Jeep Wrangler 4xe: We tested the hybrid without limits

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The long-awaited plug-in hybrid version of the most iconic Jeep has just seen the light of day. It will hit the market in early 2021. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe, that is, the plug-in hybrid version of the iconic American off-roader, is now available in our market only with its 5-door body. A car that joins its Renegade and Compass brothers with a previously unprecedented powertrain that allows it to offer very high performance, low fuel consumption, and the DGT Zero label that distinguishes the most ecological vehicles.

Features of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe

Aesthetically, one can identify this version thanks to a series of details in electric blue distributed both on the outside and on the inside, as well as by some front and rear tow hooks in this same tone and some Rubicon logos located on the hood.

With regard to the interior, the cabin is identical to that of the rest of the Wrangler variants, although the 4xe introduces a frame with specific instrumentation and the same happens with the infotainment system menus. The cabin continues to maintain the functionality of always that allows removing doors, roof, and folding the windshield, another of the many attractions of this Jeep. The interior capacity does not vary for passengers or just for luggage as the boot space is reduced by just 13 liters. The presence of the battery and the new electrical elements does not change the excellent off-road dimensions of the Wrangler and maintains the same angles in all versions.

In the mechanical part, all the prominence falls on a propulsion system that combines a gasoline thermal block with two electric motors. The combustion unit has four cylinders, a turbocharger, and a 2.0-liter cubic capacity so that the total power of the system is 380 HP and the maximum torque rises to 637 Nm, that is, a figure higher than that offered. for the V6 diesel version. All power is digested by an eight-speed automatic transmission per torque converter.

Up to 40 km of electric autonomy

The battery that powers the hybrid system is located under the rear seats and has a capacity of 17 kWh, offering a range in electric mode of up to 40 kilometers. Other available driving programs are the Hybrid and eSave, with the latter designed to save a certain level of battery charge for later use. In addition, the Wrangler 4xe also supports driving using a single pedal, as in other electric vehicles.

Jeep will offer this model with three different versions, called 4xe, Sahara 4xe, and Rubicon 4xe. The first two feature standard four-wheel drive, Dana solid axles, two-speed transfer case, an available limited-slip differential, while the Rubicon benefits from Rock-Trac, electronic locking of the front and rear differentials. , as well as a system that allows the stabilizer bar to be disconnected to improve off-road skills.

The Rubicon also features a somewhat shorter reduction gear, the axles are reinforced as well as the differentials, it has the possibility of disconnecting the front stabilizer to increase the suspension free travel and the free height is higher thanks to the use of higher-profile tires. and studs, although the rims are 17 inches, instead of 18 as in the other two more "civilized" but not so flashy finishes.

Jeep Wrangler 4xe datasheet

• Length: 4.88 meters

• Width: 1.89 meters

• Height: 1.83 meters

• Battle: 3.01 meters

• Weight: 2,276 kilos

• Trunk: 533 / 1,910 liters

• Engine: 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter gasoline with 272 hp associated with two electrics (63 and 145 hp) Total: 380 hp and 637 Nm of maximum torque

• Transmission: Automatic 8 speed 4x4

• Prices: between 68,900 and 72,300 euros

Jeep Wrangler 4xe test drive

This is the smoothest, most oomph Jeep Wrangler we've driven to date. As in all hybrids of this type, the driver can choose to circulate in 100% electric mode, hybrid, or reserve the charge of the battery to take advantage of the zero-emission mode at another time and all this is done through switches located on the left part of the dashboard, in a somewhat hidden place. For the touchdown, of just over 100 kilometers, we chose the 80th Anniversary finish since most of it was done on the road with only 10% track and the knobby tires of the Rubicon were not the most suitable for the route.

The first thing that surprises in this Wrangler is the delivery of torque and the immediate response but above all, it is the smoothness and the lower sound level. It is true that the last Wranglers we have driven have been the Rubicon, with a transmission and very “loud” tires but the difference is abysmal and the 4Xe is much more pleasant at all times. With the battery, we managed to cover only 34 kilometers, although the car was idle for a while and with the air conditioning running, which undoubtedly lowered the battery charge. In the rest of the route, the “hybrid” consumption was 13.8 liters, somewhat high, but the truth is that the route was mostly on secondary roads, with many curves, unevenness, and a section of several kilometers of medium difficulty track.

The 4Xe does not lose the excellent off-road capabilities of the legendary Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler 4xe range and prices

The range is made up of the Sahara, 80th Anniversary and Rubicon finishes, with the technical differences in terms of suspension and transmission that we have already indicated and the prices are 68,900, 72,300 and 70,800 euros respectively, with the 80th Anniversary being the most expensive given its more luxurious equipment including leather upholstery.

• Jeep Wrangler 4xe Sahara 380 CV: 68,900 euros

• Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon 380 hp: 70,800 euros

• Jeep Wrangler 4xe 80th Anniversary 380 CV: 72,300 euro's