An All-Electric Jeep Avenger is here: The smallest BEV Jeep yet

Jeep has introduced the first all-electric Jeep Avenger in the European market which has been designed and built in Europe. The car is the smallest Jeep and the first BEV from the manufacturer.

Jeep Avenger Highlights

► The smallest and the first all-electric Jeep- Jeep Avenger► The Jeep Avenger will go on sale next year.► The Jeep Avenger is designed and built in Europe.

The Avenger is a new all-electric SUV aimed to attract more young people, particularly girls, to a brand that has traditionally been associated with masculine outdoor types. Following the introduction of hybrids to the Jeep lineup, this is the first BEV, which will be followed by a slew of others. Jeep will sell four electric versions in Europe by 2025, and will be all-electric by 2030.

The Stellantis stablemates, such as the Peugeot 2008, share similar underpinnings, but the e-CMP2 platform has been substantially reworked, and the bodywork and cabin are completely new. An Alfa Romeo spin-off is planned to follow, made at the same factory in Tychy, Poland, where the Fiat 500, Abarth 500, and Lancia Ypsilon are all produced.

Isn't this one small Jeep....

"When I first started here, 31 years ago, we only had three name plates", said Ralph Gilles, Head of Global Design. "A niche brand that does not think globally. The rate of change at Stellantis is amazing. Jeep retains a small-town feel, thanks to this amazing firm."

His memo from Meunier? 'I want a fun, boxy, all-electric Jeep.'

In turn, Gilles briefed European Design Boss Daniele Calonaci: "Even without a badge, you need to know it's a Jeep."

It was created in Italy, making it the first Jeep to be designed outside of the United States, while design input had previously come from studios all around the world. It doesn't only look like a Jeep; despite being front-wheel drive, it possesses classic off-road capability. It has hill descent control, as well as six driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Sand, Mud, and Snow. Depending on the specification, the ground clearance is 200mm or greater, with a 20o breakover angle, 20o approach angle, and 32o departure angle. Most will not be utilized off-road, but the Avenger's capability and sturdiness will make it well adapted to negotiating kerbs, speed bumps, and tricky multi-story ramps.

The shoulder line, as well as the trapezoidal wheel arches, are derived from the company's flagship product, the Willy's Jeep of 1941. The Compass and Grand Cherokee are represented by the floating C-pillar. The grille appears to have seven slots, but it is actually closed (with cooling air coming in under the front bumper).

Inside, the front has a strong horizontal line and plenty of oddment storage. A 10.25-inch screen is in the centre of the dash, and an instrument screen of 7.0 or 10.25 inches, depending on specification, is in front of the driver. It is equipped with Android Auto, natural voice activation, and Level 2 driving assistance.

There are seven body colors to choose from, as well as dealer-fit body graphics for the top, bonnet, and grille. The diameter of the wheels ranges from 16 to 18 inches.

According to Jeep CEO Christian Meunier, the Avenger embodies the company's basic values of freedom, adventure, authenticity, and passion. "It's not marketing nonsense. When we talk about products, it has to be sturdy, and we prefer to portray that through the product's design. There's nothing false about a Jeep."

Meunier admits that Jeep underperforms in much of Europe. In certain ways, Italy is its largest market, accounting for 10% of the SUV market, compared to 1% or 2% in most other nations. 'It's disheartening. Why are we so depressed? There have been concerns with providing the incorrect powertrains [lacking diesels when they were needed, then being sluggish with hybrids]. We're gaining traction with the Renegade 4xe. The automobiles are becoming increasingly acceptable for Europe, both for daily use and as a weekend lifestyle machine.' He believes it will be Jeep's best-selling vehicle in Europe by 2024.

Jeep Avenger Specs

The Avenger is the smallest Jeep, measuring 4084mm and having low front and rear overhangs. It sits beneath the Renegade in the lineup. It has a 380-litre boot and weighs 1541kg, 340kg of which is the electric powertrain.

The original iteration is powered by a single electric motor that drives the front wheels. The battery, which has 17 modules divided between the front and rear seats, leaving room for the rear passengers' feet, has a net capacity of 51kWh and a power output of 154bhp and 192lb ft of torque. Expect a WLTP cycle range of about 250 miles, or 340 miles in city driving. Three minutes on a fast charger adds 18 miles of range, while 24 minutes charges the battery from 20% to 80%. The energy efficiency rating is 5.0 miles per kWh.

Although the Avenger will initially be a BEV exclusively, a combustion variant with a 1.2-litre turbocharged engine will be available in Italy and Spain, which trail behind in electrification, a few months later.

Is Jeep Confident about Jeep Avenger?

Jeep's global sales have increased fourfold since the beginning of the decade, from 400,000 automobiles per year to 1.2-1.5 million presently.

Click here to see more from Jeep.The success of the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee hybrids in the United States demonstrates that Jeep owners are content with electrification; the new Grand Cherokee will arrive in the United Kingdom next year, following delays caused by supply chain concerns. 'This is a huge opportunity.' A four-wheel-drive Jeep is a superior Jeep.'

The lineup will also include a Range Rover Sport rival based on the newly announced Wagoneer S concept, as well as the Recon, a rugged Wrangler-style EV. The fourth electric Jeep is yet unknown.