Like other long established carmakers, Jeep started its electrification journey with hybrid powertrains with the intention of offering battery electric vehicles (BEVs) during this decade. It’s now moving into that phase with the unveiling of the Avenger, the brand’s first-ever BEV, at the Paris Motorshow this week.
To be manufactured in Poland, the Avenger is ‘right-sized’ for markets outside North America with its compact dimensions and will spearhead Jeep’s coming BEV range in Europe, in particular. “It offers Jeep brand capability that is right-sized for the European market and at the Paris Motor Show, we are showcasing why it is a great all-electric Jeep brand alternative to current players in the B-SUV segment,” said Christian Meunier, Jeep brand CEO.
The Avenger has a new generation electric propulsion system which uses a second-generation 400V electric powertrain that is the first one to be launched by Emotors, a joint venture between Stellantis and Nidec Leroy-Somer Holding. The electric motor, generating 115 kW (corresponding to 156 ps) and 260 Nm of torque.
Electricity is supplied from a newly developed 54 kWh battery pack, which is also produced by Stellantis. The battery pack has a high energy density with 17 modules and 102 cells utilizing NMC 811 Lithium-Ion chemistry. A range of 400 kms is claimed, with a maximum of up 550 kms in the urban cycle. Jeep’s studies found that European users travel 30 kms on an average daily, so it is likely that the vehicle can be driven for days before recharging is necessary.
Recharging the Avenger is extremely simple is said to take 24 minutes to ‘refill’ from 20% to 80%. Within just 3 minutes, it would be possible to have enough charge for a distance of 30 kms. However, this speed can only be achieved using a 100 kW Mode 4 cable in direct current supply. With an 11 kW Mode 3 cable for AC supply from a Wallbox or public station, a full charge from 0% to 100% would take 5.5 hours.
The battery pack, which was tested for over 2 million kilometres, is extremely compact, non-intrusive and installed under the front and rear seats and the central tunnel. The high ground clearance typical of a SUV provides protection with additional protection by underbody skidplates.
When it arrives in showrooms early next year, the Avenger will be the first front-wheel drive Jeep vehicle equipped with standard Selec-Terrain and Hill Descent Control. Together with the generous approach and departure angles and the ground clearance, Jeep claims the new SUV will be a benchmark in the segment.
The Avenger follows a design approach offering a modern interpretation of Jeep design in a compact package. The front of the vehicle has the iconic 7-slot grille, an authentic Jeep brand signature which has evolved from a vertical to a more horizontal pattern for functional efficiency.
The bent-over grille is positioned in front of the headlamps to protect them in the case of impact. The bulging fenders are another classic Jeep design element, communicating a solid and imposing presence on and off-road.
The side view is marked by the classic trapezoidal wheel arches, designed to optimize wheel travel for maximum articulation. The vehicle, which is 4080 mm long, has imposing 18-inch wheels with a robust design and diamond cut finish.
At the rear, the vehicle features signature-lights inspired by the classic X fuel cans. This ‘X’ is a recurring theme inside and outside via the ‘X-Camo’, a pattern which combines the concept of camouflage with the letter “X”.
In order to reduce any damage caused by low-speed impacts, which make up around 70% of cases in Europe, the new Avenger is equipped with skidplates, 360-degree cladding, and encased protected headlamps. In areas which are more exposed, including the doors, the cladding is even higher to offer extra protection. These features are said to reduce potential accident repair costs by around €1,000 (about RM4,600).
The interior continues the ‘design to function’ premise with a clean and robust image inspired by the Jeep brand’s history and particularly by the Wrangler. The upper part of the lean dashboard incorporates a single horizontal function ‘beam’ which includes all the air vents, ambient lighting and a centrally located 10.25-inch touchscreen.
Notable features include electronically adjustable seats with a massage function, multicolour ambient light which reduces the strain on eyes during night driving, and a wide sunroof. The central console has also been developed to maximize available usable space with a total of 34 litres of frontal storage (double the average for models in this segment).
Optimizing all the spaces and creating functional and spacious storage compartments makes it possible to store the contents of an entire aircraft cabin baggage inside them. Designed with flexibility and modularity in mind, the central tunnel can be moved to fit the sizes of various objects or even be removed to make space for larger objects.
As is Jeep’s brand tradition, the new Avenger can be enhanced with specific accessories (over 100 items) and customisation packs. Customers will be offered several possibilities to make their own SUV unique when ordering from dealers.
