Jeep has shown off the serious off-road version of its new electric and hybrid Compass SUV - the Compass 4xe.
Hang on, is the standard Compass not off-roady enough?
Evidently not. This Compass 4xe, as with the just-revealed standard version, rides on the Stellantis Group STLA Medium platform, which means it's a close cousin to the Peugeot 3008 and 5008, the Opel Grandland, and the incoming new Citroen C5 Aircross. Jeep hasn't confirmed yet which powertrain the Compass 4xe is getting, but the STLA Medium platform can accommodate 145hp hybrid, 195hp plug-in hybrid, and fully-electric power with up to 375hp. Odds-on, this specialist 4x4 version will get the plug-in hybrid powertrain.
What makes it all off-roady then?
So, it gets the usual Jeep signature stuff, such as the seven-slot grille (which is supposed to hark back to the original 1941 Willys Jeep, but actually that had a nine-slot grille, so go figure) and the squared off wheel arches.
To give it more rugged terrain prowess, Jeep has subtly modified the Compass 4xe, giving it an extra 10mm of ride height, which helps to increase the approach, departure, and breakover angles to 27 degrees, 31 degrees, and 16 degrees, respectively.
That's helped by a new 'Jeep Bumper Shield', which protects the front end of the car, comes in modular sections for easy replacement, and uses scratch-proof materials.
There's also a matte anti-glare sticker on the bonnet, which helps to cut down reflections from sunlight, which means the driver gets dazzled a little less when trying to pick a path through the trees and rocks, and the 19-inch alloy wheels get tyres with a taller sidewall profile, for finding more traction in muddy conditions.
On the electronic front, the Selec-Terrain system has gained an extra, specifically off-road, driving mode and there's a display for the dashboard that tells you your altitude above sea level. Helpful.
What about the interior?
That's been ruggedised a bit too. The seat fabric is coated in polyurethane, which Jeep says makes it twice as resistant as conventional cloth and significantly easier to clean while the rear seatbacks feature an anti-scratch surface for when they're folded flat.
There are also heavy-duty rubber mats for protection from mud, gravel, water, and debris, and some of the trim has been swapped out for a tan-coloured fabric, which Jeep says won't show dirt as much. The silver cabin accents have been replaced by the 4xe signature red trim, too.
“For me, the New Jeep Compass 4xe isn't just a product I helped shape, it's a vehicle that supports how I live, balances performance with practicality, and keeps the spirit of adventure alive in everyday life” said Daniele Calonaci, Head of Jeep Design Europe. “I spend my days immersed in technical details and innovation, but it's when I get behind the wheel in my personal life that I truly appreciate what we've built. Customers with young Children and pets, need a vehicle that can handle everything, from active daily life to weekend escapes in the outdoors. The Compass 4xe does that and more. Features like the Selec-Terrain system are especially useful when heading into the mountains and difficult terrain, something I enjoy doing regularly. The altitude indicator, always visible on board, is a detail I find both functional and inspiring.”