All-Electric Jeep Wagoneer S Debuts With 600-Hp Launch Edition
New York, NY—Jeep chose the Big Apple to introduce its first global EV, the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S. The fully electric Avenger sold in Europe is not planned for North America, remember.
Unlike the gas-powered Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, which have dropped their V8 engines for 2024 and replaced them with turbocharged inline six-cylinders, the latest Wagoneer boasts zero tailpipe emissions and, while built on the same STLA Large platform as the Ram 1500 REV, is actually a two-row midsize SUV.
- Also: Jeep Wagoneer S Takes On Tesla Model Y in Pre-Debut Teaser
- Also: Jeep’s Upcoming Electric SUVs May Offer Gas-Powered Variant
Sales will begin this fall with the 2024 Wagoneer S Launch Edition starting at an all-inclusive price of $91,790.
0.29, Jeep’s New Magic Number
The new Wagoneer S is much more aerodynamic than its boxy, full-size siblings with a drag coefficient of 0.29, the lowest in the history of Jeep. Just look at the pictures. There’s a subtle spoiler in the middle of the rear liftgate, as well as a giant wing towering above that no doubt helps with generating downforce over the rear axle.
Furthermore, a series of underbody shields and other spoilers up front redirect air around the vehicle. The Wagoneer S also promises to be the quietest vehicle Jeep has ever put on the road, at least in theory.
At the same time, the traditional seven-slot grille is front and centre. Because there’s no engine under the hood requiring big doses of fresh air, the grille is closed and even lights up at night and upon approaching the vehicle. The angle of the hood and windshield further contributes to the aerodynamic efficiency of the Wagoneer S.
The Launch Edition stands out with dark accents including gloss black 20-inch wheels plus several other elements in a satin black finish. A panoramic sunroof completes the exterior of this electric SUV.
Faster Than a Trackhawk?
Jeep made sure that the powertrain would match the racy looks of its newest star. The dual-motor system generates 600 horsepower and 617 lb-ft of torque, sending the Wagoneer S from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in just 3.4 seconds. That’s one tenth of a second faster than a Tesla Model Y Performance or the old, Hellcat-powered Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. If you haven’t seen the video released by Jeep prior to the debut, here it is again:
The incredible acceleration time is even more impressive considering the heavy mass of the Wagoneer S, which tips the scales at 5,667 lbs (2,571 kg). On that note, you should know that weight is distributed almost evenly between the front and rear.
Maximum range is estimated at 300 miles (482 km), which happens to be nearly on par with the Tesla Model Y Long Range (497 km) and better than the aforementioned Model Y Performance (459 km). Let’s just hope that future Wagoneer S models will be significantly cheaper, because there’s about a $20,000 gap between this Launch Edition and the Model Y Performance. The 100kWh battery is part of a 400V architecture and charges from 20-80 percent in 23 minutes when plugged into a DC fast charger.
Jeep engineers came up with a solution to preserve as much energy as possible when cruising on highways or when AWD is not required. The front electric drive module—which combines the electric motor, transmission and electronics—can disconnect for increased efficiency, leaving the rear electric drive module to propel the SUV.
45 Inches of Displays
As you know, Jeep loves to put screens inside its vehicles and the new Wagoneer S is no exception. Sure, the Launch Edition is designed to turn heads, but the Wagoneer sub-brand at its core is about opulence and cutting-edge tech.
The dashboard is littered with displays including a 12.3-inch touchscreen in the middle and a passenger-side display that’s mainly there to entertain the person sitting next to the driver, although it can also be used to send navigation instructions to the centre screen. There’s a head-up display, too, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road.
Another screen is located in the lower centre stack and dedicated to HVAC controls for the most part. A big octagonal start-stop button is found near the rotary shifter, while a drive mode switch (Sand, Snow, Eco, Auto, Sport) lies on the other side. Meanwhile, if you love music, you’re in for a treat: Jeep has equipped the Wagoneer S Launch Edition with a 1,160W, 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system.
During the presentation, we got to take a close look at the vehicle and were highly pleased by material selection. The dashboard sports black aluminum trim with ceramic coating and haptic controls. The door panels feature metallic accents that match those on the dashboard. What’s more, the Wagoneer S uses leather-free synthetic upholstery for the seats, doors and dashboard. The floor mats, meanwhile, are made from recycled material.
About That Price…
Jeep sales have been on a massive downward trend lately despite an SUV-only lineup. That’s largely the result of high prices, and the brand’s first EV in North America isn’t cheap, either. Luckily, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares this week promised that a battery-powered Jeep at around $25,000 USD is coming “very soon”.
Keep following The Car Guide for more details and our first-drive review of the new Jeep Wagoneer S!