The Grand Cherokee is a cornerstone of Jeep’s line-up, both here and in North America, but the current vehicle is now distinctly long in the tooth. The existing fourth-generation model launched in the UAE in 2011, which means it’s been around for a decade – double the usual five-year model cycle.
But fear not, Jeep fans, as the venerable all-terrain brand has just whipped the covers off its brand-new fifth-gen Grand Cherokee, which claims to significantly raise the bar in every facet.
Three rows are a charm
Underpinning the latest iteration is an all-new vehicle architecture that’s derived from the Giorgio platform that also forms the basis for the accomplished Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio – an arrangement made possible by the fact both these marques are under the FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) umbrella.
Due here in the third quarter of this year, priced from Dh150,000, the latest model will be spearheaded for the first time by a three-row, seven-seat version (the Grand Cherokee L) that will take the fight to the Land Rover Discovery, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Chevrolet Tahoe and new Ford Explorer. The addition of the three-row Grand Cherokee is particularly significant for the Middle East and North American markets, where seven-seat SUVs rack up healthy sales tallies.
Off-roading capabilities
Jeep claims the vehicle architecture – comprising independent front and rear suspension and optional Quadra-Lift air suspension with electronic adaptive damping – delivers class-leading off-roading capability without compromising on-road comfort and handling. Crucially, the new Grand Cherokee offers more ground clearance (up to 277mm) and greater water fording capability (610mm) than its predecessors, which bodes well for its all-terrain prowess. V8-powered models offer a towing capacity of 3,273kg, so hauling a large boat or caravan is also well within its brief.
Depending on how often and how far you venture off-road, the Grand Cherokee will be offered with a choice of three 4x4 systems (Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II) and a Selec-Terrain traction management system with five terrain modes (Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow and Mud/Sand).
Although retaining familiar Jeep exterior styling cues, such as the trademark seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheelarches, the new Grand Cherokee has thoroughly contemporary design language, with LED lights all-around and a more tapered profile for better aerodynamics. During the vehicle’s online reveal, Jeep’s head of exterior design, Mark Allen, equated visibility with luxury and, consequently, it features a low beltline and generous glasshouse to provide occupants with a good view in all directions.
New features
Among the Grand Cherokee firsts is the optional availability of 21-inch rims, while a blacked-out roof is also available for a stealthier look. Jeep is keen to emphasise the all-American roots of the Grand Cherokee, so another addition is a small stars and stripes badge on each of the front doors.
The Grand Cherokee will initially be offered with a choice of two engines that are carried over from the existing model – a 3.6-litre V6 with 295hp/348Nm and a 5.7-litre V8 with 362hp/529Nm. Both units are mated to an eight-speed auto, which is also retained from the current Grand Cherokee.
However, there’s nothing carryover about the cabin as it’s been thoroughly revamped and features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with virtual gauges replacing conventional dials and a 10.1-inch centre screen with touchscreen functions for the audio system, LED ambient lighting, driver and front passenger seat massage and personalised climate zones.
Jeep boasts the new Grand Cherokee has more than the 110 safety and security features, including a raft of driver-assist systems, along with 360-degree surround view and night vision cameras. There is also a digital rear-view mirror in lieu of a conventional reflective one. It features an LCD screen that displays an image from a rear-mounted camera, so you get a view that’s unimpeded by the rear roof pillars and tailgate.
In addition, the model comes with the most advanced Uconnect system ever with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, windshield Head-up Display (HUD), rear seat monitoring camera and a premium 960-watt, 19-speaker McIntosh audio sound system.
The dramatically overhauled Grand Cherokee is part of a concerted new-model onslaught from Jeep, with the Gladiator having recently launched locally, and the eagerly anticipated Grand Wagoneer still waiting in the wings.
The specs
Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors
Transmission: two-speed
Power: 671hp
Torque: 849Nm
Range: 456km
Price: from Dh437,900
On sale: now
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Three tips from La Perle's performers
1 The kind of water athletes drink is important. Gwilym Hooson, a 28-year-old British performer who is currently recovering from knee surgery, found that out when the company was still in Studio City, training for 12 hours a day. “The physio team was like: ‘Why is everyone getting cramps?’ And then they realised we had to add salt and sugar to the water,” he says.
2 A little chocolate is a good thing. “It’s emergency energy,” says Craig Paul Smith, La Perle’s head coach and former Cirque du Soleil performer, gesturing to an almost-empty open box of mini chocolate bars on his desk backstage.
3 Take chances, says Young, who has worked all over the world, including most recently at Dragone’s show in China. “Every time we go out of our comfort zone, we learn a lot about ourselves,” she says.
China and the UAE agree comprehensive strategic partnership
China and the UAE forged even closer links between the two countries during the landmark state visit after finalising a ten-point agreement on a range of issues, from international affairs to the economy and trade and renewable energy.
1. Politics: The two countries agreed to support each other on issues of security and to work together on regional and international challenges. The nations also confirmed that the number of high-level state visits between China and the UAE will increase.
2. Economy: The UAE offers its full support to China's Belt and Road Initiative, which will combine a land 'economic belt" and a "maritime silk road" that will link China with the Arabian Gulf as well as Southeast, South and Central China, North Africa and, eventually, Europe.
3. Business and innovation: The two nations are committed to exploring new partnerships in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, energy, the aviation and transport industries and have vowed to build economic co-operation through the UAE-China Business Committee.
4. Education, science and technology: The Partnership Programme between Arab countries in Science and Technology will encourage young Emirati scientists to conduct research in China, while the nations will work together on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, renewable energy and space projects.
5. Renewable energy and water: The two countries will partner to develop renewable energy schemes and work to reduce climate change. The nations have also reiterated their support for the Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency.
6. Oil and gas: The UAE and China will work in partnership in the crude oil trade and the exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources.
7. Military and law enforcement and security fields: Joint training will take place between the Chinese and UAE armed forces, while the two nations will step up efforts to combat terrorism and organised crime.
8. Culture and humanitarian issues: Joint cultural projects will be developed and partnerships will be cultivated on the preservation of heritage, contemporary art and tourism.
9. Movement between countries: China and the UAE made clear their intent to encourage travel between the countries through a wide-ranging visa waiver agreement.
10. Implementing the strategic partnership: The Intergovernmental Co-operation Committee, established last year, will be used to ensure the objectives of the partnership are implemented.
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
Springtime in a Broken Mirror,
Mario Benedetti, Penguin Modern Classics
F1 drivers' standings
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 281
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 222
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 177
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 138
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 93
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 86
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 56
RACE RESULTS
1. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Mercedes) 1hr 21min 48.527sec
2. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Ferrari) at 0.658sec
3. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Red Bull) 6.012
4. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 7.430
5. Kimi Räikkönen (FIN/Ferrari) 20.370
6. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Haas) 1:13.160
7. Sergio Pérez (MEX/Force India) 1 lap
8. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Force India) 1 lap
9. Felipe Massa (BRA/Williams) 1 lap
10. Lance Stroll (CAN/Williams) 1 lap
11. Jolyon Palmer (GBR/Renault) 1 lap
12. Stoffel Vandoorne (BEL/McLaren) 1 lap
13. Nico Hülkenberg (GER/Renault) 1 lap
14. Pascal Wehrlein (GER/Sauber) 1 lap
15. Marcus Ericsson (SWE/Sauber) 2 laps
16. Daniil Kvyat (RUS/Toro Rosso) 3 laps
How to register as a donor
1) Organ donors can register on the Hayat app, run by the Ministry of Health and Prevention
2) There are about 11,000 patients in the country in need of organ transplants
3) People must be over 21. Emiratis and residents can register.
4) The campaign uses the hashtag #donate_hope
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Swiss fly direct from the UAE to Zurich from Dh2,855 return, including taxes.
The chalet
Chalet N is currently open in winter only, between now and April 21. During the ski season, starting on December 11, a week’s rental costs from €210,000 (Dh898,431) per week for the whole property, which has 22 beds in total, across six suites, three double rooms and a children’s suite. The price includes all scheduled meals, a week’s ski pass, Wi-Fi, parking, transfers between Munich, Innsbruck or Zurich airports and one 50-minute massage per person. Private ski lessons cost from €360 (Dh1,541) per day. Halal food is available on request.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
