(September 4, 2020) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — An all-new Grand Wagoneer Concept — introduced Thursday in Detroit — marks the rebirth of a classic and premium American icon, providing a vision of what the modern expression of the original, ultimate, premium SUV can be. The  Grand Wagoneer Concept’s debut instantly positions the storied Wagoneer name as a premium extension of the Jeep brand. Wagoneer will define “American Premium” while delivering a unique and unprecedented customer experience.

 “Our new Grand Wagoneer Concept marks the first step in the rebirth of Wagoneer — a true and rare premium American icon,” said Christian Meunier, global president of the Jeep brand. “With the electrification of each Jeep nameplate coming in the next few years, and the reintroduction of Wagoneer, we are quickly expanding into new segments and more premium space.
 
“Wagoneer is unquestionably rooted in the legendary Jeep brand and its unmatched heritage of leading capability, authenticity and freedom, and its return allows us to expand to a much more premium arena with new levels of design detail, and advanced safety and technology features,” Meunier added. “While Jeep vehicles bring leading capability, efficiency and performance across the mainstream SUV market, Wagoneer will ultimately become a portfolio of vehicles that will once again define ‘American Premium,’ making it the standard of sophistication, authenticity and modern mobility.”
 
The Grand Wagoneer Concept boasts a wide array of leading-edge premium technology – including an electrified powertrain, sophisticated 4x4 off-road systems, and a first-ever passenger screen in an SUV that is part of and an unmatched selection of upscale, premium interior features.
 
“For more than a quarter century, the first Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer created a new segment for American consumers as the ultimate premium SUV of its day,” Meunier said. “The new Grand Wagoneer Concept is our vision of what a modern expression of this timeless icon can be, and hints at how we will redefine and recreate the benchmark premium SUV.”
 
Born in America in 1962 for the 1963 model year, Wagoneer was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle mated to an automatic transmission, pioneering the first modern SUV. The 1984 Grand Wagoneer marked the beginning of the premium SUV, giving buyers an unheard-of combination of standard features, such as leather upholstery, air conditioning, AM/FM/CB stereo radios and added sound insulation, with a dramatic increase in horsepower and torque.
 
Always at the forefront was a beautifully crafted, stately design that exuded class, elegance and a premium feel. That formula continues with the new Grand Wagoneer Concept.
 
“The original Grand Wagoneer was the first premium SUV, and its timeless design combined with the soul of Americana helped it achieve an iconic place in many hearts,” said Ralph Gilles, head of design – FCA. “The Grand Wagoneer Concept is inspired by the original, but with a modern interpretation of luxury and freedom. We strived to create an elegant design with a timeless silhouette, featuring countless beautifully crafted details that come together to give it an undeniable presence.
 
“The Grand Wagoneer Concept’s interior is spacious and features premium materials that accentuate our team’s obsession to detail and celebrates American craftsmanship,” Gilles added. “A full digital cockpit takes advantage of leading technologies that are beautifully presented with expansive and easy-to-use screens and limited buttons, allowing the focus to be placed on a pleasant and intuitive experience for the driver and passengers.”
 
With this new Concept, the Grand Wagoneer nameplate features — for the first time ever — a spacious third row.
 
Production versions of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are slated to arrive in showrooms next year. They will be reborn in America in Warren, Mich., near downtown Detroit. As a nod to its manufacturing home and the brand’s headquarters, the Concept’s full-pane glass roof houses a map showcasing Detroit and the surrounding area.



 When the production version of the Grand Wagoneer arrives next year, it will boast class-leading capability courtesy of three available 4x4 systems and the renowned Quadra-Lift air suspension, premium driving dynamics with an independent front and rear suspension, unmatched towing capability, powerful performance, advanced technology, safety and connectivity, a new level of comfort and best-in-class overall passenger volume – all wrapped in a stunning, elegant new design.
 
The Grand Wagoneer Concept encapsulates the future of the ultimate premium SUV with a focus on being both modern and authentic. A stunning, ultra-premium exterior, featuring modern-yet-familiar touch points and Obsidian Black accents across the exterior, creates a new timeless design.
 
The Grand Wagoneer Concept’s exterior design is anchored by a prominent Obsidian Black-accented grille featuring the Jeep brand’s iconic seven slots. Each slot features intricate lightweight latticework, while the space above and between each of the seven slots is lit to create a signature LED design. This LED pattern forms an elegant outline to the grille, helping to emphasize the width and overall front fascia of the vehicle.
 
The SUV itself is fully dipped in a stunning new Arctic Ice exterior paint, and directly above the grille sits raised illuminated letters spelling out the word Wagoneer. The design team created a custom-made font for all of the Concept’s exterior lettering.
 
On either side of the grille sits twin bi-functional LED projector headlamps that are cradled by genuine teak wood. Premium design meets capability in the form of an Obsidian Black aluminum front skid plate and accented front tow hooks.
 
From its side, the Grand Wagoneer Concept features a stately, distinguished profile. The Grand Wagoneer Concept SUV stands tall on 24-inch, multi-spoke, Obsidian-finished aluminum wheels featuring 3D-printed elements that reside just below the vehicle’s iconic trapezoidal wheel arches. A three-piece wheel cap features the Wagoneer logo suspended in acrylic.
 
Raised aluminum letters with copper-side accents spell out “Grand Wagoneer” on the lower third of each front door. An American flag flanks the aluminum letters and pays tribute to the brand’s home country.
 
LED taillamps wrap from the rear quarter panel to the back of the vehicle and create a solid form, which allows the vehicle to achieve a more upscale appearance and complements the overall exterior design statement. A subtle rear diffuser sits below the power tailgate and aids in the vehicle’s aerodynamics by guiding air for maximum efficiency.
 
A full suite of exterior LED lights, including premium LED headlamps, fog lamps and taillamps, enable the Grand Wagoneer Concept to shine in any environment.
 
The Grand Wagoneer Concept’s elegance is on full display before the doors even open. Upon remote activation, the full suite of exterior LED lights subtly engage with a full “welcome” sequence that brings the concept vehicle to life.
 
A full-pane glass roof visually expands the vehicle’s interior space and admits natural light to all occupants. Flanking the full-pane glass roof on both sides are roof rails, featuring four tie-down loop openings. Each loop opening houses additional teak wood that is supported by bronze latticework.
 
Teak wood was chosen both for its elegance and durability. Once seen primarily on yachts and in the most extravagant estates, teak wood is now a premium wood of choice for designers across industries.