Jeep previews electric Wagoneer S
Ahead of its US market release later this year, Jeep have unveiled the first images and some initial details on the all-new Wagoneer S. The first fully-electric Jeep model to be offered in the US (beating the Avenger compact SUV that’s already being sold in Europe), the Wagoneer S is likely to reach Australia sometime in 2026.
Only offered as an EV, the Wagoneer S is said to retain Jeep’s signature off-road capability, including 4xe four-wheel drive and an all-terrain management system.
The production Wagoneer S appears to stay true in most areas to the concept that was unveiled in 2022, with the BEV drivetrain allowing signature Jeep features to be interpreted in new ways. The seven-slot grille is perhaps the shallowest in Jeep history, illuminated by LEDs and linked to a lightbar above that connects the slim headlights. This reimaging of Jeep’s signature grille is as much about making the Wagoneer S more aerodynamically efficient than anything else.
Initial information on the electric drivetrain only states it’s capable of 600hp (447kW) and can reach 97km/h from standstill in 3.5 seconds. Things like the motor placement, battery type, size and position have yet to be revealed, but Jeep says the 4xe drivetrain first seen on the brand’s hybrids will be applied to the Wagoneer S and become “the new 4x4” in the future. This is all part of Jeep’s broader goal of sustainable mobility. Under their ‘Dare Forward 2030’ initiative, 100 per cent of Jeeps sold in Europe and 50 per cent of those sold in the US will be electric by 2030. More broadly, Jeep’s parent company, Stellantis, aims to be carbon net zero by 2038.
Built on the STLA-Large platform that’s designed for BEVs, the Wagoneer S appears to be around the same size as a current Grand Cherokee L, but has a much sleeker look overall than either the Grand Wagoneer or Grand Cherokee. Distinctive design elements, like the heavily-sloped D-pillar, give the Wagoneer S a ‘coupe SUV’ look, while a full-width tail light mirrors the treatment at the front. The more masculine elements of Jeep design, like the squared-off and flared wheelarches, solid bumper treatments and even the door handles have been reimagined in the name of aerodynamic efficiency.
Inside the “tech-focussed” cabin, screens cover the width of the dash. There is the usual digital instrument display and central infotainment touchscreen you’d expect, plus an additional screen below that for air con and seat adjustment. A fourth screen, placed ahead of the front seat passenger, appears to allow access to selected information, like phone and music control, as well as vehicle data.
Of the few tactile controls in the Wagoneer S cabin, there’s an hexagonal start button, parking brake/hill start button and rotary dial control for transmission selection, while the Selec-Terrain driving mode options – Auto, Eco, Sport, Sand and Snow – are made via a toggle switch.
Of the other details released so far, colour of the “dynamic” ambient lighting can be altered, while a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and 19-speaker McIntosh premium sound system are standard.
Should it reach Australia in the 2026 timeframe expected, the Wagoneer S could be the third fully-electric Jeep released here, following the Avenger that’s due later this year and the Wrangler-esque Recon, which is currently unconfirmed for Australia, but is likely to arrive in either late 2025 or early 2026.
