Jeep India has launched the 85th Anniversary Edition of its popular 7-seater car Meridian. This special edition has been introduced celebrating the 85 years of legacy of the Jeep brand. The limited edition is limited to only 85 units, making it a collectors item. Its ex-showroom price starts from ₹ 36.05 lakh. It is based on the Overland trim and includes exclusive design elements, premium interior upgrades and modern technologies like the new CARA AI voice assistant.
This edition is perfect for those SUV lovers who want a combination of luxury, performance and adventure. Meridian is already known for its strong build quality, comfortable ride and off-road capability. 85th Anniversary Edition makes it even more special. Let's take a look at the design, engine and performance details of this edition.
Design and interior
Jeep Meridian 85th Anniversary Edition has been provided with gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels, which give it a bold and premium look. The exterior features exclusive 85th Anniversary badging and design cues. It maintains the strong stance of the Overland trim and comes with special touches that differentiate it from the regular models.
The cabin is completely on an all-black theme, with Mayan Gold accents and contrast detailing. Leather upholstery, contrast stitching and gold ambient lighting give it a luxury feel. The cabin is spacious and comfortable with new second-row sliding seats, 12-way powered front seats and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. The third row is also practical, while the boot space is available up to 670 litres.
Features and safety
It has premium features like Uconnect infotainment system, 360-degree camera, ventilated seats, panoramic sunroof and Alpine audio system. The most special thing is the new CARA AI voice assistant, which supports natural conversation. It can handle navigation, music, calls, weather updates and vehicle functions in 52 languages (including Indian languages). Personalization options are also available through AXS packages.
Meridian has always been strong in terms of safety. It has 6 airbags as standard, ABS with EBD, electronic parking brake, TPMS, hill start assist and 360-degree camera. ADAS features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist etc. may also be available in higher variants. The safety of an SUV with a 5-star rating in Global NCAP can be trusted.
Engine and Mileage
There has been no change in the powertrain. It is equipped with a 2.0-litre Multijet II turbo diesel engine, which generates approximately 170 PS power and 350 Nm torque. Available with 9-speed automatic transmission, it delivers smooth performance and good drivability. Available in both 4×2 and 4×4 options. ARAI mileage is around 14-15 kmpl, while in the real-world you can get a better figure on the highway. FSD suspension makes the ride comfortable.
In the nearly decade-long presence in India, Jeep SUV models have competed in both the mass-market space as well as the luxury space. But the performance in terms of sheer volumes has not been much to write home about. So what makes the Jeep brand tick in a country which now has the world’s third-largest vehicle market in terms of sales? Is the business about number of units sold or is it about establishing and maintaining a premium image? And what does the future hold for a brand that prides in the rugged credentials of its offerings at a time when electric vehicles (EVs) are fast becoming a rage?
Watch: Jeep India strategy ahead: Will continue to be premium, lifestyle statement
HT Auto recently caught up with Jeep India Brand Director Priyesh Kumar to get an inside view on the sidelines of the unveil event of the 2024 Jeep Wrangler. Here are excerpts from the interview:
HT Auto: What does the Wrangler brand mean to Jeep and to, specifically, customers here in India?
The latest Wrangler from Jeep gets subtle style updates on the outside, feature additions within and is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol motor.
Priyesh: Wrangler is a product which has been known for its off-roading (capabilities). But what’s going to happen maybe time to come is that Wrangler is going to be equally good for the on-roading. New features that are getting added, like ADAS, Nappa leather seats, better navigation screens, six airbags, all those things are also going to give you an equally good on-road experience.
HT Auto: Wrangler has always been a bad boy. So what you are saying is it will be a bad boy but now with a good heart?
Priyesh: To some extent, yes. It is a bit poetic but it is correct.
HT Auto: How much has the Indian car-buying audience evolved to the whole concept of adventure driving, and what does it mean for a brand like Jeep and a model like Wrangler?
Priyesh: When it comes to the evolution of Indian customers towards experiencing lifestyle products, and maybe off-roading-capable products, they (customers) are still evolving. To further promote it, we are doing a lot of things like Jeep Camps, Jeep Trails, where we invite our customers to actually experience the product.So what I am saying is that it (fondness for off-road driving) is gradually coming up and it will help us as a brand.
HT Auto: But then help me understand what does Jeep stand for as a brand. Because on one end of the spectrum, you have the Compass and then the Grand Cherokee on the other. So does Jeep want mass appeal or have an aspirational aura?
The newest version of the Grand Cherokee was launched in India in 2022. It sits on the top of the Jeep product pyramid in the country.
Priyesh: We are going to be more accessible to all segments of customers. The Compass, Meridian, Wrangler or the Grand Cherokee are all premium products, and we will maintain that premium-ness. Going forward, it will be a lifestyle statement as well. But as I mentioned, the customer base itself is evolving, the customer thought process is evolving. So that’s going to definitely help Jeep as a brand.
HT Auto: But let’s be honest, are you also chasing volumes because frankly, cars like Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, as capable as they are and as much as they may carry the aspirational tag, won’t bring in the numbers and volumes (in terms of sales)?
Priyesh: I will not say that we are not in that number game. But we are not going to compromise on the quality of customers or the profile of customers which we are looking at.What we’re looking at is to expand that base altogether. Network expansion is on the cards so our cars are more accessible. A key pillar of our strategy is going to be corporate sales. So, there are a couple of things which we are looking at.
HT Auto: So volume, but not in the actual definition of volume?
Priyesh: We are not going to be in that rat race. But yes, we have also aspirations and we will pick up the volumes with all the things which I mentioned to you.
HT Auto: Jeep has products in the global markets that are positioned below or at par with Compass in India. Why not explore the idea of getting some of those products , like the Renegade for example, to the Indian market?
Jeep Renegade sold in several foreign markets has smaller exterior proportions than the Jeep Compass.
Priyesh: We are evaluating everything to be very honest with you. It’s not being limited to, let’s say, Compass on one side and Grand Cherokee. We are also evaluating the ever-changing customer expectations and market dynamics. On the basis of these, we will come with those products, whatever we find is appropriate for the market and makes business case for us.
HT Auto: Jeep CEO Antonio Fulani recently said that in India, a fair degree of localisation has been achieved but also hinted that more is required. You have 500 suppliers in the country. In your view, what more can possibly be done to bring down costs?
Priyesh: We have around 70 per cent localisation and are looking to take it to 90 per cent. If we have to grow, we can’t be limiting ourselves to our current numbers. So localisation makes the overall ecosystem more friendly to the Indian market. And that’s what is one of the priorities we have.
HT Auto: Going back to the product portfolio, can you give us a look into what is next after the 2024 Wrangler?
Priyesh: So I will start with what we did recently. We launched the Compass Night Eagle special edition which is a fully loaded variant. Then obviously, now is time for the new Wrangler. Then we have the Meridian 2.0. Again, we are looking at which all features should be part of the Meridian so that it isaligned to the market. It has to be something which appeals (to buyers) and it has to maintain the core DNA of Jeep. So all those things are being evaluated, post that also we will have a couple of product launches. But at this point in time, I am not in a position to share that.
HT Auto: What about electrics and what does battery technology and adoption hold for a brand that is about lifestyle, about adventure, about off-roading like Jeep. How do you not just stay relevant but stay ahead of the curve?
Priyesh: Globally, we have also got electric vehicles. Going forward, there are going to be some big ones like Wagoneer S and Recon. So globally, we are already there. In the domestic market, we are still exploring which products suit the market here. We are closely monitoring customer expectations, government policies, infrastructure development and regulations. We are very serious about this and we will come out with an option soon.
French auto giant Citroen and US-based carmaker Jeep have joined other car manufacturers in India to offer help to customers whose vehicles are affected by the floods caused by Cyclone Michaung in states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The two carmakers, part of the Stellantis Group, have rolled out multiple initiatives which include roadside assistance to special offers to buy a new model in case someone’s car has been totally damaged.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 08 Dec 2023, 15:43 PM
Citroen and Jeep, part of the Stellantis Group, have extended assistance to its customers whose vehicles are affected by the floods caused by Cyclone Michaung.
Citroen and Jeep issued a statement today, December 8, stating that it will assist victims of the cyclone that left several cars damaged or submerged over the past one week. The statement reads, “In the wake of the floods caused by Michaung Cyclone in Chennai, Jeep and Citroen have announced vehicle service initiatives to provide round-the-clock comprehensive support to owners of flood-affected vehicles.” The duo joins others like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor, Tata Motors and others to offer assistance to their customers in the wake of floods in the two states.
Among the initiatives undertaken by Citroen and Jeep include 24X7 roadside assistance for their customers to tackle any emergency situation. The carmakers will also help customers wishing to tow away their vehicles to safety. The towing support will carry these vehicles to their nearest dealerships. Customers of Citroen and Jeep can also avail a 40-point complimentary vehicle check-up through advanced appointments at respective dealerships.
Citroen and Jeep are also offering fast-track processing of vehicle insurance. The customers are required to carry essential documents like Driving License, Registration Certificate and vehicle-related policy documents to the dealerships to avail this assistance. The duo will also offer prioritised repairs through insurance partners and faster claim processing. The two carmakers also promise to make genuine spare parts available in time for faster repair process.
Citroen and Jeep are also offering an opportunity to its customers who wish to buy a new car. The carmakers have special offers on fresh purchases for customers whose vehicles have been damaged beyond repair in the floods caused by the cyclone.
Citroen offers cars like C5 Aircross, C3 Aircross, C3 and eC3 as part of its India lineup. Jeep India sells SUVs like Compass, Meridian, Wrangler and Grand Cherokee.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 13 Aug 2023, 17:51 PM
Veteran Bollywood actor Jeetendra has added a brand new Black Range Rover luxury sedan to his garage. In a video sourced by HT, the actor can be seen getting inside his chauffeur-driven new car, which is worth around ₹3 crore. The actor was returning from his visit to the Shani Mandir Temple in his new luxury SUV. In the video, he can be seen surrounded by a crowd of fans, for whom he can be seen posing for selfies.
Bollywood actor Jeetendra getting inside his chauffeur-driven brand new Range Rover SUV.
Range Rover SUVs are known for sheer opulence and performance and are very popular even among Hollywood stars. With the purchase of this new luxury SUV, Jeetendra has joined the league of actors like Sanjay Dutt, Ajay Devgn, Nimrat Kaur, Mahesh Babu, and Allu Arjun.
Range Rover SUV commands a bold road presence with ample comfort and tech on the inside. It features premium leather upholstery, exquisite wood veneers, and multiple soft-touch surfaces. Seating arrangements are comfortable and customizable, offering utmost comfort to both front and rear passengers.
Tech features on the inside include Meridian sound system featuring active noise cancellation. The vehicle boasts a new 13.1-inch floating infotainment screen, Head-Up Display, multi-zone climate control, a four-spoke steering wheel, a fully digital instrument cluster, a rear seat entertainment screen, among others. In the LWB variant, a thrid seat option too is available on the Range Rover.
Powertrain options on the 2023Range Rover luxury SUV include petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol version is powered by a 4.4-liter engine generating 523 PS and 750 Nm of peak torque, while the diesel version utilizes a 3.0-liter engine generating 346 PS and 700 Nm of peak torque.
