Brute Almighty?

The Grand Cherokee is back! This time, it's made in India, has no diesel option, and packs a downsized turbo-petrol engine that isn't electrified. We show it around our home town to get a feel of what it's like

- Jim Gorde

IT'S A HAPPY MOMENT, THIS! JEEP INDIA HAVE brought in the all-new, fifth-gen Grand Cherokee and it looks stunning and properly premium. Yes, it packs a smaller engine and while that doesn't particularly make it the black Jeep of the family, this beautiful paint shade sure won me over. What's more, it's now made in India. That means a price tag of below eight figures, at an introductory Rs 77.50 lakh.

Indulgent cabin doesn't hold back on plush comfort or space; wheel feels great

What's new? Well, a lot, if not everything. The sharp new exterior brings a familiar yet modern face. The seven-slot grille stands strong front and centre lending it an undoubtedly bold persona and butch stance. It looks ready-for-anything and, if past experiences are anything to go by, it is, too. The new LED headlamps and tail-lamps, and the large 20-inch wheels with thick rubber are joined by a high ground clearance, of 215 millimetres, to match what goes on underneath the metal. It's looks purposeful and brings an equal helping of style and capability. It's as rugged and strong as it appears with 73 per cent of the body made from advanced high-strength steel. The Grand Cherokee has changed for the better.

Front passenger also gets a high-res display in the dash

The interior brings a new-age vibe to what is a spacious and extremely appealing cabin. Everything feels premium to look at and to touch and there are a plethora of modern amenities to make life easier on the move. The top-notch craft and several innovations make it clear that the this Jeep has raised its game further and wants to take on the more established premium brands. The leather interior has ventilated seats and the expanse of leather and wood-finish trim accents complement its upmarket feel well. Another big change is the gear selector-now a rotary dial instead of the free-sliding chunky lever from the last model.