Update: An earlier version of this story based on incorrect information reported by 'Automotive News' claimed Jeep’s new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models would be trim levels of the next-generation Grand Cherokee rather than standalone models.
New Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models confirmed for Jeep by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles [NYSE:FCAU] during its 5-year strategy announcement in May 2014 will be standalone models positioned above the Grand Cherokee.
They were originally promised for launch in 2018, with the next-generation Grand Cherokee arriving a year earlier. It’s currently thought that FCA will miss those deadlines by about a year. The vehicles will use a heavily updated version of the rugged platform found in the current Grand Cherokee.
Speaking with Automotive News (subscription required), Jeep CEO Mike Manley described the Wagoneer as a “really premium vehicle” and the Grand Wagoneer taking this “to the very next level.”
FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne has previously described the Grand Wagoneer as being a potential rival to the Land Rover Range Rover. It will also likely compete with some of the other full-size luxury SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes-Benz GLS.
