Even if you look at its history, Jeep Grand Cherokee L has always been a relatively urban group in the Jeep family, and has been in charge of the world that can only be made by Jeep, a luxury SUV with genuine running performance. The new model, which appeared for the first time in 10 years, has a three-row seat specification, giving the impression that its presence and quality have been further refined.
The design hint is the first Wagoneer that appeared in 1963, which is said to be the originator of luxury SUVs. With a long nose and a dignified front mask, a long wheelbase body that shows the comfort of the cabin even from the outside, and a smooth character line, you can certainly feel a somewhat similar atmosphere.
However, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L has firmly incorporated a new generation of technology, such as adopting an active grille shutter that automatically controls the flap according to the cooling status of the power train in the front air intake. Even so, the fact that the ground obstacle angle such as the approach angle is sufficiently secured is a place that cannot be surrendered as a jeep flagship. It’s just said that the Jeep Grand Cherokee L can only be called the Grand Cherokee if it combines the high running performance of 4WD, the modern and stylish design, and the ultimate comfort.
Interior of Jeep Grand Cherokee L
There are two grades in Jeep Grand Cherokee L, the basic “Limited” and the advanced “Summit Reserve”, and the body size of both is increased by 380 mm to 5200 mm. Full size with a total width of 1980 mm, a total height of 1815 mm for Limited, and 1795 mm for Summit Reserve. When I opened the door, the size of the room was overwhelming. And you will be fascinated by the smart, high-quality interior that symbolizes American luxury. Unlike Italian cars, which are full of bewitching atmosphere, and German cars, which are business-like, I liked the luxurious space without overdoing it, such as the refreshing leather seats and the carefully decorated wood grain panels.
And the 10.1-inch digital touch screen is eye-catching on the instrument panel of Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The infotainment system uses the 5th generation Uconnect audio system, and all cars are equipped with Aisin navigation systems. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and has been redesigned with the latest interface, such as being able to register user profiles for up to 5 people. On the touch screen, you can recall images from the camera that shows the surroundings, adjust comfortable equipment such as seat heaters and massages, and operate various apps. The icons on the screen are simple in Jeep Grand Cherokee L, easy to see even if you play around with them, and I felt that it was easy to get used to and use.
In addition, the “Fam Camera” was the one that made people say “I like this”. When you press the icon, the appearance of the 2nd and 3rd row seats will be copied from the ceiling, so you can know what the situation is like when the child sitting on the 3rd row seat falls asleep. .. If you look closely, something like a fisheye lens is installed on the ceiling between the second and third rows, and it changes depending on the brightness, whether it is in beautiful color day or night, or in monochrome with infrared rays. , Both could be seen clearly.
Engine Performance of Jeep Grand Cherokee L
First of all, the test drive is from Limited. The power train to be installed will be a 3.6-liter V6 engine and both will be 4WD, but Limited will be a model with 18-inch tires and no quadralift air suspension. In addition, the second row seats are bench type and seat 7 people. The panoramic sunroof is also not equipped on Limited. Press the start button, listen to the engine sound that is a little softer than before, turn the rotary shift for the first time in the jeep, and select “D”. The new Grand Cherokee started running calmly when I stepped on the accelerator while checking both ends of the bonnet from a clear and wide field of view with a horizontal tone.
Features of Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The underground parking lot that was parked had a narrow passage, and it was necessary to turn back to get out when the minimum turning radius was 6.3 m, but once you get out into the city, you don’t have to worry about the size so much. Rather than that, the light feeling that often appears in the profoundness and the wild sound of goo that sometimes echoes in the quiet are rich in emotion, and the unique world view that is not just a luxury SUV is spreading.
The steering feel is not too heavy at low to medium speeds, and you can drive with peace of mind with a moderate sense of stability. Information from the road surface is firmly transmitted to the palm of your hand even at intersections and curves, so it is easy to operate reliably without overdoing it. The acceleration / deceleration control is not instantaneous, and there are some scenes where the response is a little gentle, but once you get used to it, it is fun to be able to operate as you wish by doing pedal work in anticipation of that.
With a maximum output of 286PS / 6400rpm and a maximum torque of 344Nm / 4000rpm, it is not a type that accelerates violently, but a very practical and easy-to-use, very friendly ride. At low speeds, I sometimes picked up a gap between the road surface and the road surface, but I was impressed that the ride quality from the medium speed range was very moist and calm.
Then, when I switched to the Summit Reserve, this was a 21-inch tire, and the appearance was impressive. The height of the air suspension can be adjusted in 5 steps, and it can be lowered by 46 mm in just 7 seconds. From the minimum ground clearance of 212 mm in the normal state, “Park” is -46 mm, “Aero” is -21 mm, “Off Road 1” is + 40 mm, “Off Road 2” is + 60 mm, and if you set it from the touch screen screen When the speed reaches about 110km / h, it automatically drops to the “aero” position.
When I ran around the city again, the Summit Reserve became even more profound than Limited, and the area around the road surface became a little stiffer, and I felt that the firmness of rigidity was emphasized. The steering feel is also a little heavier, and it feels like a sharp cut at an intersection. However, the ride quality does not become uncomfortable, and the comfort of the second row seat, which is a captain type for 6 people, is impressive. The overhead panoramic sunroof brings open comfort, and the leather seats seem to be replaced by more luxurious Palermo leather seats to wrap the body plumply.
In fact, the commitment of engineers who have cleared many issues is packed into the balance between driving performance and ride quality. First, by attaching the engine directly to the front axle, we succeeded in lowering the position of the engine by 40 mm and lowering the height of the center of gravity. By attaching the engine mount near the joints of the shafts that make up the power train, unpleasant vibrations are suppressed, and the angle of the rear drive shaft is optimized to reduce unpleasant vibrations that enter the room.
In addition, the suspension adopts an unusual method called virtual ball multi-link suspension on the front. It is said that this refers to a multi-link type with a geometry in which the center of rotation of the virtually long arm extends to the outside of the vehicle body. By adopting a virtual ball, it is possible to keep grounding at an ideal angle in the entire area, and the exercise performance will be dramatically improved. The rear suspension uses a 5-link multi-link system, which is newly designed so that the drive feel is not impaired even if the wheelbase is extended by 180 mm with a 3-row seat.
We are also focusing on weight reduction, using aluminum for the bonnet and a hybrid of aluminum and plastic for the tailgate. By using a lot of high-strength rigid plate and aluminum, the torsional rigidity of the body has increased by 13% and the bending rigidity has increased by 18%. This also contributes to fuel efficiency, and despite the increase in body size, it is said to have achieved the same level as its predecessor.
By the way, when I sit down on the 3rd row seat that I’m curious about at the end, first of all, to get in, just pull the lever on the shoulder of the 2nd row seat and lift it up, and you can tip and slide to create a large walk-in space. Not only I, who is 165 cm tall, but also a man, who is 183 cm tall, easily boarded in the video of my home country. If you put the second row seat in the original position as it is, the upper body has more space than expected, even if the feet are not enough, and there is one drink holder and one USB port (A and C). Impression that it is installed one by one and it seems to be easy to spend even a long distance. The air conditioning also has an outlet for the third row of seats, which should keep you comfortable.
And when the luggage is set to park mode with air suspension, the floor becomes low, and even with the third row of seats used, there is space for 3 to 4 carry-on size suitcases to be loaded. When the seats in the second row are knocked down, it becomes refreshingly vast and flat, and the space has expanded to a space where even tall people can afford to stay in the car. Even in the outdoor and sports scenes, you don’t seem to have to give up your luggage. The Limited is equipped with a power lift gate, and the Summit Reserve is equipped with a hands-free power lift gate, making it easy to open and close the gate.
When I checked it in this way, I felt that the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a fairly ideal premium SUV for those who wanted reliable full-scale running performance and a comfortable and high-quality interior space in every seat. In particular, the habitability of the third row seats is a talented group that surpasses its rivals.
Also, I will keep the details secret so as not to deprive the owner of the fun, but like other models of Jeep, it is a “playfulness” that makes you happy when you notice it in a moment, even though it is such a modern and high-quality model. Is also studded. Even in such a place, it was one that made me feel a big charm.