We had the opportunity to sit down with Stellantis Chief Design Officer Ralph Gilles during the unveiling of the Jeep Wagoneer S, and he provided some fascinating insights into the design process of the electric SUV. One of the intriguing aspects we discussed was why the Wagoneer S was chosen as the flagship electric Jeep model, especially when the Recon seemed like a more traditional choice. Gilles explained that a key factor was the goal to achieve a significant range of 300 miles, which naturally led to a design that was more streamlined and aerodynamic.
Gilles mentioned that the design work for the Wagoneer S began approximately four years ago, and during the presentation, he highlighted that the design team consisted primarily of Millennial and Gen Z designers. The main sketch that drove the project was created by a 29-year-old designer, showcasing a fresh and innovative approach. Gilles commended the team’s collaboration, emphasizing their ability to work together seamlessly and without preconceived notions of what a Jeep should look like. He expressed pride in the design’s maturity and its ability to blend innovative features without compromising the essence of a Jeep.
The influence of the young design team extended to the Wagoneer S’s materials selection as well. Gilles explained that they played a pivotal role in opting for unconventional luxury materials such as various metal trims like aluminum and zinc while steering away from traditional choices like wood and chrome. The shift was also motivated by environmental concerns related to chrome plating.
During the discussion on materials, Gilles highlighted the absence of piano black plastic in the interior, replaced by ceramic-coated and textured aluminum in areas prone to fingerprints and scratches based on customer feedback. He mentioned that Jeep even provides microfiber cleaning cloths to new Wagoneer owners to maintain the cleanliness of the panels.
Aerodynamics took center stage in the design process, particularly in achieving the targeted 300-mile range for the Wagoneer S. The innovative “R-Wing” was a crucial element in concealing the SUV’s sloping fastback design. Initially introduced for stylistic purposes, the aero team later enhanced its functionality, contributing to improved overall performance.
Gilles also discussed the challenges of redesigning the iconic Jeep grille for an electric vehicle without the need for traditional cooling functions. The solid grille of the Wagoneer S was creatively integrated with lights above the slots to reflect light, maintaining the signature look while embracing the freedom of an electric powertrain. The consideration of practical elements such as a usable frunk prevented options similar to the Charger’s “R-Wing” concept for the front grille.
Lastly, Gilles shared the story behind the Trailhawk concept, revealing that it was a recent addition to expand upon the original division of the Wagoneer S as a luxury model and the Recon as the off-road variant. However, the team couldn’t resist exploring the possibility of a Trailhawk version, aligning with Jeep’s tradition of offering Trailhawk variants across its lineup.
In conclusion, the development of the Jeep Wagoneer S exemplifies a harmonious blend of innovation, sustainability, and iconic design elements, reaffirming Jeep’s commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing new technologies while staying true to its heritage.
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