What can you say about the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT other than this is what a sports SUV is all about. Prodigious power, luxury interior and true 4WD ability. The SRT just keeps impressing with its balance between power, luxury and price.
The last time I picked up the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and drove around the corner to set up the Bluetooth etc a stranger approached me. At first I thought I was blocking his truck, but he just wanted to chat about the SRT. Turns out he had just bought one and apparently sits in his driveway just listening to the exhaust. Call me strange but that seemed perfectly normal to me as I was pretty much doing the same.
Externally the SRT presents an imposing muscular frame, especially in black. Enhancements include a brawnier black front grill with chrome inserts, black background adaptive bi-xenon headlights and exclusive bonnet bulge.
Internally the Grand Cherokee SRT exudes luxury and comfort. There is a choice of an exclusive leather interior in two distinctive colours combinations – Black Nappa leather with perforated suede and light slate grey accent stitching as standard and all-new Laguna leather with perforated suede in Sepia with Silver accent stitching as an option. Both leather trim combinations are matched with carbon fibre trim adorning the instrument panel and doors.
The SRT interior is further distinguished by a unique heated three-spoke steering wheel with a race-Inspired flat bottom and more pronounced, ergonomically efficient paddle shifters, that I have to say
work well given my hatred of these adornments.
The high performance Nappa leather SRT monogrammed front seats are heated and ventilated and exceptionally comfortable. Combining the electronic controls and with the height and reach adjustable steering wheel it is easy to find the perfect drivers Position.
Luxury features include the new Uconnect system with 8.4-inch touchscreen and the new 7.0-inch TFT colour customer configurable instrument cluster display. The SRT is available with command view roof and a state-of-the-art 19-speaker, 825-watt Harman Kardon surround sound audio system as an option package.
The true four wheel drive ability that Jeep is legendary for comes from an exclusive-to-SRT, Quadra-Trac active on-demand four- wheel-drive system,.Grand Cherokee SRT also features Brake Traction Control System (BTCS) on the front differential and a rear Electronic Limited Slip Differential (ELSD).
The Selec-Track system is fitted exclusively to the Grand Cherokee SRT model. This system interacts with several different systems (stability control, active damping, transmission shift strategy, transfer case torque proportioning, Electronic Limited Slip Differential performance, throttle control and cylinder de-activation) to automatically tune the dynamics of the vehicle according to the driers’ habits and current driving conditions.
The driver can manually choose between the following dynamic modes – Auto, Sport, Track, Tow and Snow – for specific driving performances. On the new SRT model, software improvements to Selec-Track further distinguish the five dynamic modes, enabling drivers to choose a vehicle setting that more closely meets their requirements and ambient conditions. Drivers will find the torque split change in Track Mode provides a vehicle that is more responsive from mid-corner to exit and one that delivers faster lap times at their favourite track.
The Grand Cherokee SRT is fitted with the proven and powerful 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine equipped with Fuel Saver Technology, which produces 344 kW of power at 6,250 rpm and 624 Nm of torque at 4,100 rpm to deliver benchmark SRT performance through an 8 speed Tiptronic transmission. It sounds AWESOME!. I must admit to sitting in the driveway continually starting the engine just to hear the V8 burble. I must have been deprived as a child.
This powerplant will propel the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT from 0-100kmh in 4.9seconds , has a maximum speed of 255kmh and again if driven sensibly will consume fuel at an ADR rate of 14.0l/100k. That will raise substantially with enthusiastic driving. Fuel Saver Technology on the Hemi V8 engine optimises fuel efficiency and reduces emissions by alternating between a four- cylinder mode when less power is needed and a V8 mode when more power is in demand. However while it may sip frugally on the highway, if you bury the right foot the fuel disappears at an alarming rate.
Also new for Grand Cherokee and exclusive to the SRT model is the Launch Control system, which has been paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Launch Control mimics a professional driver’s inputs to optimise the SRT’s performance by bringing engine, transmission, driveline, stability control and suspension in line for a textbook launch. Controlled by a button located behind the new T-handle shifter on the centre console, it delivers enhanced and more consistent straight-line acceleration.
In addition to its standard safety equipment, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Electronic Rollover Mitigation (ERM), ABS with off-road calibration, Brake Traction Control System (BTCS) and seven airbags (advanced multi-stage driver and front passenger, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags for front and rear occupants, driver knee airbag), the Grand Cherokee SRT offers upgraded Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, ParkView rear back up camera with dynamic grid, ParkSense park assist system and new Selec-Speed Control with Hill Ascent Control and Hill Descent Control, assisting the driver climbing and descending steep grades.
In the time I had the Grand Cherokee SRT it bucketed down for most of the time actually. I found myself getting agitated and just had to go for a drive 2 or 3 times a day. The SRT is hypnotic. It entices you to experience its pleasures and embraces you like a lover when you do.
Driving the SRT is an experience right from sitting in the Nappa leather seats and hearing that exhaust burble upon start up, through to powering through a series of bends where the agility and dynamics of the suspension belie its bulky proportions. Do yourself a favour and visit a dealer, start up the engine and you will fall in lust with the beast, drive one and you will fall in love.
At a RDAP of $88,179 it represents outstanding value. As mentioned what you have here is a sports SUV that has true 4WD ability, prodigious power, luxury comfortable interior at a reasonable price. Not to mention the aural delights of that melodic 6.4L Hemi V8. Nothing comes close for the price.
What’s Good:
• Hemi V8 Engine
• Awesome performance
• Value for money
What’s Not:
• Fuel economy with heavy foot
• Foot brake
• Not owning one
Model Grand Cherokee SRT
Model Price $89,179 RDAP
Engine 6.4L Hemi V8
Drivetrain 4WD 8 speed Auto
Power 334 Kw @ 6,250 rpm
Torque 624 Nm @ 4,1000 rpm
Safety 4 Star ANCAP
CO2 Emissions 327 g/km
GVR 3 Star
Economy 14.0 L/100km (ADR comb)
Tow Capacity Max 2949 kg
Tow Ball Rating 300 kg
Servicing TBC
Warranty 3yr/ 100,000 km with full roadside assist
Overall AnyAuto Rating 91/100
Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 9
Equipment 10
Performance 10
Ride & Handling 10
Practicality 9
Fit for Purpose 9
Towing Ability 8
Off Road Ability 7
Value for Money 10
