Jeep Grand Cherokee: rough, tough and refined

IF Jeep’s Grand Cherokee had the ability to change it own name I’m sure it would have to assume one of those laughably tough-sounding American monikers like Trent Knuckles.

The new premium Jeep is looking butcher than ever, all broad shoulders and jutting chin.

But it also looks like a more premium offering and sits on an all-new platform destined to underpin the next generation of Mercedes vehicles.

IS Jeep destined for sales success under new owners Fiat? Here’s my quick five-star guide to the new 640i.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

Engine: three-litre, turbocharged, V6 diesel

Power: 237bhp and 406lb.ft. of torque

Acceleration: (0-62mph): 8.2 seconds

Top Speed: 126mph

Economy: 34mpg

Price: £36,795 (standard)

Overall rating: * * * * (out of five).

Style: * * * *

“Be in no doubt, the new Grand Cherokee has a rugged, masculine appeal that really suite’s the Jeep brand, but there’s more polish and a more premium appearance than other Jeeps of recent years.

“The rakish roofline makes it slightly lower than its predecessor, but it’s seven centimetres wider and longer, with a 13cm increase in wheelbase liberating interior space.”

Specification and Value: * * * *

“The Grand Cherokee’s closest rival in terms of price is Toyota’s Land Cruiser but its specification could also see it pass off as a cut-price Range Rover Sport or BMW X5.

“Heated leather armchairs broad enough to accommodate super-sized American backsides, parking sensors, a reversing camera, 18-inch alloys, and keyless entry and engine start and are all standard.”

Performance: * * *

“The Quadra Lift adaptive air sprung suspension that comes on the range-topping Outlander spec GC can bestow ground clearance of up to 10.7 inches but also handles road imperfections with greater composure.

“Both GC’s cornered with remarkably little roll and absorbed bumps well, though, while offering a comfortable ride.

Performance from the three-litre V6 initially feels a little tardy and the steering a little vague.

“It would take a determined prod of the accelerator to liberate Jeep’s 8.2 second claimed sprint to 62mph and 126mph top speed.”