JEEP has introduced its first seven-seat Grand Cherokee large SUV into the Australian market this year, the Grand Cherokee L offered in three grades – Night Eagle, Limited and Summit Reserve – priced from $82,250 plus on-road costs.

The American brand says that apart from featuring “extensive use of premium materials and an exacting attention to detail”, the seven-seater L’s interior offers “capacious legroom in the second row, and improved entry and exit thanks to larger door openings”, as well as “unrivalled third-row capacity and increased cargo-carrying capacity of up to 2395 litres”.

No arguments there…

Australian Grand Cherokee L models are powered by a familiar 210kW/344 Nm 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. 

Torque is directed to all four wheels via either Quadra-Trac I or Quadra-Trac II drivelines (depending on grade), which are augmented with Jeep’s multi-mode Selec-Terrain AWD logic and Quadra-Lift air suspension on higher-spec versions.

Jeep says it has put the new Grand Cherokee L through a thorough domestic product testing program to evaluate the newcomer’s off-road capabilities in the “harshest, most remote environments in Australia”. In fact, more than 60,000km of local testing has been conducted, the firm says.

The Grand Cherokee L is based on a new platform that utilises lightweight, high-strength aluminium and steel, and incorporates various enhancements to improve the ride quality, handling and occupant comfort, while increasing efficiency and reducing NVH and weight.

On test, the range-topping Summit Reserve can be distinguished by its black-painted roof and 21-inch polished alloy wheels. As opposed to the Night Eagle and Limited variants, it has the Quadra-Drive II Active 4WD setup with a two-speed active transfer case providing low range in conjunction with the Selec-Terrain management and the Quadra Lift air suspension.

Its interior is trimmed in quilted Palermo leather (available in black and Tupelo), which is complemented by open pore Waxed Walnut wood finishes.

The front seats are ventilated and 12-way electrically adjustable (with memory and massage functions), while four-zone climate control, enhanced multi-colour ambient lighting, a premium McIntosh audio with 19 speakers and 760-watt amplifier, a Highway Assist System, 360-degree camera and hands-free power liftgate complete the luxury spec.

Premium paint is an extra billed at $1750 while our test vehicle was further equipped with Jeep’s Advanced Technology Group which adds a head-up display, night vision and front passenger interactive display for a $5500 premium. As tested, that places the vehicle at $123,200 plus on-road costs.

The Grand Cherokee L is backed by a five-year/100,000km warranty that includes lifetime roadside assistance. Service intervals are 12 months or 12,000km (whichever comes first) with the first five services price-capped at $399.