Jeep Grand Commander three-row SUV unveiled at Auto China 2018
Jeep has unveiled its flagship SUV for the Chinese market, the Jeep Grand Commander at Auto China 2018. The Grand Commander is the only three-row SUV in Jeep's lineup but its positioning is interesting. The car is longer than a Grand Cherokee but has a shorter wheelbase and is narrower.
The only engine option on the GAC FCA-built SUV is a 2-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol as seen on international models like the Cherokee and the Wrangler but has been detuned for this application. The motor produces 231PS and 350Nm as compared to 270PS and 400Nm in the other cars. Two and four-wheel drive options are available and these are mated to a 9-speed ZF-gearbox.
The vehicle is a stretched version of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW) platform, which is also found in the Cherokee. The car's looks follow Jeep's global design language and are similar to a Compass. The design is slightly more sophisticated with a more upmarket look to the full-LED head and tail lamps as well as the exterior trims on the bumpers.
The interior is trimmed in Nappa leather and wood and has a large touchscreen and minimalist controls on the centre console. Interior space seems comparable to most other luxury three-row SUVs and rear seat occupants do not seem shortchanged. Pictures show a panoramic sunroof and three-zone airconditioning to be available as well.
The Jeep Grand Commander is priced from RMB 2,79,800 or Rs 29.37 lakh (excluding taxes and duties). While there isn't any news on it being made available in other markets, the Grand Commander competes directly in price and spec with cars like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. The car could slot into the wide gap in Jeep's India line-up between the Compass and the Wrangler, if specced with a diesel motor.