The long-awaited Jeep Meridian 3-row SUV has recently been unveiled in Indian market. Interested buyers can pre-book the SUV online or at authorised Jeep dealerships by paying a token amount of Rs 50,000. The SUV will be positioned above the Compass SUV in Jeep’s India line-up.
Platform
The new Jeep Meridian 3-row SUV is based on the Small Wide 4×4 platform that underpins the Compass. Jeep engineers have modified the platform to accommodate longer wheelbase and bigger SUV. Moreover, the company has used high strength steel for improved safety.
Jeep Meridian Design
It is basically the India-spec version of the Jeep Commander, which is on sale in the South American markets. While the platform is shared with the Compass, the new Meridian comes with a different design that shares styling cues from bigger Jeeps. The SUV rides on extended wheelbase, and has longer rear overhang and bigger doors.
The front fascia of the new Jeep Meridian seems inspired by the Grand Cherokee L, featuring a signature seven-slot grille and slim headlamp setup. At the back, the SUV gets slim tail-lights that are connected by a chrome bar.
Jeep has officially announced that Jeep Meridian is completely new model. The SUV only shares the windshield, front seat frame and few parts of the instrument console with the Compass. Compared to the Jeep Commander, the India-spec model is claimed to have different headlamps, bumper and alloy wheels.
Jeep Meridian Dimensions
The company hasn’t reveal the dimensions of the Meridian; however, it is likely to be similar to the Commander. It measures 4,769mm in length, 1,859mm in width and 1,682mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,794mm. The wheelbase has been increased by 158mm to accommodate a longer body.
It is around 364mm longer, 41mm wider and 42mm taller than the Compass. The SUV is claimed to have a segment-first 80 degree rear door opening for easy ingress and egress.
Jeep Meridian Interior & Features
The Jeep Meridian dashboard layout is similar to the one offered in the Compass. Instead of all-black scheme, the new 3-row SUV gets brown and black interior scheme. Adding to it, the leather upholstery has perforated and quilted pattern.
The new Meridian has all the features that are accessible in the Compass. It gets a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. The SUV is equipped with electrically adjustable front seats, a 10.25-inch digital instrument console, wireless phone charging, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, etc. The new Jeep Meridian also comes with a powered tailgate and a 9-speaker Alpine sourced audio system.
Safety Features
The new Meridian comes with several high-end safety and security features. It gets six airbags, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), hill start and descent control, 360 degree camera and others. The SUV could also get ADAS features; however, Jeep is yet to make an official statement.
7-Seater Version Only
Jeep has only revealed the 7-seater version of the Meridian. The SUV will first launch in 7-seater avatar; however, a six-seater model could arrive at a later stage. The 6-seater model will have captain seats in the second row, while the 7-seater Meridian gets bench-type seat in the second-row.
Jeep Meridian Engine & Gearbox Options
Powering the Jeep Meridian is a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that powers the Compass SUV. The company is yet to reveal the power and torque output; however, it is likely to offer same output as the Compass. While powering the 5-seater model, this diesel engine produces 170bhp and 350Nm of torque.
A six-speed manual gearbox driving the power to the front wheels will come as standard. A 9-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox will be offered in the front-wheel-drive and all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
Petrol Version To Come Later
The new Meridian will also receive a petrol engine at a later stage. The SUV is likely to get a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine that powers the Commander. This engine churns out a maximum power output of 187bhp and 270Nm of torque. The India-spec Jeep Compass is powered by a 1.4L turbo petrol engine producing 163bhp and 250Nm.
Launch Timeline & Expected Price
Jeep is claimed to have achieved close to 82% localisation levels. The new model is positioned above the Compass, which is priced between Rs 17.79 lakh and Rs 29.34 lakh. We expect the new Meridian to cost around Rs 30 lakh to Rs 40 lakh. It will rival the likes of the Skoda Kodiaq, MG Gloster and the Toyota Fortuner.
The new Jeep Meridian will be manufactured at Stellantis’ Ranjangaon factory near Pune. The SUV will also be exported to right-hand-drive markets. The exact launch date is yet to be revealed, but it is likely to be introduced by May or June 2022.
