Jeep’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV), the Avenger, is due to arrive in Australian dealerships in the final months of 2024 with prices starting form from $53,990.

The Avenger will be offered locally in three different trim grades, all with an identical 115kW/260Nm outputs and a 54kWh battery.

The entry-level Longitude will cost $53,990 (MRL), rising to $57,990 for the mid-spec Limited and topping out with the Summit costing $63,990 (MRLP).

Standard features of the Longitude include 17-inch alloy wheels, 10.25-inch infotainment display, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist, rear parking sensors, rear-view camera with dynamic guide lines, frameless auto dimming mirror, automatic high beam and access to Jeep connected services.

The mid-spec Limited adds to this with additional features including a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, traffic sign information, satellite navigation, hands-free power tailgate, front, side and rear parking sensors, and powered and heated exterior mirrors with auto folding function.

Finally, the top-of-the-line Summit steps out in 18-inch diamond cut alloys, leather-accented seats, six-way power driver’s seat with massage function, front seat and windscreen heating, privacy glass, LED lighting including headlamps, taillamps and foglamps, a bi-colour roof and a sunroof.

Unusually for a brand that has built its reputation on all-terrain capability, the Avenger is strictly front-wheel drive but comes with several features and design attributes designed to give it what the manufacturer describes as “unexpected off-road capability”.

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These include Jeep’s Selec-Terrain and hill descent control systems, along with a handy 200mm of ground clearance, and approach and departure angles of 20 degrees and 32 degrees respectively, which should ensure it doesn’t leave bark on the road when approaching steep parking ramps and the like.

Designed and built in Europe, the Avenger spearheads what is to become a portfolio of fully electric vehicles from the iconic American brand which, like most other car makers, is looking to reduce or eliminate tailpipe emissions across its SUV and 4x4 line-up.

A statement from Stellantis, the multinational automotive manufacturing corporation that owns Jeep, said the Avenger was “designed and built as a Jeep vehicle,” and “packs the Jeep DNA into a compact SUV with a unique combination of capability, style, functionality, and technology”.

The Avenger is built on the Group's eCMP platform, which also underpins the DS 3 E-Tense, Peugeot e-2008 and Vauxhall Mokka Electric.

In other markets it’s also available as a 1.3-litre petrol mild hybrid, although that drivetrain has not yet been confirmed here, nor has the rugged 4x4 plug-in hybrid that’s been shown in concept form.

Size-wise, the Avenger is Jeep’s most compact model at 4.08mm long and rides on a 2,560mm wheelbase, but is claimed to offer a roomy and versatile interior capable of accommodating five people and luggage.

Inside, there’s plenty of handy storage nooks and crannies, with Jeep claiming 34 litres in total, or the equivalent of a carry-on bag.

With a claimed electric range of up to 400km (WLTP) extra-urban and up to 550km (WLTP) around town, the Avenger features a 51kWh battery and a front mounted electric motor sending its 115kW/260Nm to the front wheels.

A 400-volt electrical system enables fast-charging capabilities, allowing the battery to be charged from 20 to 80 per cent in 24 minutes on a 100kW DC fast charger, while home charging on an 11kW AC charger takes around five-and-a-half hours.

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