JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE PLATINUM SPECIAL EDITION
Jeep's Grand Cherokee Platinum Special Edition Is The Latest Premium 4x4 To Join The Fray. Steve Ghosley Checks It Out...
Chrysler Jeep are basking in the glory of having their Grand Cherokee declared the "Worlds Best Off-Roader" by one of the industrys leading car magazines. Whether by good luck or just good timing, they have now launched a special edition version of the model hoping to increase sales on the back of this prestigious award. The Grand Cherokee Platinum that we look at here nestles at the top of the Grand Cherokee model range and, as with all special editions, offers selected high-value features at a discounted price.
Choosing a name like Platinum suggests that either this model is rare or very expensive. As it turns out, its both. The special edition moniker will ensure that the production run is relatively short so the number that appear on our roads should maintain exclusivity. Plus, as this model is based on the existing top-of-the-range Overlander variant, it isnt cheap either.
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It should, however, offer better value than an equivalently specified Overlander. The Grand Cherokee has generally been overlooked as more and more prestige 4x4s have muscled their way into the market place. But as each contender has established its place in the prestige 4x4 pecking order, Chrysler continue to produce a product that cuts the mustard both in terms of style and off-road ability. The Platinum Special Edition model we examine here is a riposte to those who had relegated the Grand Cherokee from the premier league of 4x4s.
At first glance, its tempting to dismiss it as merely an upspec version of the existing Grand Cherokee 4.7 V8 (though a CRD turbo diesel version is also available) and ones eye is drawn to the specification list to see where the inevitable Platinum extras reside. That would be to hugely miss the point however. Yes, the petrol-powered Platinums cubic capacity is the same as the standard V8 in the range, but thats where the similarities end.
"Chrysler continue to produce a product that cuts the mustard both in terms of style and off-road ability."
This engine cranks out 255bhp, a 16% increase on the existing unit, and a gutsy 314lb/ft of torque. Although thats still some way short of the monster 286bhp grunt of the
BMW X5 or the 292bhp of the Mercedes ML500, so is the price, the £35,995 Jeep stacking up pricewise against lowlier six-cylinder rivals from Germany. The £33,995 turbo diesel variant is even more affordable if affordable is the right word to use about a premium 4x4 of this kind. In cost terms then, its certainly true that Jeep no longer trades punches with the 4x4 divisions heaviest hitters, but youll never get the impression that Chrysler have cut any corners in its construction.
The Platinum Special Edition shares the latest Grand Cherokee styling tweaks of revised fog lights, mirrors, grille etc but its distinguished from other derivatives by 17-inch Rogue Platinum alloy wheels, metallic paint, black tinted windows and a chrome grille. The vehicle also features matt black rock rails, to protect the vehicles sills during the most arduous off-road excursions, plus a chromed exhaust pipe. Indoors, youll find an electric sunroof, a steering wheel controlled ten-disc CD multichanger/radio, black leather seats, air-conditioning including climate control, rear park assist and satellite navigation. Unless endowed with a nagging environmental conscience, V8 variant customers will probably prefer to keep that 4.
7-litre engine spinning as its something of a gem. The pistons have been modified, as have the cylinder head, the conrods, the crankshaft and the inlet manifold. Stereo knock sensors have been added to ensure that the engine always squeezes the most performance out of its fuel - which it bolts at a not inconsequential rate. A rest to sixty time of 8.
3 seconds and a top speed of 128mph attest to the value of these engine modifications. Its due to the Grand Cherokees on-road performance that one august publication denigrated it as ''more of an estate car on tiptoe than a fully-fledged 4WD off-roader.'' You can understand the sentiment but, in reality, statements like this do Jeep's engineers an injustice. No estate car could perform the kind of feats off road that the Grand Cherokee takes in its stride. Much of this raw ability comes courtesy of Quadra-Drive, a 4WD system that drives the car forward even if only one wheel has grip. The importers fit it as standard on all UK Grand Cherokees and having tried it, I can understand why.
Tough off road sections that would have rivals sliding and scrabbling are performed without drama in the Jeep. It's only when you get out afterwards that you realise what has been achieved. Vari-lok progressive front and rear axles allow the Platinum to retain traction even if only one wheel has grip. To assist off-road performance still further, the Platinum gets a standard skid plate set which protects the underbelly of the car, ensuring that fuel tank, transfer case and front suspension dont clout the scenery. As each manufacturer of prestige 4x4 vehicles continues to move their products even further up-market with the inevitable increase in price, Chrysler would appear to be bucking this trend.
The Grand Cherokee Platinum Special Edition offers exactly what it says on the tin. No more no less. You get a proven award winning off-roader that still looks good and provides a high degree of luxury and sophisticated creature comforts. Although youll need to find a large wedge to fund this vehicle, compared to the opposition, it would appear good value for money.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Jeep Grand Cherokee Platinum Special Edition
PRICE: £33,995-£35,995 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 16-17
CO2 EMISSIONS: 257-380g/km
PERFORMANCE: [V8] 0-60mph 8.3s / Max Speed 128mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [V8] (urban) 12.7mpg / (extra urban) 21.7mpg / (combined) 17.1mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags / ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4610/2239/1762
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