Jeep Compass to arrive with 276 kW all-wheel-drive

The new Compass is 4.55 metres long and is described by Jeep as one of the most compact models on this platform. In fact, the Peugeot e-3008 is similarly long at 4.54 metres, while other models such as the Opel Grandland Electric (4.65 metres) and Peugeot e-5008 (4.79 metres) are significantly longer than the Jeep.

The drives, on the other hand, are (almost) the same: as a purely electric car, the new Jeep Compass comes with a 157 kW front-wheel drive coupled with the familiar 74 kWh battery. According to Jeep, the base model should enable a range of 500 kilometres according to WLTP. This drive variant is also familiar from the electric vehicles by Peugeot and Opel.

The 276 kW all-wheel drive is new for the Compass. Peugeot had already presented the first all-wheel drive versions for its STLA medium SUV in February, but these only have a system output of 239 kW. According to the press release, Jeep has “introduced on the platform, exclusively for the brand, a new dedicated and more powerful rear electric motor that provides an additional 49 kW of peak power and up to 232 Nm torque.” With the 14:1 reduction gearbox on the rear axle, up to 3,100 Nm of wheel torque should be available at the rear wheels. ‘This provides maximum traction in the most demanding situations and the ability to climb a 20% gradient even when the front wheels have no traction,’ says Jeep.

While the off-road characteristics are described in a little more detail, the Stellantis brand does not go into more detail about the battery for the all-wheel drive model. It is only stated that the range of the all-wheel drive model is 650 kilometres. It is therefore reasonable to assume that this is the platform’s familiar 97 kWh battery, which achieves a range of around 700 kilometres with the somewhat weaker front-wheel drive models. The maximum DC charging power of 160 kW also matches this battery. Like all Stellantis brands to date, Jeep only specifies the charging window from 20 to 80 per cent as around 30 minutes, not the usual duration from ten to 80 per cent. A 22 kW charger is announced for AC charging.

In terms of the vehicle itself, Jeep states that the new Compass has been designed ‘for outdoor adventures’, while the SUV’s compact dimensions make it ‘perfect for everyday use’, according to the PR department. As the STLA Medium with a slightly longer wheelbase was designed from the outset for electric cars and large batteries between the axles, the wheelbase is slightly larger. This provides more space in the interior despite the external dimensions. Compared to its predecessor, Jeep speaks of 55 millimetres more legroom, larger storage compartments and a boot that has been increased by 45 litres and can now hold up to 550 litres when all five seats are in use.

The Compass also offers a new infotainment system. This runs on a 16-inch touchscreen in the centre, and there is also a ten-inch display as an instrument cluster. According to Jeep, the Compass will ‘always be up to date’ with OTA updates. And in terms of driving assistance, the model supports Level 2 autonomous driving – meaning the driver remains fully in charge.

For the launch, Jeep is offering the Compass as a hybrid and with 157 kW front-wheel drive as an electric car in a First Edition; the all-wheel drive version will follow later. The optional equipment includes 20-inch rims, Matrix LED lights, the navigation system, the driving assistants and an electric tailgate. While the international press release does not a price, the new Jeep Compass Electric is listed on the German website from 50,400 euros – but the configurator has not yet been activated. Jeep Austria has also communicated the prices in a press release: The electric version in the First Edition is to start at 49,300 euros in Austria.

stellantis.com, stellantis.com (Austria), jeep.de (Germany)