Jeep has unveiled its new Avenger 4xe mild-hybrid model, which is the first variant in the Avenger range to get all-wheel drive. With a 136hp petrol engine and two electric motors, Jeep says the car will be able to operate in fully electric mode at low speeds and offer all-wheel-drive traction no matter the battery level.
All-wheel-drive traction
The Avenger 4xe is the latest in a line of Avenger products, which kicked off with the all-electric model revealed at the tail end of 2022. Since then, Jeep has also introduced a pure petrol option, with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine producing 100hp, and there's an e-Hybrid option that uses the same engine and a 28hp electric motor to drive at less than 18mph on electric power alone, albeit not yet available in Ireland.
All three existing versions of the Avenger send their power to the front wheels, though, which isn't really in keeping with Jeep's off-road ethos. Despite the inclusion of a clever traction control system with different modes for different surfaces.
However, the new 4xe will get all-wheel drive, with one of its two 28hp electric motors powering the rear wheels. And thanks to "power looping" technology, the drive to the rear wheels will always be available, even when the battery is depleted.
Mild-hybrid tech
Unlike other 4xe models in the Jeep range, the new Avenger won't be a plug-in hybrid, and Jeep instead refers to the system as a 'mild-hybrid' setup. Nevertheless, Jeep claims the car will be able to operate on electric power alone at low speeds, suggesting a similar setup to the e-Hybrid model, albeit with an extra electric motor for the rear wheels.
That means the car comes with its second motor integrated into the six-speed automatic gearbox, helping the engine out and improving efficiency. Jeep hasn't yet confirmed any emissions or economy figures for the 4xe, but it says the new model "represents the Jeep brand intention to offer a sustainable 4x4 driving experience while remaining inclusive and accessible to European customers."
Eric Laforge, Head of Jeep brand in Europe, said: "The new Jeep Avenger 4xe represents a turning point for the brand. The latest version of our successful model brings together the compactness and versatility of Avenger with the performance of the all-wheel drive system. The result is unparalleled capability for a more dynamic driving experience. The new Avenger 4xe is completing the brand's offering of 4x4 SUV in all segments."
The new Avenger 4xe is expected to go on sale towards the end of 2024.