The Jeep brand has introduced its new Wrangler 4xe.  The new models will be available in Europe, China and the United States by early 2021.

The Jeep Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe models – introduced last year in Geneva – began arriving in Europe this summer. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe will be sold globally, with electric vehicle (EV) charge port pl   ugs tailored to specific regions.

The Wrangler 4xe’s plug-in hybrid powertrain is capable of up to 40 km of nearly silent, zero-emission, electric-only propulsion, making it commuter friendly as an all-electric daily driver without range anxiety.

Jeep will offer electrification options on each nameplate in the next few years. Electrified Jeep vehicles will carry the 4xe badge.  “Our Jeep 4xe vehicles will be the most efficient, responsible and capable that the brand has ever created,” said Christian Meunier, Global President of Jeep Brand – FCA. “We are committed to make Jeep the greenest SUV brand. The electrification of the Jeep lineup will allow commuters to travel solely on electric power, delivering an efficient and fun on-road experience and offering an ability to enjoy even more Jeep capability off-road in nearly complete silence.”

The Wrangler 4xe’s has a combination of two electric motors, a high-voltage battery pack, a high-tech 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Key elements of the Wrangler 4xe powertrain include 375 horsepower (280 kW), 470 lb.-ft. (637 Nm) of torque and an estimated 50 MPGe.

The Wrangler 4xe hybrid system includes an Integrated Dual Charging Module (ICDM), which combines a battery charger and a DC/DC converter in a single unit that is more compact than two separate components, and a next-generation Power Inverter Module (PIM) that is reduced in size. These components are housed and protected from damage in a steel structure mounted below the battery pack.

All high-voltage electronics, including the wiring between the battery pack and the electric motors, are sealed and waterproof. Like all Trail Rated Jeep Wranglers, the Wrangler 4xe is capable of water fording up to 30 inches (76 cm).

Wrangler 4xe E Selec Modes

The Wrangler 4xe hybrid powertrain has three modes of operation, known as E Selec. The driver can select the desired powertrain mode via buttons mounted on the instrument panel, to the left of the steering wheel.

Regardless of the mode selected, the Wrangler 4xe operates as hybrid once the battery nears its minimum state of charge.

• Hybrid: The default mode blends torque from the 2.0-liter engine and electric motor. In this mode, the powertrain will use battery power first, then add in propulsion from the 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 when the battery reaches minimum state of charge
• Electric: The powertrain operates on zero-emission electric power only until the battery reaches the minimum charge or the driver requests more torque (such as wide-open throttle), which engages the 2.0-liter engine
• eSave: Prioritizes propulsion from the 2.0-liter engine, saving the battery charge for later use, such as EV off-roading or urban areas where internal combustion propulsion is restricted. The driver can also choose between Battery Save and Battery Charge during eSave via the Hybrid Electric Pages in the Uconnect monitor.

Regenerative braking is a key part of the Wrangler 4xe eco-friendly equation. When the driver steps on the brake pedal, the powertrain control engages the maximum available regenerative braking, up to 0.25 g, from the electric motors to slow the vehicle, augmented with the Wrangler’s traditional friction brakes. The regenerative braking feature also extends the replacement period for brake pads.

Off-road

All Wrangler 4xe power modes are available when the drivetrain is shifted to 4Lo. The integration of electric power into the 4×4 drivetrain elevates the off-road performance.

The torque from the Wrangler 4xe’s electric motor delivers a more precise and controlled driving experience for climbing and crawling – there’s no need to build up engine rpm to get the tires to move, minimizing driveline shock loading and maximizing control and speed.

The new Jeep Wrangler 4xe is available in three models: 4xe, Sahara 4xe and Rubicon 4xe.

Wrangler 4xe and Wrangler Sahara 4xe models are equipped with full-time 4×4 systems, front and rear next-generation Dana 44 axles and are fitted with the Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio.

Wrangler Rubicon 4xe models carry the Rock-Trac 4×4 system that includes a two-speed transfer case with a 4:1 low-range gear ratio, full-time 4×4, front and rear next-generation Dana 44 axles, Tru-Lok electric front- and rear-axle lockers. The Wrangler Rubicon 4xe has a crawl ratio of 77.2:1, which makes scaling any obstacle easy. Wrangler Rubicon models also offer articulation and suspension travel with help from a front axle, electronic sway-bar disconnect.

‘Electric Blue’ 

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe has a new Electric Blue coloring on the front and rear Rubicon tow hooks stands out against the black bumpers. The blue coloring also traces the Rubicon name on the hood, Jeep badge and the Trail Rated badge. The black hood decal is outlined in the special color with “4xe” that lets the body color show through.

Inside, the Wrangler 4xe Rubicon includes Electric Blue stitching on the seats and trim.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is available in 10 exterior colors: Black, Bright White, Firecracker Red, Granite Crystal Metallic, Hella Yella, Hydro Blue (late availability), Sting-Gray, Snazzberry, Sarge and Billet Silver Metallic. Two Wrangler interior options are available in the 4xe version: Black with Heritage Tan cloth and Black with Dark Saddle leather.

Jeep Renegade 4xe and Jeep Compass 4xe

The new Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe were launched in January with the exclusive First Edition – a special launch edition made available for customer previews and pre-booking on a dedicated website for select European markets.

Both Renegade 4xe and Compass 4xe models feature a hybrid solution that combines enhanced performance (up to 240 horsepower), improved safety (four-wheel drive is always available) and low environmental impact (less than 50 g/km of CO2 in the hybrid mode).

The combination of a 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and the electric allows these Jeeps an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 7.5 seconds and full electric top speed of 130 km/h, which reaches 200 km/h in the hybrid mode.