First Drive: 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition

It wasn’t that long ago – well, actually, it was some time ago, now that I think about it – that the Wagoneer nameplate was the industry standard when it came to luxury off-roaders. In fact, it was pretty much the only standard when it came to luxury off-roaders, beating the likes of the Range Rover to market by a number of years.

Recently, the Wagoneer name was rejuvenated by Jeep and they have since delivered three models, all loaded to the extreme with fancy McIntosh audio, V8 (now twin-turbo six) power and off-roading chops that would make the most hardcore overlander blush.

Here’s the thing, though. As nice as these vehicles are, they still remain eclipsed on the sales front by the likes of the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, as well as overseas stuff like the Mercedes-Benz GLS. It seems the Wagoneer brand needs a shot in the arm and they’re hoping that this new, all-electric Wagoneer S could provide just that.

You see, the Wagoneer S is the storied off-road brand’s first ever full-electric vehicle. A crossover with no transmission to worry about, the power is transmitted directly from the dual 250 kW motors – one on each axle – to the wheels with no delay. And, with 600 horsepower and 617 pound-feet of torque on-tap, passing manoeuvres can be undertaken with little drama. This is one fast CUV, this Wagoneer. So much so that I caught myself actually spinning the tires from stop, with what I thought was a less-than-zealous throttle input ending up a little more zealous than I thought. Indeed, one doesn’t need this much power but it sure is nice to know you’ve got it.

Being an all-new model, so to is the design. The Wagoneer is an athletic-looking thing that cuts a rakish profile thanks to a roofline that dips towards the rear and trapezoidal fender cutouts with black 20-inch alloy wheels (standard on the Launch Edition, which is the only available model for now) and matching black roof and door pillars. You can get the rest of the Wagoneer S painted black as well, but the contrast provided by the dark roof and a lighter body colour is much more eye-catching. Speaking of the black roof: it comes as standard no matter which colour you specify so the only way for the Wagoneer’s body to match is roof is if you paint it black. In short: it looks exceptional.

Other Launch Edition adds include a full-length power moonroof, digital rear-view mirror, McIntosh Audio, heads-up display, massaging heated and ventilated front seats, cooled wireless charging pad, and ventilated second-row seating.

Those familiar with Jeep probably know all about the brand’s traditional 7-slat front grille and the Wagoneer S does get one – sort of. Being an EV, there’s no motor to cool up front (there is, however, a front trunk or “frunk”) so no grille is required. In keeping with the Jeep ethos, the designers have included a stylized insert at lighting signature that looks like it could be a grille. Which it isn’t, though it does look cool and pairs with the narrow headlight lenses to deliver a surprisingly aggressive face.

Speaking of aggressive: there’s not one but two spoilers ‘round back, the higher one stretching about six inches off the roof and coming to a shark fin-like taper. It is huge, but it’s huge for a reason: the designers insist it needed to look that way to lower drag, thus improving range. Speaking of range: according to Natural Resources Canada, the Wagoneer S should get almost 490 km on a single charge. Jeep says the S can be charged from 20-80 per cent in about 23 minutes when using a DC fast charger. When purchasing a Wagoneer S, buyers can opt for either an included wall box level II charger (and Jeep will even help you find an installer) or $800 charging credit to the brand’s Free2Move charging service, which amalgamates the various charging networks in Canada into a single spot.

Inside, “digital displays” are the theme of the day. There’s a total of four screens (five if you include the standard digital rear-view mirror) – a 12.3” gauge cluster, a 12.3” central display, 10” lower display that hides a storage bin and even a display ahead of the front passenger. From there, front passengers can set the navigation system, the audio system or even use a range of exterior cameras to help the drier monitor trailer behaviour.

Speaking of audio: the Launch Edition comes standard with a 19-speaker, 1,200-watt McIntosh audio system. It is ultra crisp, bassy and gets a way cool equalizer display on the central screen to help set the mood – which can also be done by playing with the Wagoneer’s 64-colour interior ambient lighting. If that’s not enough flash and dash for you, you can also spec a red leather interior for maximum bling factor.

The power is one thing, but as we mentioned: being part of the Wagoneer line, the S is a luxury crossover. To fit that bill, it has to offer the ride to go with all that power. It doesn’t have any trick adaptive dampers that can soften or firm up depending on road conditions – which is a bit of a shame – but it nevertheless has a good ride at baseline. Sure; the large wheels can cause a little bit of thumping over larger bumps, but overall the ride calibration is in-keeping of where a luxury compact crossover should be.

As the goings get twistier, meanwhile, the option to activate “Sport” driving mode will increase pedal response and tweak the dual motor system for a more rear-biased and athletic feel. I was surprised to find that it doesn’t change the steering parameters but once on the road, the steering proved to be responsive enough. When cruising in Auto or Eco mode, meanwhile, the front motor can get deactivated in an effort to achieve greater range.

The question, of course, is whether or not the Wagoneer S is where a luxury EV CUV should be on the whole. Granted, the pool isn’t that deep; Jeep lists the Cadillac Lyriq as a main competitor and beyond that, it’s hard to make an argument for much past the likes of the Genesis GV70 Electric or at a push, the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV. So, there’s an avenue for the Wagoneer to be sure. With the power it has, the interior space (which almost equals what’s on offer from the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee), the on-board tech and the looks, it is primed to make a push. The Launch Edition’s equipment list eclipses that of a similarly-priced EQE and it’s bigger inside, too. So it has the tools; time will tell if folks are willing to shell out almost 90 grand (the Launch Edition starts at $88,995 before taxes; less expensive versions are on the way) for a brand still working to gain more caché.