Limited Edition of 200 Grand Cherokee hints at Update
JEEP is celebrating its diamond anniversary with a 75th Anniversary limited edition of its Grand Cherokee large SUV, but the special version also gives customers an early glimpse of the full range update that will arrive in Australia in the last quarter of the year.
The Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary is one of four models to which Jeep has applied a light aesthetic tweak and is based on a choice of either petrol- or diesel-powered Limited variants priced from $64,500 before on-road costs for the 3.6-litre V6 petrol or $71,500 for the 3.0-litre diesel.
For the extra $2500 over the standard Limited customers get 20-inch alloy wheels in a unique satin bronze finish, with the same colour applied to the iconic seven-slot grille throats, roof rails, rear step and lower fascia surround, along with ‘1941 seventy five years’ badging.
Paint colours include Brilliant Black, Bright White Billet Silver and Granite Crystal. Curiously, the Recon Green hero colour is not included in the price but is offered as a $400 option.
The enhancements continue on the inside with Moroccan Sun bronze trims throughout the cabin including the steering wheel, door handles, gear selector, air vents, centre console and instrument cluster. Morocco Black leather upholstery with Tangerine stitching and 75th debossed logos complete the special edition interior.
For added prestige, Jeep is capping the number of 75th Anniversary Grand Cherokees to just 200 nationwide so interested parties are advised to enquire early.
In addition to the aesthetic touches that celebrate Jeep’s 75th birthday, the exclusive Grand Cherokee has also been fitted with a number of features that will be applied to all variants when the model has a mid-life update at the end of the year.
Customers hopping into one of the 200 examples will be among the first to own the facelifted front end that features new-look headlights, a restyled grille and redesigned fascia.
The 75th also has a new ‘polystable’ gear selector that replaces the problematic version which returns to the same position after a gear is selected. The transmission mechanicals remain the same for now but the full range update will bring a revised automatic.
For the petrol-powered versions, the special edition heralds a mild engine update, with the Pentastar V6 gaining 3kW to 213kW, while idle-stop tech has contributed to a increase in fuel economy from 10.4 litres per 100km to an even 10.0L/100km.
A revision for the timing gear has added two-stage variable valve lift and timing for flatter torque curve, while exhaust gas recirculation completes the refreshed engine features.
The 75th Anniversary enhancements are rounded out with new electric power steering replacing the mechanical version, while some steel suspension components have been swapped out for lighter aluminium alloy, improving handling characteristics as well as overall kerb weight reduction.
The Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary is being offered alongside equivalent versions in the Renegade, Cherokee and Wrangler ranges.
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee pricing*
| Laredo 3.6 2WD (a) | $47,000 |
| Laredo 3.6 4WD (a) | $52,000 |
| Laredo 3.0d 4WD (a) | $59,000 |
| Limited 3.6 4WD (a) | $62,000 |
| 75th Anniversary 3.6 4WD (a) | $64,500 |
| Limited 3.0d 4WD (a) | $69,000 |
| 75th Anniversary 3.0d 4WD (a) | $71,500 |
| Overland 3.6 4WD (a) | $72,000 |
| Overland 3.0d 4WD (a) | $79,000 |
| Summit 3.0d 4WD (a) | $87,000 |
| SRT 6.4 4WD (a) | $90,000 |
| SRT Night 6.4 4WD (a) | $97,000 |
*Excludes on-road costs
By DANIEL GARDNER