The new Jeep Avenger 4xe finally adds all-wheel drive to the company's smallest model line.
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Up until now 4xe-branded Jeep models, whether they be the all-wheel drive Grand Cherokee 4xe and Wrangler 4xe, or the front-wheel drive Compass 4xe and Renegade 4xe, have all been plug-in hybrid.
Muddying the branding waters somewhat, the Avenger 4xe has a 48V mild-hybrid powertrain instead.
Powering the Avenger 4xe is a 100kW petrol engine that's aided by a pair of 21kW electric motors. One of these motors is located on the rear axle, while the other is built into the six-speed dual-clutch automated transmission.
Jeep has yet to provide total output and fuel economy figures for Avenger 4xe, but says the car is capable of driving in "full electric mode at low speeds", and all-wheel drive is always available regardless of battery state thanks to its "power looping" feature.
Styling for the Avenger 4xe has yet to be fully unveiled, with the company only issuing a sketch of the model thus far.
We expect the production 4xe will look similar to the Avenger 4×4 Concept, with a different lower air intake design, revised lower rear bumper section, chunkier tyres, and other minor design changes.
European order books for the Avenger 4xe will open "by the end of 2024". Production will take place Tychy, Poland.
When it goes on sale in Europe, the 4xe will be the fourth drivetrain in the Avenger range. Sitting below it will be the petrol-only and front-wheel drive e-Hybrid (mild-hybrid) models, both powered by a 75kW turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine.
Above it will be the all-electric version variant, which has a 115kW/260Nm electric motor driving the front wheels only.
The motor is hooked up to 54kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion battery, and has a claimed WLTP electric range of 400km. The Avenger has a 400V electrical system, and supports DC charging at up to 100kW.
Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but in the UK the base petrol-only Avenger starts at £23,335 (A$45,300), the front-wheel drive Avenger e-Hybrid begins at £25,045 (A$48,600), while the electric Avenger kicks off at £35,645 (A$69,150)
So far the electric model is only member of the Avenger family confirmed for sale in Australia, with the car due to go on sale locally some time during the second half of 2024.
MORE: Everything Jeep Avenger
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
