Jeep Developing Range Rover Fighter
Jeep wants to move upmarket with a luxury model.
Bloomberg reports that the American automaker is developing a luxury SUV that will target Range Rover and even Mercedes-Benz’s SUVs. Although the brand is often associated with off-roading and rugged durability, Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne believes there’s a missed opportunity by not offering a luxury model. “When I see Range Rover on the street, my blood boils, because we should be able to do a thing like that,” Marchionne said. “And we will.”
Currently the most expensive Jeep is the Grand Cherokee, that starts at around $30,000 and tops out around $60,000 – a far cry from the Range Rover models that can reach $100,000. The company plans on bringing the Grand Wagoneer nameplate back by 2018, but the Range Rover fighter would sit above that model.
SEE ALSO: Larger Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade Planned
The luxury SUV wasn’t outlined in the company’s five-year plan that was laid out last year, so don’t expect to arrive before 2019. Marchionne did confirm that it is in the works and it’ll be interesting to see if there’s a place for a luxury Jeep in the market.
[Source: Bloomberg]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Sergio Marchionne is an idiot.
The Wranglers are already over priced, why not just add another $50k to their price tag and your all set.