All-new Jeep Wrangler (JL) SUV to be launched in India during 2018

It’s less than a couple of months since Jeep revealed the all-new, 4th generation Wrangler SUV to the world. The off roader is already India-bound. Autocar reports that the Jeep Wrangler JL will be launched in India by the end of 2018. A festive season launch is likely for the latest off-roader from the American SUV maker.

The current Wrangler, which starts from nearly Rs. 60 lakhs, is available with a 3.6 liter V6 petrol and 2.8 liter-4 cylinder turbocharged diesel engines in the Indian market. The new model has engine and transmission changes, and the updated engines and gearboxes are likely for the Indian market as well.

This is because Jeep India is expected to bring the new Wrangler here through the CBU (completely built unit) route. CBU vehicles reflect international changes on Indian versions as well. In terms of design, the new Wrangler gets various changes that make it look fresh while retaining the butch lines that are typically Jeep.

The new Wrangler for the Indian market could be offered with a 2 liter turbocharged petrol engine with 270 Bhp and 400 Nm, and a 2.2 liter turbocharged diesel with 197 Bhp-450 Nm. Both engines could get 8 speed automatic gearboxes given the SUV’s high-end positioning. A four wheel drive transfer case will be standard.

Although Jeep offers 3-door short wheelbase and 5-door long wheelbase models in the US market, India is expected to get only the long wheelbase model. The long wheelbase model seats 5 and is more versatile – two reasons why Jeep India is likely to opt for it. This is the same case with the current (3rd gen) Wrangler JK that’s sold in India. Wrangler fans in India will hope that the price tag of the new Wrangler is lower than that of the current model. This is unlikely to happen until Jeep starts assembling the SUV in India.