Fiat Chrysler presents the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV

DETROIT – Fiat Chrysler is expanding its popular Jeep Grand Cherokee line with a new three-row model, which the company believes will expand the vehicle’s appeal in an increasingly competitive SUV market.

The Grand Cherokee L marks the fifth generation SUV since its debut nearly 30 years ago. A three-row Jeep has been in operation for more than a decade. Jeep left the segment in 2010 after low sales of a vehicle called the Commander.

“There is a lot of demand for a three-row Grand Cherokee. We know we will do very well,” Jeep global president Christian Meunier said during a media briefing. “We’re going to greatly improve our leadership.”

The 2021 Grand Cherokee L is recognized as a Jeep, but features a new exterior design with horizontal LED daytime running lights, a wider seven-slot grille and other design elements that debuted last year with the Grand Wagoneer SUV concept of the company. It is based on a new Fiat Chrysler vehicle architecture, which will also support a redesigned two-row Grand Cherokee and a new plug-in hybrid version.

Fiat Chrysler said the three-row vehicle will go on sale in the second quarter, followed later this year by the two-row and plug-in models. The company refused to release Model L prices, but will likely be above the current Grand Cherokee at $ 34,000 and below the upcoming Wagoneer, a larger three-row SUV that is expected to go on sale this year starting at about $ 60,000.

Meunier said there will be a “significant differentiation” between the three-row Grand Cherokee model and the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer model, a luxury Jeep that will reach $ 100,000.

By the end of next year, Jeep is expected to expand its range from six vehicles to nine, including Grand Cherokee L and Wagoneer vehicles.

The Grand Cherokee L will come standard with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 290 horsepower and 257 pound-feet. of pair. A 5.7-liter V-8 engine with a power output of 357 horsepower and a torque of 390 pounds will also be available. The company said the new Grand Cherokee will offer hands-free driving technology in late 2021 on 2022 model vehicles.

The interior of the Grand Cherokee L features 8.4- or 10.1-inch touch screens, as well as a 10.25-inch frameless driver digital information screen behind the wheel. According to the company, it will offer more than 110 security features, including 360-degree surround vision cameras and night vision. It will be available in six- and seven-seat configurations.

The next-generation Grand Cherokee models will be built at a new assembly plant that the company is finishing in Detroit. Fiat Chrysler invested $ 1.6 billion to build a 790,000-square-foot paint shop and turn the two original Mack Avenue engine plants into the new assembly plant.