Jeep's Grand Commander made its debut on Wednesday at the 2018 Beijing auto show.
The three-row crossover SUV has been developed exclusively for the Chinese market so won't be sold in the United States. The low approach and departure angles belie Jeep’s off-road credentials, which is probably why.
The Grand Commander was previewed by the plug-in hybrid Jeep Yuntu concept presented at the 2017 Shanghai auto show, however it doesn't feature an electrified option just yet. Instead the Grand Commander debuts with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 delivering 230 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Drive is sent to either the front wheels or all four via a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Underpinning the vehicle is a stretched version of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW) platform, which is also found in the Cherokee. The Grand Commander has a total length of 191.85 inches and a wheelbase of 110 inches, making it substantially larger than the Cherokee whose comparable measurements come in at 182 inches and 106.3 inches, respectively.
Production will be handled at a plant in China operated by Jeep and its local partner GAC.
Jeep has a different pair of three-row SUVs planned for the U.S. The automaker is working on a Wagoneer and super-sized Grand Wagoneer for sale here. They will be based on the body-on-frame platform of the latest Ram 1500 and enter production at FCA's Warren Truck Assembly plant in Michigan some time after 2020.
For more from the Beijing auto show, head to our dedicated hub.
