Playing Slots: First Images of the Actual Jeep Grand Wagoneer Arrive
Jeep’s playing the long game with its Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer PR efforts, which comes as something of an annoyance, given the length of time it took Jeep to pull the trigger on this blindingly obvious product idea.
On Friday, the off-road brand upped its teasing, providing us with images of real Grand Wagoneer real estate.
The glittering grille seen above seems to be a retro flourish, even though it isn’t really. The original Grand Wagoneer didn’t adopt the seven-slot grille of lesser Jeeps, but this one sure does. And look closer — there’s seven slots contained within seven larger, chrome-lined slots. Jeep loves to count.
The full image can be seen here:
Now, the image provided doesn’t tell us if this is the Wagoneer (making this the left side of the grille, or a Grand Wagoneer (making this the center-right portion), but why show off the lesser of the two? A past tease, of sorts, had Jeep defining the word “grand” and leaving no doubt as to what product it was actually referring to.
Sadly, we can’t peer through those slots to see what heart beats within. The two Ram-based, body-on-frame SUVs are expected to field a variety of powerplants, from V8s to plug-in hybrids. Both start production in Michigan in the second quarter of 2021.
The second image sparked initial head-scratching, but it appears to be a rumored rotary gearshift reflected in the console surface. This type of shifter, with looks classy but isn’t nearly as satisfying to use as a traditional lever-style shifter, adds additional glitz to the full-sizer’s cabin.
Expected to crest the six-figure mark in its most decked-out form, the Grand Wagoneer will go to battle with Lincoln’s Navigator and a brand-new Cadillac Escalade, while the Wagoneer will court lower-end full-size SUV shoppers. We’ll have to wait for confirmation that one of the differences between Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer is wheelbase; one assumes so, given that both Lincoln and Cadillac offer their luxo barges in two lengths.
[Images: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles]
More by Steph Willems
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I hate it already.
I don’t think this will make any difference to Range Rover sales at all. Firstly the types that buy Range Rovers value it’s restrained European looks and the fact its far too over engineered for its own good.. Secondly a Range Rover has great entry and departure angles for proper off-roading. This is an Estate SUV. The Wagoneer however will face a two proved assault from the Defender 130 Luxury model and the all new Range Rover. Ultimately neither company will lose sales to each other I suspect. Lincoln and Cadillac will.