Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, has pulled the veil back on the new 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S, the first fully electric Jeep for the U.S. and international markets (some E.U. markets already had the compact all-electric Jeep Avenger). The Wagoneer S EV is an impressive 600-horsepower luxury SUV starting at about $70,000, and it will get to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds thanks to 617 lb-ft of torque helping spin all four wheels – a tenth quicker than its top-spec liquid-fueled Trackhawk stablemate. Jeep also claims it will have over 300 miles of range on a charge of its 100 kWh battery pack.
But what has overlanding fans interested is a second Wagoneer S that was teased: The Wagoneer S “Trailhawk concept” variant (below).
“The Jeep Wagoneer S Trailhawk concept vehicle showcases what the all-electric Jeep Wagoneer S lineup is truly capable of, whether cornering tight turns with ease or traversing new ground off the beaten path, ” Antonio Filosa, Jeep brand CEO, said in a statement. More on that in a moment.
Being pre-production and a “concept” vehicle, vital stats on the Trailhawk concept were not published, but we can assume it will be both powerful and more off-road oriented, as Trailhawks tend to be. However, a small batch of Trailhawk concept interior renders and actual exterior images – which look very close to production spec – were also released, and some sleuthing does reveal some interesting details.
First off, the Trailhawk concept has slightly different styling than the more plush Wagoneer S, with a dark, almost stone-like hue (on the “concept” vehicle at least) and more ground clearance partly due to 31.5-inch tires and multi-piece 18-inch wheels that look like they could have come off a certain trapezoidal EV that also recently came to market. Suspension and clearance details were not released for the Trailhawk concept.
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Prominent painted tow hooks front and back are tucked into toughened bumpers, the hood features a large matte anti-glare patch, and a stout roof rack with crossbars was also visible. Like the Wagoneer S EV and many EVs, the front end of the Trailhawk concept is flat and does not include the iconic 7-slot radiator air inlet since there is no radiator. Between the slot-style LED headlights, a decorative top lip with seven slots lit by LEDs carries Jeep’s stylistic iconography onto the EV chassis. The rear section features a heavily raked liftgate topped by a prominent spoiler/wing.
Inside, photorealistic renders show a generally soft-touch interior covered in a leather-like but not-leather material with LED accent strips that are likely color-assignable. A large dual-pane sunroof that opens does appear to migrate from the Wagoneer S. A large center touchscreen and drive mode controller between the seats accompanies a flat-bottom D-style steering wheel. Front seats have heat and cooling airflow, and Stellantis says there will be exposed points on the inside of the cabin for mounting hooks and such to secure gear. Niceties include roomy storage cubbies, a capable audio system, and a wireless phone charging platform.
Filosa mentioned “cornering tight turns with ease” in his remarks, which made us wonder if 4-wheel steering was going to be a feature as well, which an electric powertrain makes (economically) more possible and is available on the Cybertruck and Hummer EV. Peeks at the Trailhawk undercarriage in the photos appear to show stationary rear running gear, so if it will be offered, then perhaps it will be an option.
Overlanding in a purely electric vehicle can be a challenge in terms of range and recharging, but with likely about 300 miles on a full box of electrons, the Trailhawk concept would have a fair bit of reach off-road. The slower going off the pavement actually plays to an electric powertrain’s strengths in terms of range, let alone the massive torque the two electric motors can utilize for climbing and maneuvering, even fully loaded.
It’s also likely that tech from the popular Jeep Cherokee 4XE, with its hybrid electric powertrain’s ability to send power more specifically to the wheels in contact with the ground, will find a place in the Trailhawk. Once on site, the large battery makes keeping toys inflated and tech charged up a snap. Power inverters will likely be standard in the Trailhawk.
No pricing or availability for the Trailhawk has yet been specified by Jeep/Stellantis, but the Wagoneer S EV is due in showrooms this fall starting at $70,000, so here’s hoping the Trailhawk arrives at about the same time.
