7-seater Jeep Meridian teased for India, launch later this year

KUALA LUMPUR: Jeep introduced a three-row model called Commander last year, which is based on the stretched iteration of the Compass platform. This SUV is now ready to hit the Indian market with a new name. The American automaker has officially announced that the SUV will be called ‘Meridian’ in India, which signifies its strong bond with the country. The name refers to the 77th Meridian East, which passes through the populous areas of the planet.

Jeep has also released a teaser video of the SUV showing its capabilities of tackling the diverse nature and terrain India has to offer. In the clip, we can see the vehicle in a special wrap showcasing the beautiful and diverse scenery of the country. The body of the Jeep Meridian is identical to the Commander. 

While the automaker kept numb on the matter of specs, the India-bound Jeep Meridian is likely to get a 2.0-litre diesel engine under the bonnet in a powerful tune. Another possibility is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine generating 268 PS. The transmission options could include a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic.

When it comes to features, the upcoming Jeep Meridian is expected to get a panoramic sunroof, a large touchscreen infotainment system with connected car tech, 10-speaker 450W Harman Kardon sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, a digital driver’s display, dual-zone climate control, Alexa in-vehicle functions, powered front seats, and advanced driver assistance systems.

The Jeep Meridian will hit the Indian market in the middle of this year and is likely to be priced around Rs 35 lakh (RM 193,762).

"Jeep is an iconic brand, globally recognized for its capable SUVs. The Jeep brand’s journey in India has been legendary and we hope to build on this, with another equally legendary SUV - the Jeep Meridian. Developed specifically for the Indian customer, we have delivered a sophisticated and capable SUV ready to harness a unique segment opportunity. Our product offensive for 2022 and beyond will continue to illustrate our commitment to India as we work towards strengthening our market presence. The Jeep Meridian will further push the brand's attractiveness and transform the product portfolio for the Indian market,” said Roland Bouchara, CEO and MD, Stellantis India.

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