Jeep is in the midst of the transformation to electric mobility. The first all-electric model of the American cult brand is the Avenger. At the end of May, the 4.08-meter-long SUV arrives at prices of 37,000 euros and is clearly recognizable as a Jeep with a typical seven-strut grille.
Despite the martial name, the "Avenger" is not a robust off-roader, but a robustly drawn city car with which Jeep wants to double sales in Germany. The chances are not bad, more than 5000 customers have already signed a purchase contract without even having driven it.
The technical basis of the five-seater is the further developed ECMP2 platform from the parent company Stellantis, a 400-volt electric motor with 156 hp and 260 Nm drives the front axle. The 54 kWh battery is supposed to provide energy for up to 400 kilometers according to WLTP, and it will probably be a good 300 kilometers in everyday life. Thanks to 20 centimetres of ground clearance, hill descent assist and slip control with three additional driving modes for mud, snow and sand, dirt roads or high curbs can also be taken under the wheels.
However, a trailer hitch must be dispensed with. Charging is done with 11 kW AC and up to 100 kW on direct current. A 4x4 version is being planned, but Jeep has not yet revealed whether it will be a plug-in hybrid or fully electric.
During the first test kilometres, the 1.5-tonne Avenger proved to be agile and economical thanks to a consumption of around 15 kWh per 100 kilometres. The steering is smooth, the turning circle of 10.50 meters is pleasantly small. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is done in nine seconds, at 150 km/h it stops. Hard plastic dominates the interior. However, it is nicely arranged with a colorfully painted dashboard and many practical shelves.
The space is good at the front, sufficient in the rear; 355 litres of luggage fit behind the tailgate. Digital instruments, automatic climate control, cruise control and lane departure warning have every baby jeep on board.