Stellantis Korea Managing Director Jake Aumann introduces the all-new Grand Cherokee during a launch ceremony at the Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

By Kim Hyun-bin

Jeep released its flagship SUV lineup introducing its new Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee 4xe during a launch ceremony held at the Grand Walkerhill Seoul, Wednesday. The Grand Cherokee has maintained its title as the most-awarded SUV with more than 700 awards since its first generation was unveiled at the 1992 Detroit Motor Show, according to the company.

"The all-new Grand Cherokee and the all-new Grand Cherokee 4xe are the cars filled with an incomparable legacy including the most luxurious exterior, the interior that integrates technology and beauty, Quadra-Lift air suspension, Jeep's legendary 4x4 technology that is reliable in any given situation and more," Stellantis Korea Managing Director Jake Aumann said. "I am certain that the two models will create a new wave in the Korean luxury SUV market."

Jeep's new Grand Cherokee / Courtesy of Stellantis Korea

The new Grand Cherokee's slim, sculptural exterior design has evolved into a more modern look. The lowered roof improves aerodynamic performance and efficiency.

The vehicle will be released in two trims: Limited and Overland, and the plug-in hybrid model, the Grand Cherokee 4xe, will be available in Limited and Summit Reserve.

The 3.6L V6 gasoline engine installed in the second-row Grand Cherokee exerts a maximum output of 286 horsepower and a maximum torque of 35.1 kg-m. An upgraded engine stop & start system (ESS) is also standard. The 8-speed automatic transmission with the 3.6L engine maintains efficient rpm in all speed ranges through multi-stage, improving quietness, acceleration response and efficiency.

The new Grand Cherokee 4xe is the first Grand Cherokee to offer a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The 4xe propulsion system combines two electric motors, a 400V battery pack, a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission to maximize efficiency and performance.

Overall, the 4xe system delivers 272 horsepower and 40.8 kg.m of torque, and can travel 33 km on electricity alone when fully charged.