The third-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee has a sportier appearance and is all-new from the ground up, and all Jeep from the inside out. Furthermore pricing is also less than before on some models.
The latest Grand Cherokee retains some of its predecessor's visual characteristics, such as the seven-slat grille, raked windscreen and minimal overhangs.
Styling wise it is more an evolution of the previous model, but its under the skin improvements are a quantum leap forward.
It gets independent front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and functions like electronic stability control and electronic locking differentials for the first time.
Grand Cherokee buyers can look forward to an all-new state-of-the-art 3.0 CRD engine, and for the first time yet, the 5.7-litre HEMI V-8 engine is available on a Jeep vehicle. The popular 4.7-litre SOHC V8 engine will continue to be available.
There is also a new five-speed automatic is transmission available on the 3.0 CRD. The existing five-speed automatic transmission, used with the 5.7-litre HEMI and 4.7-litre V8, has been refined for higher-quality shifts.
Both transmissions feature Electronic Range Select driver interactive shift control for the first time on Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The shifter provides fully automatic shifting in the "Drive" position, or the driver can manually select each gear sequentially by moving the shift lever left or right from the "Drive" position. This gives the driver control to precisely match any on-road or off-road driving requirement.
The new model is 139 mm longer, 12 mm wider and rides on a 90 mm longer wheelbase. Although body width is only slightly increased, the track is up by 64 mm for a wider stance and improved handling.
Suspension
According to DaimlerChrysler an all-new independent front suspension provides the driver with "a greater sense of precision and control, more precise steering, and reduces head toss".
Front suspension wheel travel is increased by more than 10 percent over the previous generation vehicle, and a tight turning diameter of 11.2 m provides for even more nimble handling.
The new five-link rear suspension geometry, including a track bar, also improves lateral stiffness to match that of the front suspension for optimum handling.
Also standard for the first time on the Jeep Grand Cherokee is an Electronic Stability Program, which aids the driver in maintaining vehicle directional stability in severe driving manoeuvres on any type of surface.
Using signals from sensors throughout the vehicle, the system determines the appropriate brake and throttle adjustments to enhance directional stability of the vehicle.
Jeep Grand Cherokee also features a new electronic rollover mitigation system that anticipates critical situations for the vehicle that may lead to a rollover condition. This system observes and monitors the driver input, vehicle roll attitude and lateral force, while estimating the potential for a rollover situation.
Four-wheel-drive capabilities
Now even more sophisticated, Quadra-Drive II takes unparalleled Jeep capability to an even higher level using Electronic Limited Slip Differentials (ELSD) - front, centre and rear - offering customers the ultimate in off-road capability.
With Quadra-Drive II, Jeep Grand Cherokee is the only vehicle in the market that offers an electronic engagement of torque biasing for the front axle, as well as the rear.
Therefore, the torque transfer is faster, and almost 100% of the torque can be distributed to any of the four wheels - that capability is unique to Grand Cherokee.
Engine details
3.0 CRD
5.7L HEMI V-8
4.7L PowerTech V6
Prices
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