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December 22, 2020
First Drive of the Jeep Renegade 4xe, the Dawn of Jeep Electrification | Jeep®
Jeep® Renegade 4xe | Jeep Renegade 4xe
Test Drive: The Electrified Jeep Renegade 4xe
Motor journalist Fumio Ogawa test drove the "Renegade 4xe," Jeep's electrified model, which features a unique 4WD system that drives the front wheels with an engine and motor, and the rear wheels with a motor alone.
Text by OGAWA Fumio | Photographs by MOCHIZUKI Hirohiko
Available in two grades: "LIMITED 4xe" and "TRAILHAWK 4xe"
Jeep finally electrifies. Its pioneering plug-in hybrid, the "Renegade 4xe," arrived in Japan in November 2020. The "4xe" is pronounced "four by ee." Uniquely, the front wheels are driven by the hybrid system, while the rear wheels are driven solely by an electric motor.
The Renegade is a model that skillfully blends a slightly rugged feel, reminiscent of the hardcore off-road Jeep Wrangler, with a sophisticated urban aesthetic. It's highly popular, frequently seen in Milan and Paris, and accounts for 30% of Jeep's diverse lineup sales in Japan.
With a total length of 4255mm and a height of 1695mm (1725mm for the TRAILHAWK), it's particularly well-suited for those interested in compact SUVs. The design is also excellent; the front fascia, with its traditional Jeep motifs of round headlamps and a seven-slot grille, exudes character, and the body, balancing robustness with style, seems to fit perfectly in urban settings.
In Japan, the existing three grades with a 1.3-liter turbo engine – "LONGITUDE," "LIMITED," and "TRAILHAWK" – have been joined by the "LIMITED 4xe" and "TRAILHAWK 4xe."
The front powertrain combines a 1.3-liter turbo engine with a motor. In addition to the engine's torque of 270Nm/1850rpm, the motor adds 50Nm of torque. The rear wheels are driven by a motor with a relatively strong torque of 250Nm.
The front and rear powertrains are not physically connected (unlike traditional 4WD systems); they are controlled by a computer. There are three modes: "Electric" runs on battery power to its limit. "Hybrid" prioritizes the motor while starting the engine as needed. "E-Save" uses the engine to charge the battery.
The "LIMITED 4xe" and "TRAILHAWK 4xe" have different engine outputs: the former has 96kW (131ps), while the latter has 132kW (179ps). The maximum torque is the same. These are specs comparable to the gasoline models. The output and torque of the two motors, front and rear, are also unchanged.
Smooth On-Road Driving Experience
"Jeep will be electrified over the next three years" (Christian Meunier, Global President of the Jeep brand). The primary reason is to comply with fuel economy regulations in major global markets.
All models are being electrified with great commitment. The benefit for users is fuel efficiency. The Renegade 4xe can travel up to 48km on battery alone, with fuel economy rated at 17.3 km/liter for the LIMITED 4xe and 16 km/liter for the TRAILHAWK 4xe.
Another benefit of electrification, Meunier emphasizes, is improved performance. With the 4xe, motor output control is easier, which leads to enhanced off-road capability.
While previously only the powerful "TRAILHAWK" with 132kW (179ps) was 4WD, all current models are 4WD. By effectively utilizing the electric motors, they likely aim to make this new drive system a hallmark of future Jeep vehicles.
Driving on public roads revealed another appeal beyond fuel efficiency and off-road capability (which was not tested): a smooth driving sensation. The motor provides powerful acceleration.
In both Hybrid and Electric modes, the vehicle drives using the rear-wheel electric motor as much as possible. It responds instantly to accelerator input, delivering strong power almost silently. The fact that the vehicle's weight has increased by nearly 300kg due to electrification is completely unnoticeable.
With its excellent fuel economy, you'll likely want to take this car on trips, perhaps even for skiing. Despite the current circumstances, you'll feel compelled to travel further when conditions permit. The "improved" 4WD system offers mode selection: "4WD Lock," "4WD Low," and "Hill Descent Control."
Simultaneously, drive modes that control engine output and other functions can be switched between "Auto," "Snow," "Mud & Sand," and "Rock." In essence, it's an all-rounder. Furthermore, a "Sport" mode has been newly added. This mode maintains slightly higher engine revs, allowing for spirited driving.
The ride comfort is excellent. On highways, it maintains a flat posture, while over road bumps that barely register as shocks, you can feel its potential as an off-road vehicle.
The price is 4.98 million yen for the "LIMITED 4xe" and 5.03 million yen for the "TRAILHAWK 4xe." The former is equipped with adaptive cruise control, leather seats, and a heated steering wheel, among other comfort features.
