The Avenger, produced by Stellantis in Poland alongside the Alfa Romeo Junior and Fiat 600, sparked controversy among United Auto Workers due to CEO pay and recent layoffs in North America. Initially envisioned as an all-electric vehicle, the Avenger underwent a transformation before entering production in January 2023.
The concept showcased at the Paris Motor Show featured full electric power, but the production model shifted to a 48-volt mild hybrid configuration, featuring two electric drive units alongside a 1.2L three-cylinder turbo engine.
This shift in strategy was prompted by several factors. Firstly, the original electric Avenger’s driving range fell short, with WLTP testing indicating a range of up to 400 kilometers (249 miles), compared to the 513 kilometers (319 miles) achieved by the rear-wheel-drive Tesla Model 3 with a standard-range battery.
Secondly, European demand for electric vehicles weakened in the previous quarter, leading legacy automakers to prioritize hybrids and plug-in hybrids to regain market share amidst heightened competition from Chinese counterparts.
Recent shots of the Avenger 4xe, clad in camouflage, reveal design cues inspired by the Avenger 4×4 Concept, including roof rails, while retaining key elements from the electric concept.
The vehicle’s rear end and hexagonal exhaust remain largely unchanged. Similar to the Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4, the Avenger 4xe boasts a transmission-integrated electric motor and a separate electric drive unit for the rear axle, each delivering 28 horsepower, complementing the 134 horsepower generated by the 1.2-liter engine. This setup, coupled with a 900-Wh battery pack, achieves a combined rating of 134 hp/136 ps.
While the Avenger 4xe may not meet North American standards, it targets urban adventurers and off-road enthusiasts in Europe, where driving distances are typically shorter and public transportation options are more prevalent. Jeep plans to open order books for the Avenger 4xe by the end of 2024, with deliveries slated for the 2025 model year.