Looking For An Electric Off-roader? Jeep Has Launched The Recon For You….

If you are one of those (few) people who wanted a fully-electric crossover, Jeep has some news for you. The carmaker has launched its latest product, the Recon, which is an off-road-focused fully-electric SUV. While it may not be reaching our shores anytime soon, it makes for an interesting product in Jeep’s line-up, bringing together two very different sets of enthusiasts. Let’s take a look at the new Recon:

Exterior: Every Bit A Jeep

While the Recon does not have a fire-breathing V8 under the hood, it gets an exterior design that looks unmistakably Jeep. With largely boxy proportions and a fair amount of retro design touches, the Recon follows up on the global trend of retro-inspired design languages. At the front, you get the iconic ‘seven-slat’ grille, which is flanked by rectangular headlamps with a ‘U-shaped’ DRL signature. To convey its rugged nature, it also gets a tough-looking bumper with tow hooks. 

Towards the side profile, the boxiness is made further evident by the flat bonnet and squared-off windows with flared fenders, which feature thick plastic cladding. The rear end of the Recon gets inspired by the Wrangler with square taillamps and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel as well.

Notably, it also features an electrically retractable soft-top roof and removable doors for better ingress and egress during your weekend off-roading sessions.

Size-wise the Recon sits at a length and width of 4,211 mm and 1,900 mm respectively putting it in the same class as other global SUVs like the Land Rover Defender 110 and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Interior: Sophisticated And Rich

The interior of the Recon carries forward the tough theme, albeit with all the niceties one expects in a crossover. You still have touches like the grab handle on the passenger side of the dashboard, exposed screws and scuff-resistant trim while also retaining a dual-tone tan-black design theme with a massive 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the centre.

Features: A Long List

Besides the aforementioned 14.5-inch touchscreen, the Recon also gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, drive modes and a wireless charger too as part of its equipment list. Safety-wise, it gets multiple airbags, a Level 2 ADAS suite and a host of off-road features like rough road cruise control and hill descent assist. 

Powertrain And Off-road Character: All Electric, All Green

Under the hood, the Jeep Recon is powered by a 100.5 kWh battery pack, which delivers a claimed range of up to 402 km on a single charge. This powertrain produces 650 PS of power and a massive 840 Nm of torque and drives all four wheels of the Recon. 

Notably, it also has a 400V architecture and gets 160 kW DC fast charging capabilities. 

It’s off roading capabilities are enhanced by aggressive approach, departure and rampover angles of 33.8 degrees, 33.1 degrees and 23.3 degrees respectively, and paired with the 232mm of ground clearance, the Recon has the proper chops to take on some serious trails.

Launch Date And Price: Don’t Keep Your Hopes Up

Unfortunately for Jeep fans, the carmaker has no plans to bring the Recon to India anytime soon. In the US, prices for the Recon start from $65,000, which translates to a little more than Rs 57 lakh with current exchange rates. 

However, if Jeep does eventually decide to bring it to our shores, the extra import duties and taxes will make sure that the Recon is priced no less than Rs 80 lakhs (ex-showroom).

ZigSays…

The Recon blends together the unusual combination of a robust and fully-electric crossover, which is interesting to say the least. We would love to see Jeep bring the Recon to our shores, especially given how well other retro-themed SUVs like the Land Rover Defender have been received.

Would you buy an electric 4x4? Let us know in the comments below.