Jeep to Launch Electric Recon Off-Roader to Take on Land Rover Defender
Jeep is set to make a big push in Europe with the introduction of the Jeep Recon, an electric off-roader that will rival the Land Rover Defender. The Recon is scheduled to launch in 2025 and will join the already released Jeep Avenger and the upcoming Jeep Wagoneer S, bringing the brand’s UK range to seven models by the middle of the decade.
The Jeep Recon will be an unofficial electric sibling to the iconic Jeep Wrangler and will share its underpinnings with the Wagoneer S. Both models will be based on Stellantis’s new STLA Large architecture, making them among the first models to utilize this platform. While specific technical details have yet to be released, it has been confirmed that both the Recon and Wagoneer S will have a 0-60mph time of 3.5 seconds.
The Recon will be positioned as a raw take on off-road Jeeps of old, offering options such as removable doors and an open-top design, similar to the Wrangler. However, it will have slightly different sizes and positions in the range compared to the Wrangler. According to Antonella Bruno, Jeep’s European boss, the Recon will be a unique and capable car that will sit in a lower part of the market segment compared to the Wrangler.
Jeep has ambitious plans for electrification, aiming to become the 4×4 leader in electrification globally. However, due to engineering constraints, the current generation Wrangler 4xe cannot be offered in right-hand drive in the UK. As a result, the Recon will be the only Jeep model without an electrified drivetrain in the UK by 2025.
Despite Jeep’s recent struggles in Europe and the UK, Bruno remains confident in the brand’s standing. She believes that the brand is incredibly well-known in the UK and that customers are ready to accept their new products, starting with the Avenger and Grand Cherokee. Jeep aims to change its presence in the UK with the right lineup and expects to see a positive response from customers.
Jeep’s push for electrification aligns with Stellantis’s goal of going electric car-only in Europe by 2030. The Recon will be one of the key models in Jeep’s electric lineup, offering a range of around 373 miles. With its rugged off-road capabilities and impressive performance, the Recon aims to challenge the Land Rover Defender’s dominance in the market.
In terms of competition, Jeep is not targeting Land Rover directly in the UK and Europe. Instead, they see brands like Volkswagen and Mini as potential rivals from which they can conquer sales. Jeep’s focus on offering capable and versatile off-roaders sets them apart from other brands in the market.
Overall, the introduction of the Jeep Recon marks a significant step for the brand in Europe. With its electric powertrain, off-road capabilities, and unique design, the Recon aims to capture the attention of adventure-seeking customers who value both performance and sustainability. As Jeep expands its range and focuses on electrification, it is poised to make a strong comeback in the UK and European markets.