Motoring News
SUMMIT A NEW HIGH POINT FOR JEEP
SUMMIT A NEW HIGH POINT FOR JEEP
By DEREK OGDEN, Marque Motoring
CAPTION: The Grand Cherokee has become grander, with increased dimensions, seven seats and boosted technology
Some would say, not before time, Jeep has brought back an extra row of seats to its Grand Cherokee large sports utility vehicle range, turning it into a full seven-seat SUV. While at it, the maker has boosted its iconic off-roader with more technology.
The replacement for the big five-seater, the long wheelbase L comes in three versions, beginning with the Grand Cherokee L Night Eagle, selling for $82,250, plus on-roads, then the mid-range L Limited ($87,950) and the L Summit Reserve ($115,450).
The flagship Summit Reserve (on test) included Palermo quilted leather, 21-inch wheels, a McIntosh premium sound system, front-seat ventilation and massaging, four-zone climate control and air suspension, while a $5500 Advanced Technology Group, with head-up display, wireless phone charging, night vision camera and front interactive passenger display, was added, taking the price to more than $120 grand, before on-road costs.
A new-generation five-seat model – with the same technology and styling as the seven-seat L – will follow to Australia later this year, with the option of 4xe plug-in hybrid power.
STYLING
For a vehicle so big, at more than five metres long, the Grand Cherokee L Summit is well proportioned – width more than two metres, yet height well under two metres – gives the SUV a bold yet sleek aerodynamic coupe character.
One onlooker compared the test car looks to a Range Rover, which in this case, was a bit of a stretch, literally. Indeed, at more than 5.2 metres long, the ‘L’ is easy to find in a crowded car park, as it inevitably sticks out from the standard car space.
The front consists of an upper metallic grille with Jeep’s trademark seven slots flanked by LED headlamps. Below is a full grille-width air vent incorporating LED daytime running lights.
From the rear, the SUV belies its bulk with simple horizontal lines incorporating wraparound tail lights and twin alloy tipped exhaust pipes. Side on, 21-inch polished painted alloy wheels, a standard fitment on Summit, support a sporty street presence.
INTERIOR
The increase in the horizontal exterior allows for a boost to the wheelbase and cabin space in general, something not lost on occupants aboard the test vehicle. In a first for Jeep, the Grand Cherokee L boasts
Uberesque seating for a driver and six passengers in space and comfort.
All three rows are easily accessed, even the power-operated third row, with the second row tumbling well out of the way, leaving the back to weigh in with adult leg room.
Carry-on bits and pieces find a home in a range of storage spaces, including a deep box in the centre console and bottle holders in the centre and doors all round. Rear passengers have the advantage of retractable blinds, just in time for summer heatwave predictions.
Luggage is not left behind in the storage stakes, with 487 litres available with all three rows in use, leading up to a cavernous 2395 litres with the two sets of rear seatbacks folded flat. There’s a cabin-wide cubby under the floor where the jack is stored.
INFOTAINMENT
A state-of the-art McIntosh audio is now offered for the first time in a full-size SUV. It is made up of a 17-channel amplifier producing up to 950 Watts of power through 19 custom-made speakers, including a 10-inch sub-woofer.
Apple CarPlay wireless support means an iPhone can be connected without having to plug it into the vehicle. The system brings contacts, audio apps, Apple Maps and more on board, all through the Uconnect system.
A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster looks after sat nav, along with mechanical features such as tyre pressure monitoring and driving aids.
There’s a roof-mounted rear facing ‘kid cam’ camera that will police questionable behaviour in the back two rows. It even has a zoom mode.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
All models are powered by the tried-and-tested 3.6 litre Pentastar naturally aspirated V6 engine, delivering 210 kW of peak power and 344 Nm of maximum torque to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The flagship Summit adds a more advanced four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case.
SAFETY
Top-shelf safety features take the Grand Cherokee L Summit to new heights. These include adaptive cruise control with stop/go, full speed collision warning with autonomous braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection.
Then there’s blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert and, last but not least, active lane management.
All these use a selection of loud warning beeps at times hard to pinpoint the source of the potential trouble, while driving assistance, such as active lane management, can be over-intrusive.
DRIVING
At on-road cruising speeds the engine is refined and powerful. However, intrusive wind noise is a bit of a blow and the expansive exterior mirror stands out as a blind spot for the driver on negotiating such obstacles as roundabout kerbing.
Fuel consumption is a downer – it’s premium unleaded petrol – which nudged over 14 litres per 100 kilometres in city and suburban work. This was trimmed to 12 litres per 100 kilometres on a motorway run.
The Summit boasts ground clearance of up to 276 mm, while higher levels of articulation work to keep all four tyres on the ground to maintain stability. Off road, Jeep 4×4 systems ensure the right tyre has traction when needed.
Precision steering and optimal wheelbases enable all L models to negotiate tight spots and manoeuvre around rocks. As for wading, high air intakes and special water sealing, combined with the Jeep Quadra-Lift suspension, can take the vehicles through up to 610 mm of water.
SUMMARY
The Grand Cherokee L Summit is sold by Jeep on the pretext of its size and advanced technology. If that floats your boat and you have a lazy $100 grand-plus lying around, this could be the SUV for you.
RATINGS
Looks: 6/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 7/10
Thirst: 5/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 5/10
AT A GLANCE
Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve: $115,450
Options: Advanced Protech Group: $5500
Premium Paint: $1750
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Jeep dealer for driveaway prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve 3.6L V6 petrol, 8sp automatic, 4WD)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 3.604 litres
Configuration: Six cylinders in ‘V’
Maximum Power: 210 kW @ 6400 rpm
Maximum Torque: 344 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Type: Premium unleaded petrol, 95RON
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 10.6 L/100km
CO2 emissions 243 g / km
DRIVELINE: 8-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 5204 mm
Wheelbase: 3091 mm
Width: 2149 mm
Height: 1817 mm
Turning Circle: 11.7 metres
Gross vehicle mass: 3039 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 87 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five years / 100,000 kilometres
2025 Smart #5 Electric SUV Revealed: The Future of Outdoor Adventure
By Jeff Gibbs
The all-new 2025 Smart #5 electric SUV is set to revolutionise the way people experience the outdoors, combining cutting-edge electric technology with features designed for adventure. Created through a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Geely (Volvo’s parent company), the “hashtag five” is poised to change weekend getaways with a unique blend of off-road capability, luxury, and tech.
Power and Range At the heart of the Smart #5 is a massive 100kWh battery, offering an impressive range of more than 700 kilometres on a single charge. But this vehicle isn’t just about getting from point A to point B — it’s equipped to power outdoor adventures. The Smart #5 can run a variety of appliances, including a fridge, movie projector, and a high-fidelity stereo, making it an ideal companion for camping trips and outdoor escapes.
Design and Off-Road Capability Sized similarly to a Subaru Forester, the Smart #5 is designed for mild off-road tasks with all-wheel-drive traction and ample ground clearance. For those looking to push further into the wild, an optional off-road pack draws inspiration from the Land Rover Defender, featuring practical additions like a fold-down ladder, rooftop cargo tray, and external storage for muddy or wet gear.
Luxurious Interior and Advanced Technology Inside, the Smart #5 offers a premium experience with a digital dashboard and two high-resolution AMOLED displays. The SUV also boasts an augmented reality head-up display, giving drivers enhanced navigation and information at a glance. Powered by a water-cooled computer processor, the system can run movies and video games, turning the car into an entertainment hub for remote locations.
2025 Smart #5 Interior
The vehicle’s heated seats come with a massage function and can fold flat to create a “king size” sleeping space — perfect for overnight stays, though likely not quite as large as a traditional mattress. Adding to the luxurious feel, the Sennheiser surround sound system provides immersive audio, while a cute electronic avatar acts as a digital assistant, similar to Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s Siri.
Innovative Features for Outdoor Adventures One of the standout features is the built-in movie projector, which, combined with the climate-controlled cabin, offers a unique way to relax under the stars. The SUV’s robust electrical system also allows it to power various appliances, transforming campsites into high-tech getaways.
Launch and Market Plans Though pricing details have not been confirmed, industry expectations suggest the Smart #5 could approach the $100,000 mark, especially given its extensive features and capabilities. This places it above the smaller Smart #1 and Smart #3 models.
The brand’s decision to debut the model globally in Byron Bay, Australia, underscores its intent to bring the Smart #5 to the Australian market. After its initial release in China later this year, production for Australia is expected to begin in 2025, with journalists from Europe and Asia already traveling to see the model in person.
With its combination of eco-friendly electric power, innovative tech, and off-road capability, the 2025 Smart #5 promises to be a game-changer in the electric SUV market, catering to those who want to explore the outdoors without sacrificing comfort or modern conveniences.
For more motoring news, click here.
2025 Audi e-tron GT Unveiled: Massive Power Boost and Enhanced Range
By Jeff Gibbs
The 2025 Audi e-tron GT has been officially revealed, showcasing a significant power boost, extended driving range, and updated styling. Set to arrive in European showrooms later this year, with Australian launch dates yet to be confirmed, the updated electric sedan offers cutting-edge performance and luxurious features.
The refreshed e-tron GT now includes two key variants: the S e-tron GT and the top-of-the-line RS e-tron GT Performance. Both models benefit from a technical overhaul, with the RS Performance boasting a staggering 680kW of power, making it the most powerful Audi road car to date. Powered by a new 97kWh battery, the e-tron GT offers up to 604km of driving range, a notable improvement thanks to new battery cell chemistry and recuperation capabilities.
Performance Highlights:
- The S e-tron GT delivers 500kW, an increase of 110kW over the previous base model, while the RS e-tron GT ramps up to 630kW. The top-tier RS e-tron GT Performance pushes output to 680kW, making it just shy of the 700kW figure from its Porsche Taycan Turbo S sibling.
- The 0-100km/h sprint has been cut to just 2.5 seconds in the RS Performance, while the S and RS variants clock in at 3.4 and 2.8 seconds, respectively.
- The upgraded battery system allows for 320kW DC fast charging, which can add 280km of range in just 10 minutes.
Mechanical and Technological Enhancements Audi has introduced a lighter rear motor and a new two-chamber adaptive air suspension system, providing a refined balance between comfort and sportiness. The suspension system is shared with the Porsche Taycan, and it actively adjusts to enhance cornering and acceleration.
2025 Audi e-tron GT Interior
The braking system has also been overhauled, with larger steel brakes on the S e-tron GT, while the RS and RS Performance models come with tungsten carbide-coated or carbon-ceramic discs, respectively.
The RS Performance features a carbon-fibre roof, optional ‘carbon camouflage’ exterior trim, and a glass roof with liquid-crystal film, which can shift from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button.
Interior and Styling Updates Inside, Audi has upgraded the cabin with a new steering wheel, 18-way adjustable seats with massaging functions, and the use of eco-friendly materials like Dinamica suede and recycled Cascade fabric. Audi has also introduced fresh dashboard trim inlays and updated the digital instrument cluster with new displays for battery temperature and performance metrics.
On the exterior, the 2025 e-tron GT sports revised front bumpers, larger air intakes on the RS, and an optional black grille. It also debuts Audi’s new simplified four-ring logo, along with new 20-inch and 21-inch alloy wheels inspired by the 1991 Audi Avus concept car.
With these significant upgrades, Audi is positioning the 2025 e-tron GT as a high-performance electric sedan that combines luxury, cutting-edge technology, and thrilling power, solidifying its place as a strong competitor in the premium electric vehicle market.
For more motoring news, click here.
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