... they won't officially bring it to Russia, so of the available versions, only the expensive Overland will remain. Is there any point in paying more for it?
THE DIESEL SHOULD ROAR
Even before the test, I decided: I'll remove the plastic trim from the front bumper and put it in the trunk so it doesn't get in the way. But when it was time for the test, I was stunned: that same "skirt" that was on the standard Grand wasn't there. Visually, the new trim looked like it had built-in fog lights... It seems that to remove it, you'd need the help of a whole service station. Testing an SUV with a low-hanging bumper is sheer barbarism. Especially when you remember the thrill off-road that the excellent three-liter Mercedes diesel gives with its powerful low-end torque. A full 519 N·m of torque.
So we headed out into nature in a Jeep with an approach angle of just 23.3 degrees, trying to be as careful as possible. The main thing was not to give in to the provocations of Mr. Diesel and to restrain ourselves to save the plastic.
But it was all in vain! It's strange why the same three-liter diesel under the hood of the Mercedes GL and ML doesn't evoke such delight. There it works in a German way — as an economical and torquey unit. But in the Grand Cherokee, the Daimler engine turns into something poetic. At low revs, it rumbles like a ship's engine from a barge, and when you press the gas, it surges forward, reaching peak torque already at 1600 rpm, consuming no more than 13 liters of diesel. By the way, if I had a gasoline Grand Cherokee, I'd probably take the metro three days a week so the kids would have enough for Kinder Surprises. After all, diesel on large SUVs is indispensable today.
DON'T TOUCH THE BODY
Thomas Hausch, head of Chrysler's European division, wasn't lying when he claimed that Jeep is the last truly American brand. That's why it's valued in Europe. Go to Greece, Germany, or Croatia — you'll see Wranglers, Grands, or even Commanders everywhere, but to see a Tahoe, Explorer, or Hummer, you'd have to organize a whole expedition.
DON'T TOUCH THE BODY
Thomas Hausch, head of Chrysler's European division, wasn't lying when he claimed that Jeep is the last truly American brand. That's why it's valued in Europe. Go to Greece, Germany, or Croatia — you'll see Wranglers, Grands, or even Commanders everywhere, but to see a Tahoe, Explorer, or Hummer, you'd have to organize a whole expedition.
The folk character and authenticity of the American car are protected at the legislative level. Chrysler is forbidden from investing in new body solutions, so the rigidity of the Grand's structure is ensured by a frame welded to the floor and a huge central tunnel. Because of this, the driver's seating position is so high that their eyes are level with the sun visor. Fans of panoramic glass will be greatly amused by this armored personnel carrier style. Right after World War II, congressmen also passed an amendment that removed brakes from standard equipment and made them an option for European markets. Thanks to all these timely restrictions, Jeep remains a living legend recognized on both continents.
Combine these virtues with the Mercedes diesel, long hood, and smooth manners — and you get a truly extraordinary car. Especially since its transmission in the Overland version includes as many as three limited-slip differentials: front, center, and rear, plus a low range of 1:2.7.
Combine these virtues with the Mercedes diesel, long hood, and smooth manners — and you get a truly extraordinary car. Especially since its transmission in the Overland version includes as many as three limited-slip differentials: front, center, and rear, plus a low range of 1:2.7.
…And we did tear off the "skirt" off-road, catching it on some bump. Only then did it become clear that it could be detached, but you just don't immediately figure out how — it seems "molded" together with the fog lights.
The bottom line: when taking off someone's skirt, don't get distracted by extraneous thoughts. The truth is that a Jeep driver can easily take off any.
The bottom line: when taking off someone's skirt, don't get distracted by extraneous thoughts. The truth is that a Jeep driver can easily take off any.
