by Matt Konkle
Torque Editor-in-Chief
Over the years, the tiny off-road oasis of Moab in the southeastern Utah desert has played host to all kinds of Jeep adventures. And when spring arrives, add in some concept vehicles.
Well, with the latest iteration of Easter Jeep Safari on the horizon, Jeep parent Stellantis saw fit on Friday to release two new concept vehicle images, along with a statement that the brand is “hard at work once again creating several one-of-a-kind Jeep concept vehicles that will take four-wheeling to the next level.”
Normally Jeep shows off its concept vehicle images, and then the actual vehicles, in the days leading up to EJS, so this release is a bit early compared to past years. But then again it looks like the automaker is really trying to build (some would say electrify) excitement towards this year’s crop that Jeep says will be “Bigger, Better, Greener, Faster and Ultra-capable.”
While Jeep did not come out and exactly provide details on these first two concept images, it appears the first is in the Gladiator family while the second is most likely a souped-up version of the recently-announced 4xe Grand Cherokee, based on the grille design and blue-accented fog light area.
Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is on record that he wants Jeep to have an all-electric vehicle in the stable by mid-decade, and the company did show off a fully-electric Wrangler concept dubbed Magneto during last year’s EJS. This concept is what has led most to believe Wrangler will be Jeep’s first North American all-electric production vehicle.
However, it may not be all by itself as a first.
It is possible behind this Gladiator concept image, that Jeep is announcing an addition to their all-electric lineup into the truck category — just like it did last year with Wrangler.
Then again, by including the Jeep Performance Parts logo into the rendering, it is also possible this EJS concept is merely a hybrid 4xe Gladiator — albeit one with plenty of JPP items and probably some catchy name.
Following its release of the seven-seat Grand Cherokee L late last year, Jeep announced in January it was bringing a hybrid Grand Cherokee to showrooms later this year. This 4xe is available on the Limited, Trailhawk, Overland and Summit trim levels and Jeep says it will get about 25 miles on battery power. The brand debuted this model at the Chicago Auto Show a few weeks ago, and is expected to have it on the floor for the Philadelphia Auto Show from March 5-13.
If Jeep keeps to its usual EJS concept idea format, this likely Grand Cherokee 4xe version will also have plenty of new JPP things designed to show off its capabilities, while providing some highlights with the electrification aspect.
Jeep normally hauls out a handful of new concept vehicles to Moab for EJS, with its Jeepster Beach Commando, Red Bare Gladiator and Orange Peelz joining that Magneto Wrangler last year.
Each year, EJS attracts thousands to the Utah desert for a week’s worth of off-roading and congregating on some of the best 4x4 trails in the world. This year’s 56th annual event is set for April 9-17.
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