Below the Renegade, the US car brand Jeep will launch its first electric model, the Avenger, at the beginning of 2023. The small city SUV should soon become the best-selling jeep in Europe.
At least the strategists at Jeep didn’t rack their brains for long about a new model name and simply christened their small, electric city SUV the Avenger. Apparently nobody in America is bothered by the fact that the sister brand Dodge had the Avenger mid-size sedan just a few years ago. But in the US, Jeep will not offer the Avenger anyway. The mini-electric vehicle is mainly intended for Europe, where it should take first place in Jeep’s sales volume.
The bill could add up. The design of the Avenger is successful, the proportions are harmonious, short body overhangs, large wheels, striking fenders and high ground clearance ensure a sturdy and cool appearance – in the spirit of the brand. In addition, the Avenger competes in the extremely popular B segment, where it is even at the lower end of the class with a length of just 4.08 meters.
The Avenger is Jeep’s first all-electric model. The US brand is one of the laggards in the industry when it comes to electrification. But you are all the more committed to the matter now. By 2025, three more Stromer are to follow. All are SUVs.
One reason for the pace is that it belongs to the Stellantis Group, which also includes brands such as Opel, Peugeot, Fiat, Citroën, Alfa Romeo and Maserati. Stellantis puts pressure on electric drives. What was more obvious for Jeep to quickly use the group’s modular system? A perfectly fitting platform, the e-GMP, was already developed. It is already under the Opel Mokka-e, Peugeot e-2008 and DS3 Crossback E-Tense. So all three SUVs are something like the Avenger’s brothers.
Accordingly, the key technical data are similar. A battery with a capacity of 54 kWh is located in the floor of the jeep. This should allow the Avenger to cover up to 390 kilometers, at least according to the WLTP cycle. In everyday life it should be around 300, based on the combined power consumption of 15.7 kWh/100 km. The charging capacity is just as important as the range. The Avenger can be charged with up to 100 kW at the DC charging station. Jeep promises it will take just 24 minutes to go from 20 to 80 percent capacity.
The electric motor (115 kW/156 hp) sits on the front axle and only drives it. The torque is 260 Newton meters. With this combination, the Avenger should be quite confident on the road, especially since the torque is electrotypically available from a standing start. A small downside: the mini-Jeep is not a lightweight at 1541 kilograms, almost 340 kilograms are due to the battery alone. The four-wheel variant 4xe should weigh around 1600 kilograms. It also has an electric motor on the rear axle and should probably be available by the end of 2023.
Behind the wheel is a modern and digital cockpit with the usual screen in the center of the dashboard. Fortunately, the designers left a few physical switches and buttons in order not to have to fiddle around with the touchscreen all the time, at least for the most important operating functions. Jeep is also proud to have given the Avenger the largest volume of shelves and storage compartments. 34 liters are added.
On the other hand, the space available is less lavish. While the front seats are sufficiently comfortable, the back seat is a little pinching, at least for adults. But one should remember here, this Jeep is a small car, so space miracles are not to be expected. The trunk measures a segment-average 380 liters and has a height-adjustable floor. The dimensions for fully folded backrests are not yet available. A look at the technical data of the Opel Mokka-e helps here: 1060 liters. The luggage compartment of the Avenger should also be at this level.
Although the city SUV represents the new entry into the world of Jeep, the Avenger is not a renunciation model. On the contrary. All versions have a modern infotainment system and a whole bunch of assistance systems. These include Level 2 autonomy, traffic sign, pedestrian and cyclist recognition, blind spot warning, lane keeping and a reversing camera with drone view.
The Avenger should start at around 35,000 euros, and with full equipment the 40,000 euro mark should be cracked. Jeep wants to lure the first customers with a special and particularly exclusively equipped “1st Edition”. If you want to drive it, you should decide quickly. The reservation period ends on November 30th.
