Jeep is leaving no stone unturned as the company prepares to launch its first U.S. EV model. While the Wagoneer S was beaten to the punch by the Avenger EV, that model is for the international market only, as a result, Jeep will be facing a big test when it begins production of the Wagoneer S. To help ensure it makes the grade, Jeep revealed that the new EV will have ‘Perfect Quality’ and buyers will notice this promise in full force when deliveries begin this fall.
Wagoneer S deliveries could be pushed back
When we last heard about the Wagoneer S, the model was supposed to begin deliveries to customers this fall. However, Jeep’s push for quality might force the brand to push that timeline back as it ensures that the SUV is fully up to the challenge of pleasing customers. Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa confirmed it in a statement to Automotive News stating “No launch if the quality isn’t perfect.”
This simple statement confirms that Jeep will resist the pressure to launch the vehicle ahead of schedule and will instead embark on a calculated approach that will see the brand take its time to make sure that the Wagoneer S will not have any lingering quality issues at launch. “Timing is important, but more important than that is to be perfect for the consumers that will give us the privilege to buy this car.”
Wagoneer S comes as Stellantis struggles with quality
The appearance of the SUV comes at a time when Stellantis as a whole has been struggling with quality in the U.S. with the CEO singling out production at factories as a prominent cause of the problems. He even singled out the Ram truck plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan where he claimed that too many trucks required repairs after leaving the production line.
This enhanced focus on quality will undoubtedly put the Wagoneer S firmly in Tavare’s crosshairs with the CEO hoping that the Wagoneer S has a smooth launch and that it doesn’t run into major obstacles as the EV attempts to appeal to a first wave of customers that are willing to give Jeep a chance in meeting their EV needs. There’s also a chance that the Wagoneer S might get ICE engines too with the Dodge Charger already adding gasoline-powered inline-six engines to not only boost sales numbers but also appeal to customers that don’t want to make the jump to EV vehicles just yet. An ICe-powered Wagoneer S would achieve the same basic goal and it would be needed to help Jeep reach its goal of over one million vehicle sales a year in the U.S.
It’s fast
In the meantime, the Jeep Wagoneer S promises to be a sleek and potent EV. Unlike its ICe-powered siblings that prefer to look like rolling penthouses, this EV will take a sleeker approach to design with the model’s exterior being highly functional to help it slice through the air effectively. Performance for the Launch Edition will come from a dual-motor setup that produces 600 hp and allows the Jeep to make the sprint to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.
The Launch Edition will also have a base price of $71,995 and while that may seem steep, this won’t be the state of affairs for very long especially as other versions of the Wagoneer S arrive to showrooms. These models will have lower price tags and will attempt to appeal to mass-market buyers willing to give the nameplate a chance.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.