- The all-new Jeep Wagoneer S is the company’s first global battery electric vehicle (BEV).
- The model features a 600-hp electric motor and a targeted range of over 300 miles.
- Launch Edition features 20-inch wheels, a standard dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and an MSRP of $71,995.
Say hello to the all-new and all-electric 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S— a hugely important introduction for the company. Not only is the Wagoneer S being touted as the quickest-accelerating Jeep to roll off the production line, but it will also mark Jeep’s debut in the global battery electric vehicle (BEV) market, following the limited release of the much smaller Avenger in Europe and other select markets.
Jeep has an ambitious target of shifting a million units in the U.S. by the end of 2025 and two million globally. The Wagoneer S is an important part of that plan, offering a premium SUV that rides on the EV-native SLTA-Large platform.
Read: Jeep Wagoneer S Squares Off Against Tesla Model Y Performance In New Video
Jeep clearly has the Tesla Model Y Performance in its sights — something that was made patently obvious with promo material earlier this month. However, with an MSRP of $71,995, it’s significantly more expensive than the flagship $51,490 Model Y Performance (before incentives), placing it closer to the base $77,990 Model X, so the Wagoneer S will need to offer something pretty special to tempt buyers away.
In order to take the fight to Tesla, the midsized electric SUV boasts a range of “more than” 300 miles (482 km) thanks to a 100 kWh battery. So far so good, with the Model Y Performance only managing 279 miles (449 km). The Wagoneer S can be recharged from 20–80 percent in 23 minutes via a DC fast charger, and launch models will even be supplied with either a 48-volt Level 2 home charger or public charge credits from Stellantis’ Free2move ecosystem.
Coming in at 192.4 inches (4,886 mm) long, 83.6 inches(2,123 mm) wide, and 64.8 inches (1,645 mm) tall, the Wagoneer S will be available in just one configuration at launch. It features a single electric motor with 600 horsepower (447 kW) and 617 lb-ft (837 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels, but, perhaps tellingly, off-road ability isn’t touched upon in the slightest.
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Instead, we’re told how the Selec-Terrain drive modes instill confidence in all weather and that the front wheels can be disconnected when cruising to help extend range. To handle any rough stuff we’ll have to look towards the Wagoneer S Trailhawk Concept that was also revealed today.
More important than off-road chops to the standard Wagoneer S is the ability to get to 60 mph (96 km/h) in as little time as possible. For this, the 5,667 lb (2,570 kg) behemoth can get there in just 3.4 seconds (with the rollout subtracted), and on to a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h).
Lowest drag coefficient of any Jeep
Jeep says it’s not just the power on offer that aids the Wagoneer S in these impressive numbers. The EV has the lowest drag coefficient of any Jeep ever made. While that’s somewhat of a slab-sided low bar to clear, when you consider the Wrangler has a Cd of 0.45 and the Wagoneer S has managed to get it down to 0.29—the same as a Tesla Model 3—you’ll realize it’s actually quite impressive.
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Jeep has achieved this slippery brick of an exterior by focusing on the precise slope and curvature of the hood and windshield. Look again, and there’s an ever-so-slightly sloping roof underneath that rear spoiler, as well as subtle fins to further enhance airflow.
The door handles are flush with the body, yet another win for the wind tunnel. Extra attention has been paid to the car’s underside, with underbody shields and tire spats, all ensuring that no needless pockets of air are present.
Lights, lights everywhere
Another exterior component of note is the traditional seven-slat grille. Jumping on the “illuminate all of the things” bandwagon, it’s now lit up. The light-up theme extends to the interior, with 64 selectable colors for the ambient lights inside, while the launch edition will come with a full suite of customizable LED lights with daytime and nighttime options.
Other Launch Edition niceties include 20-inch Gloss Black wheels and a dual-plane glass sunroof as standard. Chrome is eschewed, apparently for environmental reasons, leaving the exterior festooned with gloss black and dark neutral grey elements instead.
Another tool that Jeep will use in its fight for EV relevance is some of the segment-exclusive interior features, such as heated and ventilated second-row seats. Jeep’s long-time association with McIntosh Audio continues with another segment-only offering for a mid-sized SUV: a 19-speaker sound system driven by a 1200-watt amplifier and a 12-inch subwoofer.
Related: Jeep Mulls ICE Wagoneer S And Recon Amidst Sales Slump
The interior, including the carpets, has been made of recycled materials. Gone are the days of expansive cowhide interiors. Instead, we get a non-leather synthetic used for the seats, consoles, and door cards, as well as a microfiber suede headliner.
The Wagoneer S’s infotainment system is powered by Jeep’s Uconnect 5 system, with a 10.5-inch screen placed ahead of the passenger and three more displays inside — one dedicated for the driver and another two placed in the center. Meanwhile, Jeep promises OTA updates for the car’s software, while Jeep Connect can show you recharge points, and dynamic range overlays on the onboard map.
Will you bite at $71,995?
But at $71,995 (including destination fees), has the Wagoneer S done enough to differentiate itself from the crowd? The good news is that the Wagoneer S will qualify for the Inflation Reduction Act Retail and Lease EV credits. Jeep hopes you’ll vote with your dollars when the car launches in the U.S. and Canada in the Fall of 2024, with global deliveries commencing after that.
