percent better. The vehicle’s aerodynamics are also optimized — which is typical of an EV — with a drag coefficient of 0.29. There is some indication of off-road capabilities, with five distinct drive modes: Eco, Sport, Snow, and Sand. Jeep tells me that they recommend you drive in the snow and sand to avoid slippage. It makes sense.
Jeep is betting big on interior screen real estate. There is a first for Jeep a 45 inch glass display that stretches across the width of the dash. The 10.25-inch passenger display also runs on Stellantis’ Uconnect operating system and can “talk” with the main display, so passengers can share driving directions and other information.
Jeep’s approach is interesting, to say the least. Picking a fight with a Tesla Model Y in a drag race, when the Tesla sells for $20,000 less, may strike some as a mismatched fight. A better equivalent would probably have been Rivian, but more people know Tesla, the clear leader in the EV race.
The forest green SUV sports several features that distinguish it from the standard Wagoneer S, including an intimidating laser-cut roof rack, 3D-printed tow hooks, lifted suspension, wheel caps, and a host of other goodies for gearheads and boulder lovers alike.
Most Jeeps have the Trailhawk trim name and are usually more rugged off-road vehicles. Trailhawk vehicles are often trail rated, meaning that they have passed a lot of tests for maneuverability, and ground clearance. Jeep is signaling it wants to add battery-electric capabilities with the Wagoneer S Trailhawk concept.
It isn’t a new thing to use electric off-roading. Ford, Chevy, GMC, and Rivian all market their electric trucks as just as capable on gravel as they are on pavement. There is a segment for battery-powered rock crawlers in the yearly King of the Hammers off-roading competition. But Jeep is a brand that prides itself on its overpowered dirt spewers, so introducing a plug-in version would make total sense.