Jeep has named its price for its first ever all-electric model. The new Avenger, which is now available to pre-order in lofty 1st Edition trim from £36,500, will come with a 248 mile range and is built on the same set of underpinnings as the Vauxhall Mokka-e and Peugeot e2008. 

Set to be built at Stellantis’ plant in Tychy, Poland, the Avenger is just four metres in length, making it the same size as a large supermini. It will compete in the B-SUV segment, which accounts for more than one in five vehicles sold in Europe, and accounted for more than 2.2 million sales last year. It will be positioned in the Jeep range below the Renegade when sales start next year.  

The Avenger is powered by a new 54kWh battery, which is produced in-house by Stellantis. The pack is made up of 17 modules and 102 cells and delivers 248 miles of WLTP range. The battery, which Jeep claims was tested for more than 1.6 million miles, is installed under the front and rear seats and the central tunnel. It’s protected by a high ground clearance and underbody skid plates in case an owner fancies doing a bit of off-road driving.

The pack feeds a new motor mounted on the front axle. Developed and built by Emotors, a joint venture between Stellantis and Nidec Leroy-Somer Holdings, it generates 156bhp, and a maximum torque of 260Nm. Although the Avenger will launch in front-wheel drive form only, Jeep has confirmed plans to develop a dual motor version which will allow Jeep owners to experience all-electric, all-wheel drive off-roading for the first time. 

Avenger features a new cabin that features body coloured trim panels and a centrally located 10.25 inch touchscreen

Rapid DC charging speed peaks at a modest 100kW while AC charging maxes out at 11kW. Jeep claims that a 20-80% charge will take around 24 minutes, so a more common 10-80% charge is likely to take in the region of 35-40 minutes. A full charge on a domestic 7kW charger will take eight hours. 

Launch models will come equipped with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain and Hill Descent Control system that gives the Avenger the tools to tackle tougher terrains. The system offers six mode including “Snow” for maximum traction on icy roads, “Mud” to enhance grip on slippery surfaces; and “Sand” to prevent the car becoming stuck on sandy soil.

In terms of design and dimensions, the Avenger is 4,080mm long, which is 160mm shorter than the Renegade. Thanks to the combination of short overhangs and large wheels, the Avenger offers what Jeep claims is the best ground clearance in the category (200 mm), as well as impressive approach (20°), breakover (20°) and departure (32°) angles. Inside, the Avenger features a new cabin that features body coloured trim panels on the dashboard, extensive use of LED lighting accents and a centrally located 10.25 inch touchscreen. The lower half of the dashboard is marked by a wide-open storage shell. Further back, the boot can swallow 380 litres of luggage.

1st Edition models priced from £36,500 are available in three colours, with a contrasting black roof and 18-inch alloy wheels. The 10.25-inch infotainment system is standard equipment, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring capabilities. Front and rear parking sensors combined with a 180-degree reversing camera, while it also features adaptive cruise control with lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition and an automatic boot lit.

The rest of the Avenger line-up will be introduced this June. 

Launch models will come equipped with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain and Hill Descent Control system that gives the Avenger the tools to tackle tougher terrain