By Khulekani Dumisa

Recently, we sampled new Jeep Grand Cherokee L – the “L” marking an extended platform with a three-row seating configuration. Exterior highlights of the new Grand Cherokee L include Jeep’s signature forward-tipped grille, slim headlamps (front and rear) and standard LED lighting on all Jeep Grand Cherokee trim levels.

Inside, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L gets a new center cluster and digital cluster design, leather finishes, metal and wooden trim pieces, power-adjustable front bucket seats which are heated, digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch digital touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android, large panoramic roof.

A raft of semi-autonomous features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep, and blind spot monitor were available on our Overland test unit. Powering the new Grand Cherokee L is a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine that makes 210 kW of power and 344 Nm of torque.

Upmarket and modern interior

Stepping inside, the quality is good and execution is commendable. The tech is easy to use and connectivity foremost with USB and USB C ports for all rows. The legroom is generous in the second row slides forward to free up space for the third row. The latter can actually sit adults. With the last row seats down, the luggage space is ample.

Driving impressions

The 3.6 L V6 engine is perhaps a bone of contention. Whilst endowed with a beautiful grunt when you flare it up and working well with the smooth transmission, you expect a bit more shove from an engine carrying such a massive car. That said though, it is not a deal breaker, especially if the car will not be used for endless towing duties.

Final word

We enjoyed our time with the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Naturally, this is not a perfect product but we think Jeep have been able to do a good job in improving one of their iconic products. We like the looks and being the longer version, seating 7, the car looks imposing and has some presence. The overall package (a large, premium 7-seater, 4×4 SUV with plenty standard features) is just hard to dismiss at the price point. The new Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland is priced from R1,299,900.