Shanghai show: Jeep’s China-only Yuntu exposed

JEEP has shown off its Yuntu large three-row SUV concept at the Shanghai motor show which will serve as an exclusively Chinese model and possibly become the brand’s flagship vehicle in the burgeoning market.

Wearing the familiar seven-slot Jeep grille up, the Yuntu Concept also sports a large and open glasshouse to invite light in, and boxy proportions – although the exact dimensions were not disclosed.

Slimline headlights, bumper-integrated foglights, off-road underbody cladding, wraparound tail-lights, a large tailgate opening and subtle roof rails also characterise the Yuntu Concept, most of which is expected to be retained on the future production version.

Inside, the Yuntu features a typically futuristic showcar interior with a combination of woodgrain, white leather, gloss black and metallic surfaces throughout.

Suicide doors allow easy ingress and egress into its six seats configured in a 2-2-2 arrangement, both of which are expected to be replaced with traditional doors and a seven seat 2-3-2 setup when it loses its concept status.

Power in the Yuntu comes courtesy of a plug-in hybrid setup with no details divulged, but expect to see traditional combustion engine options when it makes it to production sometime in the next year.

Although no further details were revealed, in China, the three-row Yuntu could sit above the five-seat Grand Cherokee – which measures 4828mm in length, 1943mm wide, 1802 in height and has a 2915mm wheelbase.

Petrol and diesel engine choices will also likely mimic its Grand Cherokee sibling, with a 184kW/570Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel on offer, as well as a 3.0- and 3.6-litre atmo Pentastar petrol V6 in the Chinese market.

According to Jeep, “SUVs are the fastest-growing segment in China and the Jeep Yuntu Concept showcases the potential for the Jeep brand to keep expanding in the country”.