Jeep Grand Cherokeee 4xe

FIRST DRIVE Tech-laden American 4x4 sets its sights on premium competition in Europe

- Richard Ingram

PUBLIC perception is an interesting thing. Here in Europe, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is viewed as something of an also-ran. It's priced on par with premium rivals such as the BMW X5 and Audi Q7, yet rarely considered in the same sentence.

But in the States, the big Jeep outsells its German competitors several times over. It's an important global car for the brand - just one that has never won favour over here.

In a bid to rectify that, Jeep has raised its game. As well as featuring a more luxurious interior and more tech, the new model keeps the old car's prodigious off-road ability, and adds a hybrid option. This will be the only powertrain available in the UK - complying with Jeep's push for low-emission vehicles - and we're testing it here in top-spec trim.

Inside, fit and finish take a jump in the right direction - providing you avoid the rough-and-ready Trailhawk version. We tried this model first, and came away less than impressed by the swathes of scratchy plastic. After less than 2,000 miles, some of the trim around the gear selector looked scuffed - the ambience was not that of a £60k-plus, Mercedes-challenging family SUV. The tinny sound that reverberated around the cabin when we closed the door left a little to be desired, too.

Summit Reserve versions wrap a number of the offending areas in leather, as well as adding wood trim to the dashboard. These cars feel more upmarket, but the Jeep still doesn't have the general ambience of an X5 or - at this price - a Range Rover Sport.