Jeep targets Tesla with Wagoneer S

US brand sets sights on Model Y with new upmarket electric SUV; due here in 2025

- JAMES ATTWOOD

The new 592bhp Jeep Wagoneer S electric SUV blends an upmarket design focus with sports car levels of performance in a bid to take on the Tesla Model Y.

The new SUV is Jeep's second battery-electric model following the small Avenger, but it's the first that will be offered globally.

It will be the first time that a car carrying Jeep's upmarket Wagoneer badge, which was first introduced in 1962 and used for a series of more premium models, has been offered here.

Jeep is hoping that a more overt focus on premium design and onroad manners will help it grow sales in the crucial D-SUV market.

Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa said the Wagoneer S will be "a global product because we think it will fit many, many consumers". He added: "It has its roots in the US, where it was developed, but it will be a very good fit for European cities. It's a D-SUV with the roominess of an E-SUV."

The launch version of the Wagoneer S also has a strong focus on outright performance, thanks to a dual-motor powertrain offering a substantial 592bhp and 516lb ft of torque.

Jeep has yet to give full details, but it has revealed the machine is able to complete the 0-62mph sprint in 3.4sec.

That makes it the fastest-accelerating Jeep in history, eclipsing the V8-engined Grand Cherokee Trackhawk by 0.3sec.

More significantly, that time narrowly eclipses the Model Y Performance an achievement that has been highlighted in a Jeep promotional video showing the Wagoneer S taking on the Tesla in a time trial.

The Wagoneer S will be one of the first production models to sit on the new electricfocused STLA Large platform, which has been developed by parent firm Stellantis for a wide variety of vehicles, powertrain layouts and battery sizes.