Jeep Debuts Electric Avenger Model at 2022 Paris Motor Show
Jeep had an ace up its sleeve this whole time, opting for a surprise launch of its first all-electric model – the Avenger– at the 2022 Paris Motor Show. Jeep reckons its all-new Avenger model will be the automaker’s best-selling model by the end of 2024. Meanwhile, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is the bestselling plug-in hybrid vehicle in America. That said, while the Jeep Avenger is destined for Europe as an all-electric vehicle, Spain and Italy will offer buyers a gas-powered version as well.
A much different beast from the Wrangler, the Avenger still doesn’t shy away from iconic design cues from the brand’s history. Production kicks off at the Stellantis plant in Tychy, Poland, with hopes of producing 1,000 units a day. The factory was just retooled and previously assembled the Fiat 500. Platforming the new Avenger is Stellantis’ second-generation STLA Small platform, along with a 54kWh battery and 156 horsepower. Although Jeep hasn’t announced any performance characteristics for the Avenger, experts expect it to be fast like all other EV vehicles which benefit from immediate torque thanks to the electric motors. Jeep claims the Avenger offers up to 250 miles of all-electric range, although urban use will more than likely extend the battery life and cross over the 300 miles mark. The automaker even included a standard heat pump to improve cold weather range across all trims, perfect for buyers with three-phase power as it speeds up charging time and preserves overall charge.
Designed to maximize internal space and capabilities, the Jeep Avenger features great headroom and ample cargo space, despite featuring a battery-related mound in the middle of the floor by the back seats. Plenty of attention was also paid to the trunk, as it’s flush with the floor and features a rubber mat lining to prevent wear and tear. Capacity is outstanding, not only in the trunk, but throughout the cabin as well. Unlike many other EV offerings, Jeep did not lean into the futuristic design aspect and opted for practicality instead. Alternatively, the cockpit and infotainment features are not meshed– there’s a 7-in or 10.25-in dashboard (depending on the trim) and a separate 10.25-inch infotainment screen that’s standard. Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard, but navigation is available as an upgrade as supplied by TomTom. The Avenger’s dashboard plays it safe and opts for functionality as opposed to being futuristic–like the generic offerings from other automakers tapping into the EV market.
Despite the Avenger’s introduction as the brand’s first-ever EV, the automaker didn’t shy away from its rugged off-road roots, equipping the model with off-road settings such as the Jeep Selec-Terrain system. Sized as a crossover, the Avenger can toggle between mud, sand and ice drive modes without issue. It also wouldn’t be Jeep if an extreme variant of this model wasn’t already in the works–and the brand did just that by announcing its Avenger 4xe concept. Rumored to wear the iconic Willys badge, the Avenger 4×4 concept is said to feature all-wheel drive, larger tires, extra lights, and a wider track. Departure and breakover angles are steeper, and a new lightweight cargo roof system makes the Avenger 4×4 concept a more likely candidate to travel over much more challenging terrain.
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Photo Source/Copyright: Stellantis