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The Jeep Wagoneer S EV marks a bold new chapter for Jeep, blending legacy design cues with modern electric vehicle (EV) innovation. As the brand’s first fully electric SUV built on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, the Wagoneer S is more than just a powertrain swap—it’s a ground-up rethinking of what a Jeep can be in the electrified era.
At the 2024 International Auto Show, the Munro team sat down with Vince Galante, Vice President of Jeep Exterior Design, and Ryan Nagode, Vice President of Interior Design, for an exclusive walkaround. The result is a fascinating look into the engineering, design, and user-centric thinking behind the Jeep Wagoneer S EV.
New Platform, New Possibilities
The Jeep Wagoneer S rides on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform—a flexible, multi-energy architecture capable of supporting both internal combustion and electric powertrains. Jeep is not alone here; the same base underpins the new Dodge Charger EV, yet the two vehicles couldn’t look more different. That’s intentional.
This flexibility allows Jeep to maintain brand identity while optimizing for EV-specific advantages like aerodynamics and packaging efficiency. For the Wagoneer S, that meant taking a sleek, low-profile approach that still reads as unmistakably Jeep.
Launch Edition: Simplified Choices, Premium Appeal
At launch, the Wagoneer S is available in a single, highly specified trim: the Launch Edition. Customers can choose exterior and interior colors, but the configuration is otherwise fixed. This strategy reduces complexity, accelerates production, and ensures that early adopters get a well-appointed product.
The combination shown at the auto show—silver exterior with a vibrant Radar Red interior—impressed viewers and designers alike. According to Nagode, this combination struck the ideal balance between luxury and sport.
Rethinking Jeep Design for the EV Era
Traditionally, Jeep design emphasizes three visual elements: the seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and a squared-off profile. The Wagoneer S reinvents all three to meet aerodynamic and packaging goals.
Aerodynamics without Compromise
This is Jeep’s most aerodynamic vehicle to date, boasting a drag coefficient of 0.294. Key contributors include:
- Rounded front corners and a sleeker nose
- Narrower tires
- Subtly sculpted body panels
- A long, uninterrupted roof sweep
- A floating rear wing spoiler that lets air pass through
The result is a vehicle that looks athletic without abandoning Jeep’s iconic visual DNA.
Iconic Grille, Electrified
One of the most compelling features is the reinterpretation of Jeep’s seven-slot grille. Since EVs don’t require traditional airflow, Jeep designers turned the grille into a lighting signature. Inspired by hidden lighting at the Shinola Hotel in Detroit, the grille features seven illuminated elements that appear to float over the paint. It’s a functional lighting element by night and a brand statement by day.
A Cabin Filled with Tech and Texture
Step inside the Wagoneer S and you’re greeted with 45 inches of total screen real estate across the dashboard. This includes a 12.3″ digital cluster, a matching 12.3″ central infotainment screen, a 10.25″ passenger display, and a lower 10.25″ comfort screen for HVAC controls. Despite the tech-forward approach, Jeep maintained intuitive physical interactions and strong ergonomic flow.
Sustainable and Premium Materials
Jeep took a sustainable approach to interior materials. There’s no leather in the Launch Edition. Instead, the seats use high-quality synthetic PUR materials. The headliner, carpet, and floor mats include recycled content. A ceramic-coated aluminum center console detail adds a refined, jewel-like touch, reminiscent of a tailored tuxedo lining.
McIntosh Audio and Ambient Details
A McIntosh premium audio system brings concert-quality sound to the cabin, featuring an illuminated badge. The ambient lighting system offers 64 selectable colors and dynamic feedback depending on vehicle status, such as charging or door openings.
Additional thoughtful features include:
- Deep front bin storage with heat mitigation
- Four and a half cup holders
- Rear-seat USB ports
- Fold-flat rear seats with ample cargo room
- A panoramic sunroof with power shade
The attention to hidden details, like triple-sealed doors and acoustic glass, underscores Jeep’s commitment to quiet cabin experiences—critical in EVs where road and wind noise become more noticeable without an engine.
Balancing Rugged Capability with Electric Efficiency
As an EV, the Wagoneer S must maximize range. That means minimizing aerodynamic drag while still offering off-road credibility. Jeep balanced these demands through strategic design choices:
- Optimized tire sidewalls for both ride comfort and clearance
- Careful tuning of approach and departure angles
- Strong body lines and flared arches that communicate structural integrity
While the Wagoneer S doesn’t aim to rival the Wrangler in off-road ruggedness, it captures the spirit of Jeep: strength, safety, and versatility across environments.
Designed by a New Generation
What sets the Wagoneer S apart is not just the vehicle—but the team behind it. According to Galante, everyone on the design team was born in 1980 or later. Jeep infused this vehicle with a modern perspective from gamers, fashion designers, and global design studios.
This generational shift enabled Jeep to anticipate future customer needs and design an EV experience that appeals to both legacy Jeep fans and first-time buyers looking for a high-tech SUV.
Jeep also gathers real-world feedback through its participation in the annual Easter Jeep Safari. Concepts that resonate on the trail often inspire future production models, ensuring the brand stays grounded in its heritage while pushing innovation forward.
Charging and Connectivity
The Wagoneer S Launch Edition uses the CCS standard for charging, though Jeep has confirmed plans to support NACS in the future. The charging port features intuitive access, a large housing to minimize cable interference, and visual indicators for charge status.
Final Thoughts: Jeep’s Electrified Future
The 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S EV is more than just a stylish electric SUV. It’s a benchmark for what’s possible when a legacy automaker embraces electrification without sacrificing identity. From its aerodynamic form to its reimagined grille and high-tech interior, the Wagoneer S reflects a confident, capable, and forward-thinking design philosophy.
As Munro & Associates continues to follow advancements in EV engineering, lean manufacturing, and automotive innovation, vehicles like the Wagoneer S show how tradition and transformation can coexist. This Jeep doesn’t just carry the brand forward—it lights the way.
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