No peak is too high to be reached and no boundary is too challenging to be pushed, this has always defined the Jeep Wrangler. It is a model which is literally capable of overcoming any obstacle and this is the true strength of a brand boasting 80 years of achievements, insights and innovations. Today the Jeep technical evolution continues with the new Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, the most capable, powerful, efficient, eco-friendly and technically advanced Wrangler ever introduced in Europe.
In 1941 the legendary Willys MA/MB, the first Jeep vehicle, brought to the world the concept of the 4×4 and the idea that any terrain can be tackled with the right vehicle. Wrangler has taken on its legacy, embodying and evolving its brand values – first of all, freedom.
In 2021, the new Wrangler 4xe further reinforces the concept of freedom, allowing customers to truly go anywhere. The natural heir to the first Jeep vehicle, the Wrangler 4xe combines the best 4×4 and electric technology to reinforce its iconic status within the brand portfolio, while representing another step towards a conscious and more sustainable future. All this while proving that off-road can be eco-friendly, emotion can be efficient and electric driving can be fun.
The 4xe technology enables customers to travel in full-electric mode on their everyday commutes around the city and enjoy an efficient and fun on-road driving experience, while benefiting from enhanced all-terrain performance in nearly absolute silence.
Marked by exclusive electric blue exterior design cues, the new Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid skillfully combines the most advanced technology with the freest and most authentic Jeep spirit. Indeed, it fully appeals to off-road enthusiasts, courtesy of electrification that improves its legendary capability. At the same time, it is the ideal solution for those customers who are looking for an SUV to be used every day and are unwilling to compromise between freedom, fun and respect for the environment.
This gave birth to a Wrangler, 100 per cent unstoppable, as per the Jeep tradition, and sporting unprecedented features. It is the most eco-friendly and capable off-road Wrangler ever, while maintaining the open air freedom that has always been a hallmark of its driving experience. Performance has also been enhanced with Wrangler 4xe accelerating from zero to 62mph (100 km/h) in 6.4 seconds and delivering a combined output of 380hp and 637Nm of torque. In addition, it it four-wheel-drive in “pure electric” mode, with never-seen-before low-end control, and can ensure more than 31 miles (50 km) of pure electric, zero emissions range (in the urban WLTP cycle). Full battery recharge is available in less than three hours with options for scheduling, and – courtesy of the Max Regen feature – to increase the battery charge when coasting.
The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid is equipped with two electric motor generators and a high-voltage battery pack, with a high-tech turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and the proven TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. The instant torque availability and the improved performance promised by the pairing of the turbo petrol engine and electric motor make the undisputed off-road champion even more capable and unstoppable on trails. It is off-road that 4xe technology takes the new Wrangler plug-in hybrid to the next level, offering four-wheel drive in full-electric mode for benchmark all-terrain performance and the pleasure of listening to the sounds of nature.
All this while maintaining the unmatched ‘Trail-Rated’ technical content of the Wrangler. Depending on the trim, it offers two advanced four-wheel drive, active, on-demand full time systems (Selec-Trac or Rock-Trac), next-generation Dana axles, Tru-Lok electric front- and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited slip differential and electronic front sway-bar disconnect. In addition to making it a sustainable and efficient 4×4 vehicle, 4xe technology guarantees an easy and extremely fun driving experience.
All high-voltage electronic components and systems, including the wiring between the battery pack and e-motors, are sealed and waterproofed. Just like all Trail Rated Jeep Wrangler models, the 4xe variant is capable of water fording up to 76cm.
Encased in aluminum housing, the pack is fitted with a dedicated heating and cooling circuit to keep the battery at its optimum temperature for best performance.
Charging the new Jeep Wrangler 4xe is also an easy and intuitive operation, courtesy of public and home charging solutions with the easyWallbox – ensuring a full charge in less than three hours at 7.4 kWh.
Easy to drive, easy to be chosen
The new Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid is available in three trim levels – Sahara 4xe, Rubicon 4xe and the exclusive 4xe 80th Anniversary special edition, two 4×4 systems and 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels. Ten exterior paint colours are available: Black, Bright White, Firecracker Red, Granite Crystal Metallic, Hella Yella, Billet Silver Metallic, Sting-Gray and, for the first time in the range, the new Hydro Blue, Snazzberry and Sarge Green. All colour options can be combined with the choice of soft top, hard top, power soft top and dual top roof configurations for an unparalleled open-air driving experience, in typical Wrangler style.
The standard technological content includes 8.4-inch Uconnect™ NAV system with touchscreen, comprehensive on-board connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and Uconnect Services (including the monitoring of the vehicle’s parameters through the My Uconnect app), 4xe models’ specific 7-inch TFT display with information on battery charge levels and range (in electric and hybrid modes) and 9-speaker Alpine audio system with 552-W subwoofer. In terms of safety, the new Wrangler 4xe offers the most advanced ADAS systems, including standard blind spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection, rearview camera, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM), front and rear park assist and Keyless Enter’n’Go™. Optional safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning Plus and new forward-facing camera (standard on Rubicon).
By choosing the new Wrangler 4xe, customers also receive access to the benefits of Jeep Wave, the new loyalty and customer care program that includes a wide range of services and advantages, including two years of routine maintenance, roadside assistance, dedicated customer services and privileged access to branded events and partnerships.
Customisation is another key attribute of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe so, courtesy of Mopar, customers will be able to select from more than 100 accessories to enhance the vehicle’s functionality with additional content, increasing the options for personalisation and expanding the offer to improve the iconic Wrangler’s capabilities even further.
Regenerative braking
Regenerative braking is a key part of the sustainable mobility offered by the new Wrangler 4xe, and allows for recovering of the kinetic energy during all deceleration or braking phases. When the driver steps on the brake pedal, the powertrain control engages the maximum available regenerative braking produced by the e-motor (up to 0.25 G) to slow down the vehicle, to assist the conventional braking system.
With 4×4 engaged, all four wheels feed torque for regenerative braking, maximising the energy recovery. The electricity due to regenerative braking is accumulated in the battery pack to maintain or increase the state of charge.
The Wrangler 4xe also features the ability to maximise regenerative energy production via a driver-selectable Max Regen feature.
When Max Regen is engaged via the button on the center console (a blue LED light shows it is on), a more assertive regenerative braking calibration occurs when the vehicle sees zero throttle input from the driver (coasting). Max Regen can slow the Wrangler 4xe faster than standard regenerative braking and generate more electricity for the battery pack.
Off-road capability
The heritage of the Jeep Wrangler has always been defined by its legendary off-road capability. All Jeep Wrangler 4xe models are equipped with sophisticated full-time active on-demand 4×4 systems: Selec-Trac on the Sahara 4xe and 80th Anniversary 4xe trims, and Rock-Trac on the Rubicon 4xe, the most capable version for off-road driving. Both operate in four driving modes (plus Neutral mode):
- 2H (Two-Wheel Drive High Range)
- 4H AUTO (Full-Time Active On-Demand Four-wheel drive High range)
- 4H Part-Time (Part-Time Four-wheel drive High range)
- 4L (four-wheel drive low-range)
When the drivetrain is shifted to four-wheel drive low-range (4L), all Wrangler 4xe power modes are available – Hybrid, Electric and E-Save. The seamless integration of electric power into the 4×4 drivetrain elevates the Wrangler 4xe to new levels of off-road performance.
Off-road enthusiasts will find that the instant availability of torque from the electric motor in the Wrangler 4xe delivers a more precise and controlled driving experience for climbing and crawling – there’s no need to build up engine rpm to get the tyres to move, minimising driveline shock loading and maximising control and speed.
All this while maintaining the car’s unmatched ‘Trail Rated’ technical features, which, depending on the trim, include two advanced full-time active on-demand 4×4 systems – Selec-Trac or Rock Trac, next-generation Dana axles, Tru-Lock electric front and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited slip differential and electronic front sway-bar disconnect.
In full electric mode, the Wrangler 4xe uses four-wheel-drive to deliver benchmark off-road performance and safety and allows occupants the pleasure of hearing the full sounds of nature.
Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4xe is fitted with Selec-Trac full-time active on-demand four-wheel drive system, with a two-speed transfer case, with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, and Dana 44 front and rear axles.
A Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential – standard on the Sahara trim – also provides extra grip and capability during slippery, low-traction situations, such as driving on wet tarmac with rain, ice or snow, or over trails with sand and gravel.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon models carry the Rock-Trac full-time four-wheel drive system that includes a two-speed transfer case with a 4:1 low-range gear ratio, front and rear next-generation Dana 44 axles, and Tru-Lok electric front and rear-axle lockers for extreme off-road driving. The Wrangler Rubicon 4xe has a crawl ratio of 77.2:1, which makes scaling any obstacle easy.
The Rubicon trim also offers improved articulation and total suspension travel thanks to its front axle, electronic sway-bar disconnect. This system makes it possible to disconnect the front sway bar to increase suspension travel and better tackle particularly challenging obstacles. Together, these components contribute to deliver the off-road prowess Wrangler Rubicon is known for, now made even more unsurpassable by the 4xe system.
The Wrangler 4xe includes Selec-Speed Control with Hill Ascent and Hill Descent Control. This allows drivers to control pre-set vehicle speed up and down steep, rugged grades with the transmission shift lever when driving off-road.
Like every Jeep Wrangler, the 4xe models wear the ‘Trail Rated’ badge, attesting to its legendary 4×4 capability. Trail Rated performance is the result of a series of heavy tests performed in the following areas: traction, water fording manoeuvrability, articulation and ground clearance.
The new Trail Rated capability of the Wrangler 4xe is guaranteed by equipment that includes:
- Selec-Trac 4×4 system with “4LO” mode, a 2.72:1 crawl ratio (standard on Sahara 4xe);Rock-Trac 4×4 system with “4LO” mode, a 4:1 low-range gear ratio and Tru-Lok electric lockers (standard on the Rubicon 4xe)
- Skid plates and rear tow hook
- Benchmark angles in its class: on the Rubicon 4xe, approach angle of 36.6 degrees, breakover angle of 21.4 degrees, departure angle of 31.8 degrees, and ground clearance of 25.3cm
- 17-inch off-road wheels with 32-inch Mud Terrain tyres (Rubicon 4xe) and 18-inch wheels with All Season tyres (Sahara 4xe and 80th Anniversary 4xe trims)
- Water fording up to 76cm
Technology, safety and connectivity
The new Wrangler 4xe is the safest Wrangler ever and comes with a comprehensive array of safety features, suitable for both everyday driving and off-road adventures.
The driving experience in the city will benefit from the use of the new forward-facing camera (standard on Rubicon and available on Sahara and 80th Anniversary). Sitting behind the middle slot of the seven-slot grille, the forward-facing camera can be operated through the Uconnect display and adds to the safety offered by the Wrangler when driving off-road but also on everyday journeys in the city. It includes a self-cleaning function, which is activated via the radio menu.
The standard safety features on the Wrangler 4xe include full-LED head and tail lights, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection, rearview camera, electronic stability control (ESC) with Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) and Keyless Enter ‘N Go™. Standard on all trims are also front and rear park assist and rearview camera with dynamic grid. Optional features comprise forward collision warning plus, adaptive cruise control with stop function and automatic high beam, for complete peace of mind even in the urban jungle.
The standard technological equipment includes an 8.4-inch UconnectTM NAV system with touchscreen, a comprehensive on-board connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and Uconnect Services (for the monitoring of the vehicle’s parameters through the My Uconnect app), a new 7-inch TFT display redesigned to include all the information on battery charge levels and range (in electric and hybrid mode) and a 9-speaker Alpine audio system with 552-W subwoofer.
New, standard Uconnect™ Services for advanced connectivity
The new Wrangler 4xe comes with connected services to meet the requirements of increasingly discerning digital customers. The standard Uconnect™ Box provides access to the new Uconnect™ Services and a range of features that can be accessed via various touchpoints, such as the My Uconnect mobile app, smartwatch, website, buttons on the vehicle’s ceiling and voice assistants (Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant). Uconnect™ Services are available on all trim levels in combination with the 8.4-inch infotainment systems, to offer advanced connectivity and a range of services designed for safety and comfort.
In particular, the Wrangler 4xe has a suite of Uconnect™ Services that allows owners to easily check the battery level, recharge and pay at public charging columns, as well as at home. All this is at their fingertips via smartphone, thanks to the My Uconnect App.
