Jeep Wagoneer S EV: Power with Less Energy
▼ Summary
– The Jeep Wagoneer S is the first electric Jeep designed for the American market, entering the competitive midsize SUV segment.
– It is built on a Stellantis EV platform shared with the Dodge Charger and its size places it between rivals like the BMW iX3 and Cadillac Lyriq.
– The vehicle’s design prioritizes aerodynamics, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.29 to improve efficiency.
– It is powered by a 100.5 kWh battery providing an EPA-estimated 294 miles of range and the tested Limited trim produces 500 horsepower.
– The Wagoneer S Limited model has a less powerful front motor than the Launch Edition, resulting in 100 fewer horsepower.
The Jeep Wagoneer S EV marks a significant milestone as the brand’s first fully electric vehicle engineered specifically for the American market. While Jeep has offered the Avenger in Europe, this new model enters the fiercely competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, arriving at a time when the broader electrification movement faces some uncertainty. Notably, the Wagoneer S debuts shortly after Stellantis, its parent company, decided to discontinue all plug-in hybrid models across the Jeep and Chrysler lineups.
Built on a dedicated Stellantis EV platform shared with models like the Dodge Charger, the Wagoneer S presents a distinctive silhouette. Its dimensions place it between European and domestic rivals; it is slightly larger than a BMW iX3 but a bit more compact than a Cadillac Lyriq. The design successfully blends classic Wagoneer styling with modern aerodynamic efficiency. A prominent rear spoiler, reminiscent of a 1990s rally car, is a key feature that helps manage airflow. This focus on aerodynamics results in an impressive drag coefficient of 0.29 and a critical CdA figure of 8.67 square feet, numbers that directly contribute to its efficiency.
Powering the Wagoneer S is a substantial 100.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which delivers an EPA-estimated range of 294 miles. The vehicle tested here is the Wagoneer S Limited trim, priced from $65,200. It generates a robust 500 horsepower and 524 lb-ft of torque from its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. It’s worth noting that a more potent Launch Edition exists, which uses equally powerful motors on both axles; the Limited model employs a slightly less powerful front motor, resulting in a 100 horsepower difference between the two variants. This setup provides formidable acceleration while maintaining the practical range expected from a modern electric SUV.
(Source: Ars Technica)
