Jeep announced plans for a new three-row model back in 2018, but now FCA CEO Mike Manley has revealed some new details about the SUV.
Speaking to Auto Express, the former Jeep boss suggested the upcoming model won’t simply be a seven-seat Grand Cherokee.
Manley also hinted it will have a unique name as he believes the Grand Cherokee is an “icon.” As he explained, calling the three-row model a Grand Cherokee would be similar to drastically changing the design of the Wrangler and he’d be “crucified” if he were to do such a thing.
While the model will be an E-Segment vehicle that competes in the same category as the Grand Cherokee, Manley suggested the three-row model could be more popular with consumers. He noted approximately 60% of the segment is dominated by three-row crossovers, so the two-row Grand Cherokee has been fighting with rivals for remaining 40% of the market. He went on to say the three-row model will “open up that part of the segment for us.”
Little else is known about the model, but last month FCA announced that it would be alongside the next-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Mack Avenue Engine Complex in Detroit. The company is investing $1.6 (£1.2 / €1.4) billion into the facility and the first three-row model is scheduled to roll off the assembly line by the end of 2020. The next-generation Grand Cherokee will follow shortly thereafter as it is slated to go into production in the first half of 2021.
Jeep has already confirmed plans for plug-in hybrid variants and the company has also said the models will offer semi-autonomous driving technology. FCA has revealed their Level 3 system will be ready by 2021.
The three-row model will slot beneath the F-Segment Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. Those vehicles will be launched shortly after the three-row model, as their production is slated to begin in early 2021.
