New Jeep Grand Cherokee (2011): UK Price & Models

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee UK - Diesel only

Interestingly, the pile of blurb we got in from Jeep UK on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee made the assertion that Jeep “…invented the premium SUV (sport-utility vehicle) segment with the introduction of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.” Really?

Still, we have a soft-spot for the big Yank-Tank that is the Jeep Grand Cherokee so we’ll put that statement down to nothing more than a bit of PR hubris, rather than a genuine claim.

Much of what we know already about the new Grand Cherokee since it was revealed over a year ago remains unchanged with its arrival in the UK. It’s better built and better looking than its predecessor with better engines, better economy and lower emissions. All as you would expect.

It’s still a Mercedes ML under the skin, and none the worse for that. The new diesel engine Fiat revealed for the Euro Grand Cherokee at Geneva this year seems a bit light on oomph, with just 237bhp (although the 406lb/ft of torque may well pick up the slack). Admittedly that’s more than the last Grand Cherokee, but that wasn’t enough either.

But question marks over the power on offer apart (and it’s a question we really can’t answer until Jeep get round to sending us a 2011 Grand Cherokee), the new engine does offer much better economy and emissions, so much so you’ll save nearly £250 a year on VED alone, never mind the better mpg.

And you might as well get used to the 3.0 litre V6 from Fiat’s VM Motori as it’s Hobson’s choice in the UK. Which is rather a shame. I’m sure it’s not true of most big SUV buyers in the UK, but if we were going to grab a US SUV – as opposed to something from Europe or Japan – then it’d have to come with a proper bit of American Iron, just like the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 Jeep fit to the Grand Cherokee in the States. Oh, well.

The Grand Cherokee will come in two trim flavours – the Limited Edition or Overland – with prices starting at £36,795 for the Limited Edition and rising to £43,995 for the Overland. But there’s plenty of options to encourage a few bob more to leave your bank account.

And yes, moans apart, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee still appeals.

(77 photos – click any thumbnail for full gallery)

By Cars UK