Car Reviews Archives

Lamborghini Debuts New Dealership Design Aesthetic In San Diego

by Mark | Sep 14, 2022 | 0 comments

Lamborghini Americas CEO Andrea Baldi attends Sept. 7 and 8 ribbon cutting for the redesigned Lamborghini San Diego showroom

An exterior view of the Lamborghini San Diego dealership

Lamborghini debuted the new corporate identity and brand environment at Lamborghini San Diego, at 7440 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, Calif. (Lamborghini photo)

VIP event follows record half-year sales for 2022

BY MARK MAYNARD

Lamborghini Americas CEO Andrea Baldi was in San Diego on Sept. 7 and 8 for the ribbon cutting of the redesigned Lamborghini San Diego showroom (O’Gara Coach) in La Jolla, Calif.

The new design aesthetic “affirms the brand’s commitment to its customers and new design direction for the future,” Lamborghini said in a statement.

The 4,430 square-foot retail space is more boutique than a typical automotive showroom, but Lamborghini’s presence is unmistakable. Like all Lamborghini models, the architectural treatment is thoroughly modern with polygonal geometric shapes, sharp forms, and diffused light and color.

Guests enjoying the dealership grand opening

The 4,430-square-foot retail space has a 360-degree client experience. (Mark Maynard photo)

Corporate Identity

The design treatment is in accordance with Lamborghini’s corporate identity, said San Diego Lamborghini General Manager Joe DeSantis. “All the U.S. dealers will have a similar look with consistent styling aspects.”

The exclusive event by VIP invitation drew around 120 potential intenders and showcased several special models. The new Urus Performante was displayed following its global debut last month at Monterey Car Week. Also showcased was the Pikes Peak record-breaking Urus in orange-and-black camo paint, still in its as-raced condition since the 100th mountain run in late June. Also on view were a Huracán Tecnica, in the electric green paint of Verde Selvan, and a Huracan STO (Super Trofeo Omologata), a street-drivable race car in a lighter shade of Verde Aries. Details below.

A display of fashion items and Lamborghini lifestyle accessories

The showroom includes an array of lifestyle accessories. (Mark Maynard photo)

Also open for perusing was the Ad Personam customization room. The space features bespoke options for paint colors, leathers, wheels, and carbon fiber accents. The idea is to have car buyers physically touch and play with combinations of colors and materials.

In the main show space are Lamborghini’s Collezione and Accessori Originali fashion offerings. Anyone can shop for clothing, lifestyle accessories, luggage, and collectibles like diecast Lamborghini models.

Introducing CEO Andrea Baldi

Andrea Baldi, 46, almost 47, was appointed last August as CEO of Automobili Lamborghini Americas. He is responsible for the company’s commercial operations in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. Among the region, there are 48 Lamborghini dealers.

He lives in Maryland within distance of the VW Group headquarters in Herndon, Va., and Washington, D.C. He is married with two daughters, ages 17 and 9. Baldi grew up in Bologna, Italy, near Lamborghini and Ducati manufacturing in Sant’Agata Bolognese.

Lamborghini Americas CEO Andrea Baldi at Lamborghini San Diego

Lamborghini Americas CEO Andrea Baldi. (Mark Maynard photo)

He began his career with Ducati (a VW Group subsidiary) and has had work stints in New York and at Ducati’s U.S. headquarters in Cupertino, Calif., per an interview in Robb Report

He moved with his family to Shanghai, China, in 2008, where he was responsible for sales in the Asia Pacific market.

Baldi joined Lamborghini in 2010 and relocated to Singapore and then Beijing as the general manager for mainland China and, soon, all of Asia Pacific. In 2018, his career with Lamborghini advanced, managing a second region, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Supply Chain Shortages

“I’ve been extremely lucky,” Baldi said. “Demand is above supply, and it is demand we have never seen.”

His biggest challenge today is keeping customers engaged until new Lamborghinis become available.

The United States continues as Lamborghini’s No. 1 market globally, with 1,521 vehicles delivered in the first half of 2022. Within the brand’s top region, California is the best performing market, representing 23 percent of total U.S. sales, followed by Florida at 15 percent.

But will the momentum continue? At this time, there are no new Lamborghinis for sale in any dealership in the U.S., Baldi said in an interview at the San Diego dealership opening. And worse, the shortage of new Lamborghinis is expected to last for the next 1 ½ to 2 years. Dealerships are buying up preowned vehicles to resell.

The lack of available new models has less to do with the microchip shortage and has more to due with the demand being so high, said dealership GM DeSantis in an email. “The Lamborghini models are in such high demand that our current waitlist for new vehicles is anywhere from 1-2 years, depending on the model.”

An image with Lamborghini San Diego General Manager Joe DeSantis receives a grand-opening silhouette model from Lamborghini CEO Americas Andrea Baldi and signed by Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann.

Lamborghini San Diego General Manager Joe DeSantis receives a grand-opening silhouette model from Lamborghini CEO Americas Andrea Baldi and signed by Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann. (Mark Maynard photo)

Lamborghini Electrification

The Italian manufacturer of supercars is at a shift point of change. Baldi said that the company is in its last year of selling only pure combustion engines in its sports cars. According to Automotive News, Lamborghini has allocated $1.7 billion for the shift to plug-in hybrids.

The iconic brand of super sports cars will launch its first hybrid model, possibly a plug-in, in 2023 as it moves to electrify its entire lineup by 2025. And with that electrification, Baldi said there would be a full battery-electric Urus SUV by 2028.

While Lamborghini is hybridizing its lineup, the company is celebrating the combustion engine to its end, Baldi said: “For a Lamborghini buyer, it is less about the price and more about value.”

New Lamborghini Models

Huracán Tecnica

The Huracan Tecnica, in Verde Aries paint. (Mark Maynard photo)

The Tecnica is the latest evolution of the V10-powered Huracan since the nameplate debuted in 2014. The 640-hp, rear-wheel drive car with rear-wheel steering can accelerate to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds. Pricing starts at $239,000.

Huracan STO

a Huracan STO (Super Trofeo Omologata), a street-drivable race car in a lighter shade of Verde Aries. (Mark Maynard photo)

Beneath its somewhat familiar exterior is an all-new street-homologated race car. The Lamborghini Huracán STO — Super Trofeo Omologata — is a collaboration with Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s one-make race series with Huracán Super Trofeo EVO. It has technical features of rear-wheel drive, rear-wheel steering, a wider wheel track, and Lamborghini’s MagneRide 2.0 suspension.

Its 5.2-liter V-10 engine produces 640 horsepower and 417 foot-pounds of peak torque at 6,500 rpm. Lamborghini says that the Huracan STO will accelerate to 62 mph in 3 seconds.

With an aluminum and carbon fiber body, the Huracan STO has a dry curb weight of 2,951 pounds. (Carbon fiber is used in more than 75 percent of its exterior panels, Lamborghini says.) Pricing starts at $327,838.

Urus Performante

The Lamborghini urus that raced Pikes Peak

The Pikes Peak record-breaking Lamborghini Urus, still in its as-raced condition since the 100th mountain run in late June. (Mark Maynard photo)

Lamborghini’s big SUV recently tackled the 156 bends of Pikes Peak in 10:32.064, beating the previous 2018 record set by the Bentley Bentayga (10:49.902) by 17.838 seconds. The Urus Performante is wider, lower, and almost 104 pounds lighter for competition. Some light-weighting comes from using a sophisticated steel suspension rather than the standard air suspension. And with a body comprised of aluminum and composite materials, including a lot of carbon fiber, the Performante has a dry weight of 4,739 pounds.

The Performante’s uprated, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine has 627 hp and 627 lb.-ft. torque from 2,300-4,500 rpm. With all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, Lamborghini cites 0-62 mph acceleration in 3 seconds. Pricing for the 2023 Lamborghini Urus Performante starts in the U.S. at $260,676, excluding the shipping fee and gas guzzler tax. However, Baldi said there is a 1 ½-year wait for Urus Performante, and its limited production will be sold in just a few weeks.

Learn more about Lamborghini here. Contact Lamborghini San Diego here. And read more Lamborghini reports in Maynard’s Garage.

Chevrolet Bolt EUV Review

by Mark | Aug 30, 2022 | 0 comments

There is much to like about the simple usability of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, especially its high-value pricing

A horizontal side view of the Bolt EUV somewhere on a beach

The 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV is sold in four front-wheel-drive trim levels. Starting prices range from about $28,000 to $33,190, including the $995 freight charge from Lake Orion, Mich. (Photos courtesy of Chevrolet or as noted)

Overview
Range and Charging
Bolt Recalls
Pricing
Information About Bolt Tax Credits
Interior Function
Performance and One-Pedal Driving
Ride and Handling
Super Cruise Technology, Confusion
Why Buy the Chevrolet Bolt EUV?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

Six inches can be pretty satisfying when trying to make the best impression — especially when it’s in the back seat of a Chevrolet Bolt EUV.

The extended-length Bolt “Electric Utility Vehicle” was added for the 2022 model year, following the original Bolt’s debut in 2017. Both models share a battery-electric front-motor and front-wheel drive layout. The small SUV crossover has five seats, four doors, and a rear liftgate. The design of both models features a high-strength-steel frame and aluminum front fenders, hood, door, and liftgate.

Both versions of Chevrolet Bolt use the same powertrain:

• A 65-kWh nickel-lithium-ion high-voltage battery

• Variable-speed automatic transmission

• A permanent magnet 150-kWh drive motor

The shorter Bolt EV has an EPA-estimated driving range of 259 miles. The Bolt EUV, heavier by 90 pounds, has a range estimate of 247 miles.

Among the Bolt competitors for size, electric driving range, and pricing are the Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona EV.

The Bolt has roomy front seat area has tall headroom of 40 inches.

The roomy front seat area has tall headroom of 40 inches.

Chevrolet Bolt EUV Overview

Designing the Bolt EUV freshened the front-end styling which was also applied to the standard Bolt. But no exterior sheet metal parts are shared between the two vehicles.

The new body style is about 6 inches longer than the standard model on a wheelbase stretched by 2.9 inches. And back seat legroom grew by 3.1 inches, now at 39.2.

The new interior includes a flat-bottom steering wheel that incorporates the Regen on Demand paddle.

A view of the 8-inch color driver information center.

Bolt Range and Charging

With every new Bolt EUV, Chevrolet includes a dual-level charge cord. It has a changeable plug that can be used with a household 120-volt three-prong outlet for Level 1 charging. Or change ends to plug into a 240-volt NEMA 14-50 amp outlet for 7.7kW Level 2 charging (the charge rate of many home EV chargers). For many Bolt owners, however, the dual cable function could eliminate the need to buy and install a home charger.

For maximum Level 2 charging speed, both Bolt models are capable of 11kW Level 2 charging, but only with a higher-capacity charger.

Level 1 120-volt charging will add about 4 miles of range per hour of charge.
Level 2 240-volt charging (with the dual-level charge cord) will add about 25 miles of range per hour of charge, with a full charge in about 10 hours.

Chevrolet will cover standard installation through Qmerit for Level 2 home charging. The offer is good whether leasing or purchasing a Bolt model.

And Chevrolet EV owners also have access to more than 80,000 chargers in North America through the Energy feature in the myChevrolet app. There are several other access points to the app, including:

Route planning and locations of available charging stations along the way.
Real-time alerts about range.
Click-to-charge payment for public charging.

Chevrolet Bolt Recalls

There is much to like about the simple usability of the Chevrolet Bolt or Bolt EUV, including their high-value pricing. Unfortunately, it was smacked down last year with a significant recall by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. GM had to recall all 143,000 Bolt and Bolt EUV models because of a battery manufacturing defect that increased fire risk. Korea-based LG Energy Solutions makes the lithium-ion batteries.

GM quickly found two manufacturing defects in the battery cells: a torn anode tab and folded separator. GM said that in some rare circumstances, the defects could lead to a battery fire.

The remedy is to replace entire battery packs or selected battery modules. Progress has been slow, and other occasional electrical glitches have been noted, according to comments on the many Bolt-owner websites. Among my sources were ChevyBolt.org and the Chevy Bolt Owners Facebook page.

Says General Motors: “We continue to prioritize battery module replacements for customers and are making progress every day. Customers who have completed the most recent software update can charge their [Bolt] battery to 100 percent capacity.”

Federal law requires automakers to provide hybrid battery warranty coverage of 8 years or 100,000 miles. But California requires a warranty length of 10 years or 150,000 miles.

Check here for Chevrolet information on the Bolt recall.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to NHTSA.gov.

Chevrolet Bolt Pricing

For 2023, the 2023 Bolt EV is available in two trim levels: 1LT and 2LT, with starting prices of $26,595 and $29,795.

The 2023 Bolt EUV is available in four trim levels: LT, LT Redline, Premier, and Premier Redline. New for 2023, the Redline treatment includes black wheels with red accents, black leather-trimmed upholstery with red stitching, and a horizontal red line on exterior mirror caps. The Redline is available with no-cost paint colors of Mosaic Black Metallic, Silver Flare Metallic, or Summit White.

2023 Bolt EUV starting prices are $28,195 for the LT; $28,690 for the LT Redline; $32,695 for Premier, and $33,190 for Premier Redline. All Bolt MSRPs include the $995 freight charge from Lake Orion, Mich.

Chevrolet Bolt Tax Incentives

Congress recently passed new legislation in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The law changes credit amounts and requirements for clean energy vehicles, according to FuelEconomy.gov. Among the new requirements to qualify for a federal EV tax incentive, the vehicle’s final assembly has to be completed in North America.

In regard to the federal EV tax credit for the Chevrolet Bolt, General Motors is waiting on full Treasury guidance to determine vehicle eligibility. However, the IRA requirements make an important modification to the EV tax credit: It lifts the 200,000-vehicle-volume cap, which GM had already hit as an early mover on EVs.

According to GM’s latest statement on the federal EV tax credit provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act: “We think the legislation aligns very well with GM’s long-term plans, and over the life of the credit, we intend to offer a number of vehicles that should be eligible.

“While some of the provisions are challenging and cannot be achieved overnight, we are confident we can rise to the challenge because of the domestic manufacturing investments we are making to secure a supply chain for batteries and critical minerals,” GM said in the statement. “We will have more updates after the implementing guidance is finalized.”

For updates, check with your Chevrolet dealership or FuelEconomy.gov

Chevy Bolt Standard Equipment

There is no shortage of standard equipment on the base LT model. Among its safety features are 10 air bags, an electric parking brake, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning.

LT convenience features include keyless entry and starting with remote start, six-way manually adjusted front seats, wireless phone charging, USB type A and C charge ports, six-speaker audio system, HD rearview camera with guidance lines, and wireless capability for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 8-inch color driver-information center (gauges) has a choice of visual themes for Modern or Enhanced. And there is a screen that includes displays of vehicle efficiency with programmable charge times.

The Premier tester was $37,390 with the two major factory option packages of Sun and Sound ($2,495) and Super Cruise, $2,200. Details are below in the specifications chart.

Bolt EUV Premier adds such extras as perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, an eight-way power driver seat with two-way power lumbar, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats. Safety technologies include rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rear camera mirror (digital), HD surround-view camera system, and lane change alert with side blind zone alert.

Find current pricing and special offers for the 2022 and 2023 Bolt EUV here.

A view of the Bolt shift console and upper infotainment system screen

Bolt electronics are not intimidating but facilitating.

Bolt EUV Interior Function

The Bolt EUV has big-and-tall head and leg room for a subcompact-class SUV.

Front headroom is large-vehicle tall at 40 inches as a hardtop or 39.1 inches with the dual-panel panoramic power sunroof, part of the $2,495 Sun and Sand package.

Legroom in the front seats is a lengthy 44.3 inches. There is comfortable seating for a 6-foot-6 passenger who has uncropped visibility out the windshield or having to steeply recline the seatback.

Back seat roominess benefits from a completely flat floor. While the rear legroom is long, the bench seat bottom is short for adult thigh support. But it works well for the school carpool or ride-hailing.

Cargo space is just a few tenths smaller than the standard Bolt. The space measures 16.3 cubic feet behind the back seat or 56.9 cu. ft. with the 60/40 back folded. The cargo entry opening is wide at 41 inches with multi-level capacity. Subfloor storage beneath the second level neatly stores the charging cables. Fold the back seat for 5 feet in length. And the roof rack is low enough to load bikes or other awkward-shaped gear that won’t fit inside.

Interior Design

Chevrolet interiors have a premium mix of plastics and other textured materials, all of which are in the Bolt.

The driver area is simply designed and straightforward to use. The technologies, such as the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus touchscreen, are not intimidating but facilitating. Its 10.2-inch-wide screen is easily viewed, and there should be no frustration for tech beginners to page through the choices.

Especially welcome are physical switches for many cabin functions, such as fan speed, temp control, and seat heating and ventilation.

Driver sightlines are unencumbered at the side mirrors or over the shoulder. And in between, the Premier’s surround-view camera system gives overhead and front or rear views. It is salvation when inching out of tight parking to see when it is time to crank the steering wheel.

Short bench but long legroom of 39.2 inches in the Bolt EUV.

Performance and One-Pedal Driving

There is enjoyable kick to the Bolt EUV performance with its 200 horsepower and 266 foot-pounds of torque. For most of my test week, I nursed the battery reserve by driving in Normal mode. And then I found Sport mode, which changed my perspective. Sport mode adds a line-drive response to acceleration. It is not blunt-force fun, but Chevy cites an estimated acceleration to 60 mph in 7 seconds and 6.9 for the slightly shorter Bolt EV.

With a Level 2 charger at home and the freedom to charge at will, I felt empowered to enjoy the quickness of Sport mode. And, in my experience, it was not a significant drain on the battery. The quick zip is enjoyable around town and essential to guard your line in commuter traffic.

The 200-hp Bolt powertrain. (Mark Maynard)

One-Pedal Driving

I especially enjoy the feature of one-pedal driving, the so-called e-Pedal. The driver can slow or stop the Bolt using only the accelerator pedal under most conditions. And at the same time, the system recaptures energy for the battery.

In time, drivers can anticipate their stopping distance and lift off the accelerator to stop precisely at the intersection. The function does not eliminate the need to use the brake pedal altogether, especially in emergencies. But using one-pedal driving reduces the switching back and forth between pedals, which can take away from the electric driving range.

The one-pedal function can be switched off at the shift-console button. Sometimes when inching along in heavy traffic or when parking, the e-Pedal operation can be jerky.

When one-pedal is not engaged, the driver can get manually applied regeneration by using the Regen on Demand paddle at the back of the steering wheel. Pulling the regen paddle activates the regeneration process, piping kinetic energy to the battery.

Bolt EUV Ride and Handling

For a tall and small SUV, the Bolt EUV rolls with uncommon smoothness and no choppiness on the interstate. The suspension is simple but well-engineered of front MacPherson struts with a solid stabilizer bar and a rear torsion beam with coil springs.

The driver might notice the heft of the curb weight, 3,715 pounds, with the 947-pound battery. But I experienced no bottoming-out in dips are sensitivity to chin scrapes at driveways.

The suspension has a comfort-ride composure, but the Bolt EUV is steady in evasive maneuvers or hard braking. Its turning circle of 38.3 feet is nimble enough in cramped parking or making a U-turn on a side street.

Regenerative four-wheel-disc braking has vented 11-inch front rotors and 10-inch solid rotors rear. There is good steering response and little noise or road harshness transmitted by the 17-inch Michelin Energy Saver Selfseal (215/50).

And the Bolts are dolly towable behind a motorhome.

Super Cruise Technology

The 2022 Bolt EUV is the first Chevrolet offered with Super Cruise, a so-called hands-free driver assistance technology for enabled roads. The assist system can be used on more than 200,000 miles of enabled roads in the U.S. and Canada.

Super Cruise employs many advanced technology features, including a Driver Attention System and precision LiDAR map data. The Driver Attention System uses a small camera on the top of the steering column. It works with infrared lights to determine where the driver is looking whenever Super Cruise is in operation.

If the Driver Attention System detects the driver’s gaze has turned away from the road ahead for too long, the steering wheel light bar will prompt the driver to return their attention to the road. If the system determines continued inattentiveness, it will use visible and audible alerts to notify the driver to take back control of the wheel.

I don’t like surprises while driving, and semi-autonomous or fully autonomous systems always inject a little surprise into the driving experience. In my experiences with Super Cruise, I consider it a good hands-on driver-assist system — and I always drive with my hands poised near the steering wheel.

Super Cruise Confusion

Like many driver-assist systems, Super Cruise is not precise in lane centering. At times, the system would issue alerts when the Bolt EUV crossed into the white lines of lane delineation — but it did not cross over completely.

It was a prior testing experience that really put me on guard. While testing a GMC Sierra with the hands-free system, Super Cruise misread the road ahead.

Along a section of Interstate 5 north of downtown San Diego near the state Route 52 exit toward La Jolla, the interstate runs beneath SR52 as it merges with the interstate. The divided highway of SR52 cast two bold shadows across I-5. Approaching the underpass at 65 mph, Super Cruise must have thought the dark shadows were solid objects. The system applied full braking force at the first shadow crossing the interstate. It could not have stopped the truck, as the Sierra crossed the first shadow, it resumed heavy acceleration. Then, just a few yards beyond it came upon the second shadow, and Super Cruise again slammed on the brakes.

Fortunately, in both incidents the highway behind was clear for several car lengths.

I took over steering as my pounding heart rate settled down. The Super Cruise system also shut down and gave a message that the dealership should examine the vehicle.

While testing Super Cruise in the Bolt EUV, I covered the same interstate route to see what would happen. It was a cloudy day, but the system still applied braking but less firmly at the lighter shadows.

If I were buying a Bolt EUV, I’d pass on the $2,200 Super Cruise option and enjoy the standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.

Fold the Bolt's 60/40 folding back seat for about 5 feet in length.

Fold the 60/40 folding back seat for about 5 feet in length. (Mark Maynard)

Why Buy the Chevrolet Bolt EUV?

The Chevrolet Bolt EUV is not a lifestyle statement. It is a life choice — and a smart one. It has the familiar operation of a traditional car but elevated by electric power.

There are many compact SUV EVs that are theaters of dazzling electronic tech. And most of those can cost $50,000 and a lot more.

The Bolts are an uncompromising first step into the future of battery-electric vehicles.

The second level of Bolt subfloor storage.

The Bolt EUV’s second level of subfloor storage. (Mark Maynard)

The third level of Bolt subfloor storage for storing the charge cable

Charging cables and Super Cruise brain in the lowest cargo subfloor. (Mark Maynard)

Chevrolet Bolt EUV Specifications

Body style: subcompact, 5-door, 5-seat, front-wheel drive battery-electric SUV crossover

Transmission: 1-speed automatic with one-pedal drive and Sport mode

BATTERY SYSTEM

Battery: 65 kWh lithium-ion of 288 cells

Weight: 947 pounds

ELECTRIC DRIVE

Type: Single motor and gearset

Motor: 200-hp permanent magnetic drive motor; 266 lb.-ft. torque

Driving range: EPA-estimated 247 miles on a full charge

0-60 mph acceleration: 7 seconds, using Sport mode

CHARGING TIMES

120 volt: 4 miles of range per hour

240 volt, 32 amps (dual charge cord): 25 miles of range per hour; full charge in about 10 hours

240 volt, 48 amps: 37 miles of range per hour; full charge in about 7 hours

DC fast charge: up to 95 miles in 30 minutes

EPA fuel economy equivalent: 125/104 city/hwy MPGe

BY THE NUMBERS

Cargo space: 16.3-56.9 cubic feet

Front head/leg room: 39.1*/44.3 inches *40 inches w/o sunroof

Rear head/leg room: 37.8/39.2 inches

Length/wheelbase: 169.7/105.3 inches

Curb weight: 3,715 pounds

Turning circle: 38.3 feet

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: smart key locking and push-button ignition, remote start, Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus with 10.2-inch wide HD color touch screen with voice recognition, electric parking brake, Bluetooth phone and audio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capable, in-vehicle apps, wireless charging, efficiency display screens with programable charge times, perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-inch driver-information display, sliding visors with lighted vanity mirrors, 8-way power driver seat with 2-way lumbar, 6-way manual front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, adaptive cruise control, HD surround-view camera system, solar-absorbing glass, LED headlights-taillights-daytime running lights, 17-inch alloy wheels with carbon flash painted pockets, heated and power adjusted side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, rear wiper-washer.

Safety features include: 8 air bags; stability and traction controls; lane change alert with side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear park assist (standard on Premier and available on LT).

Chevy Safety Assist includes automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, following-distance indicator, forward collision alert, and IntelliBeam auto high beams.

PRICING

Bolt EUV Premier base price: $32,695 including $995 freight charge; price as tested $43,690

Options on test vehicle: Sun and Sound package, $2,495, includes 7-speaker Bose audio system, power dual-panel sunroof with power sunshade, Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus with navigation;

Super Cruise, $2,200, includes 3-years of Super Cruise connectivity and enhanced automatic emergency braking.

Where assembled: Lake Orion, Mich.

Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles basic bumper to bumper; free first scheduled maintenance service; 8-years/100,000-miles electric propulsion components (but 10-years/150,000-miles in California); 5 years/60,000 miles roadside assistance and courtesy vehicle when serviced

Jeep Grand Wagoneer Review

by Mark | Aug 19, 2022 | 0 comments

The 2022 Wagoneer will become a portfolio of vehicles that redefines ‘American premium,’ Jeep says

The Grand Wagoneer in Midnight Blue paint.

The Jeep Grand Wagoneer is sold in four trim levels with all-wheel drive. Starting prices range from $89,995 to $109,995, including the $2,000 freight charge from the Warren (Michigan) Truck Assembly Plant. (Photos courtesy of Stellantis)

Wagoneer History
The Modern Wagoneer
2023 Hurricane Engine and L models
Pricing
Putting the Grand in Wagoneer
10 Cool Features
Performance and Ride and Handling
Wagoneer Client Services
10 Customer Promises
Why Buy the Grand Wagoneer?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

Jeep ballsied its way into the fray of large, body-on-frame SUVs with its 2022 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. This segment of full-size, seven- to eight-passenger truck-based utes are friendly titans, and throwbacks to what were once just big family wagons.

For years the segment was a three-way competition, dominated by the Chevrolet Suburban (and Tahoe), Ford Expedition, and Nissan Armada. And their luxury variants.

According to GoodCarBadCar.net Second quarter U.S. sales of big SUVs, including the Suburban-based GMC Yukon, totaled 63,061.

And there is big money in big SUVs. So far in 2022, transaction prices on average have ranged from the mid-$60,000s to around $105,000, including the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade ESV.

Dinosaur or Dynamic?

The full-size SUV market has remained strong despite headwinds in the form of rising prices, scarce supply, and high fuel prices, said Ed Kim, president and chief analyst at AutoPacific, Inc. The automotive marketing research and product-consulting firm has offices in Long Beach, Calif., Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina.

“Outside of families who need the space and towing capacity of a full-size body-on-frame SUV, full-size SUVs are increasingly popular among livery customers,” Kim said. “As full-size premium sedans like the Lincoln Town Car and Cadillac XTS have disappeared from their respective brands’ portfolios, livery customers have had to look elsewhere.

Kim said that the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are very well executed full-size SUVs that are extremely competitive and, in some ways, better than the incumbents. “With their classy and very well-finished interiors, they will certainly impress any livery customers fortunate enough to ride in one.

“The Jeep brand has been pushing itself further upscale, so there certainly would be no brand deficit to using a Wagoneer or Grand Wagoneer as a livery vehicle,” Kim said in email correspondence. “Livery firms now have another very appealing choice in the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, so there’s no doubt they will find an audience in the livery market.”

The standard and long wheel base models of Wagoneer back to back

2022 Grand Wagoneer (left) and 2023 Grand Wagoneer L (right)

Wagoneer History

The brought-back Wagoneer nameplate continues in the original model’s uplevel presentation. The first-generation Jeep Wagoneer debuted in 1962 for the 1963 model year. Jeep says it the Wagoneer was the first four-wheel-drive vehicle mated to an automatic transmission.

Compared with the more utilitarian Jeep Cherokee, the first-generation Wagoneer was engineered for better ride quality, a more stylish appearance, and a luxurious interior. An independent front suspension was optional. Quadra-Trac, the first automatic full-time four-wheel-drive system, was introduced in 1973.

The Grand Wagoneer debuted in 1984 and marked the beginning of the luxury SUV. Jeep called it “the gold standard of the SUV market.” It was made special by leather upholstery, air conditioning, AM-FM-CB stereo radios, additional sound insulation, and wood-grain exterior trim. Jeep said the Grand Wagoneer’s 175-horsepower 360-cubic-inch V-8 engine had the segment’s highest towing rating.

A 1975 Jeep Wagoneer.

The Modern Wagoneer

The Jeep division of parent-company Stellantis took its sweet time to re-enter the fray, but it plays by its own rules. Jeep has elevated the format with comprehensive advanced technologies and premium materials.

The posh interior treatment of the Grand Wagoneer reminds of midcentury modern Chrysler. Everything about the interior and styling is over-the-top. The design and engineering have the weighty feel of quality. And its engineering teems with advanced technologies that are not fearsome to learn or use.

Stellantis Design Chief Ralph Gilles says the Grand Wagoneer was done the American way. “The first impression is that everything is so beautifully done,” he said in a video overview.

Jeep says the Wagoneer will become a portfolio of vehicles that redefines “American premium” while delivering a unique customer experience. The customer experience will include 10 promises and Wagoneer Client Services.

A front right 22 inch Goodyear Eagle tire on the Grand Wagoneer

Significant tire patch from the 22-inch Goodyear Eagle grand touring tires (285/45).

Wagoneer Foundation

The Wagoneer foundation is sourced from the Ram 1500 pickup, but any comparisons stop there. There are no shared body panels or other common parts that can be seen and touched. The Wagoneer format is a separator from the competition, which starts with a finished pickup truck engineered for hard work first and luxury second.

The current sales plan features two models, Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer that fill mainstream and luxury categories. Both models have a third row and seating for up to eight. For 2022, both models are V8-powered, but that changes for 2023:

2022 Wagoneer uses a 392 horsepower, 5.7-liter V-8 engine. It has the next generation of eTorque 48-volt hybrid with fuel-saving technologies of cylinder deactivation and variable cam timing. Rear-wheel drive is standard rear-wheel drive or there are three options of 4WD systems. The rear-drive Wagoneer has fuel-economy ratings of 16/22/18 mpg city/highway/combined; and 15/20/17 mpg for 4WD. Midgrade fuel is recommended.

2022 Grand Wagoneer features a 471-hp, 6.4-liter V-8 also with cylinder deactivation and variable cam timing. Four-wheel-drive fuel-economy ratings are 13/18/15 mpg using the recommended premium fuel.

Each engine mates to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Agave blue interior of the Grand Wagoneer

The Blue Agave interior with quilted Palermo leather.

2023 Hurricane Engine and L Models

Long-wheelbase models for both series of Wagoneer will be introduced for the 2023 model year. The additional 12 inches in overall length went to more rear-seat legroom and cargo capacity. With both rows of seats folded, there is room to slide in a few sheets of 4-by-8-foot plywood, Jeep says.

A new family of Hurricane inline six-cylinder engines will trim fuel use and maintain horsepower. The 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engines have two power levels:

The 420-hp Hurricane in the Wagoneer L has 468 foot-pounds of torque. The heavier Grand Wagoneer gets the high-output Hurricane twin-turbo 510, with 510-hp and 500 lb.-ft. of torque.

Jeep says a run of the Hurricane twin-turbo 510 engine will be available on the 2022 Grand Wagoneer. Ordering is now open for the $2,000 engine option. Rear-drive models have mileage ratings of 15/21/17 mpg on the recommended premium fuel.

Also new for 2023 is the Wagoneer L Carbide with a black theme. Special features include gloss black wheels, black grille, gloss black mirror, and headlamp trim. The interior has a technical hydrographic instrument panel trim and door panels with gloss black seats.

A Wagonner Carbide emphasizing black elements

A 2023 Wagoneer L Carbide. Turn-key for limo service.

2022 Wagoneer Pricing

The 2022 Wagoneer is sold in six trim levels of Series I, Series II, Series III and three series of the Carbide model. Starting prices for the standard rear-drive Wagoneer range from about $61,000 to $76,000. Carbide models range in price from $66,490 to $80,190; add $3,000 for 4WD.

The 2022 Grand Wagoneer is sold in four trim levels, all with four-wheel drive: Series I, Series II, Obsidian, and Series III.

Series I starts at $89,995, Series II at $99,995, Obsidian at $105,490, and Series III at $109,995. All MSRPs include the $2,000 freight charge from the Warren (Michigan) Truck Assembly Plant.

The Grand Wagoneer Series III tester was $116,720. It was nearly fully loaded with factory options and included: Midnight Sky metallic paint $645; Customer preferred package 23W $995; rear-seat entertainment group $2,195; 22-inch machined aluminum wheels with black noise pockets $1,595; and embossed metal interior accents $1,295.

There was a $1,500 bonus cash allowance for both Wagoneer models. See current Grand Wagoneer pricing here.

The passenger side 10.25 inch wide touch screen of controls

The passenger-side 10.25-inch touchscreen.

Safety Features

Standard safety features include eight air bags, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, active lane management, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and intersection collision assist.

A black and white image of the night vision camera

The Night Vision Camera is especially useful where there are no street lights.

Putting the Grand in Wagoneer

The Grand Wagoneer will stand tall — and long — among the luxury-class competitors. The standard wheelbase models of Wagoneer are about 4 inches longer than their closest competitors. Among the competing luxury SUVs are the BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80, Land Rover Range Rover, Lincoln Navigator, and Mercedes-Benz GLS.

The Grand Wagoneer cabin is rich in comfort, with grandstand views. Jeep tried to ensure a quiet cabin with an acoustic laminated windshield, front door glass, laminated rear glass, and active noise canceling through the audio system. It is an engineering marvel for this towering beast to power along the highway in such traffic-calmed style.

From the suede headliner to the full-weave carpeting, The Grand Wagoneer’s list of standard equipment might be the longest I’ve had to itemize for any vehicle I’ve tested. Power door-closers and heated armrests might be the only missing luxe perks.

The entire list is in the specifications at the end of this review, but here are a few of the standout luxury basics:

Quilted Palermo leather-trimmed massaging seats, 20-way power adjustable front seats, suede headliner, natural walnut interior trim, second-row captain’s chairs with power tilt and slide, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, luxury front and rear floor mats, reversible cargo mat, foldable cargo shade. There also is a new Uconnect 5 Navigation and infotainment system with voice command, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, and a 23-speaker McIntosh entertainment system.

A digital rearview camera mirror is standard, but I can’t use it with my eyeglasses. When I look at the digital mirror, it takes a second or two for my eyes to focus. But the mirror can be switched to the low-tech original.

Power running boards lower to a convenient step-aboard height.

10 Cool Grand Wagoneer Features

Some of my favorite Grand Wagoneer features:

Power running boards. These lower to a convenient step-aboard height, particularly with the air suspension’s lowered ride height when parked. Too often, running boards create too much of a step and are awkward to use. The design of the boards forms the rocker panel, so legs do not rub on dirty metal.

Power-adjustable pedals (with memory sets). Adjustable pedals are a safety feature to help dial in a secure seating position for drivers of all sizes. The pedals are assets with the power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.

Rear seat monitoring camera. The overhead split-screen view of the second row is mainly to keep an eye on a child’s seat, or two — or a pet.

Power folding and reclining second- and third-row seats. How convenient to have this function for loading kids or cargo. And with power switches in the cargo area to fold the second row or fold and raise the third row.

Tri-pane panoramic sunroof and sunshade. The span of glass is dramatic, particularly for those in the second and third rows.

Roof rack with crossbars. Roof-rack crossbars are typically an added cost, but these are standard and store neatly below the cargo floor. Storing the crossbars when not needed helps trim wind noise.

11 USB ports. Let’s hope the USB port does not soon become obsolete. The Wagoneer and Grand Wagoner have eight USB ports, of the dual C-type and standard style. The count goes to 11 with the rear entertainment system.

Night Vision camera with pedestrian and animal detection. This type of system is an asset in areas without street lights. But it is a little odd visually to see the smallish X-ray-like presentation in the driver-info display.

Back seat passengers can view streaming TV and movies on the optional Rear Seat Entertainment system

The Rear Seat Entertainment system, $1,295, features two 10.1-inch touchscreens for streaming movies, apps, and Fire TV for Auto.

Wagoneer Screen Envy

There are nearly 45 inches of display screens along the front instrument panel. Among the inch count are the 12.3-inch-wide instrument cluster, and a 12-inch horizontal touchscreen to access audio, navigation, apps, and views from the 360-degree camera. Just below is a 10.25-inch horizontal display for cabin controls. Then push a button, and the screen rotates to reveal the media hub with two dual USB ports, aux-in, and the wireless charging pad.

To empower the front passenger, the Grand Wagoneer includes a 10.25-inch-wide passenger screen. The access has four primary functions:

Co-Pilot (navigation and device management);
Entertainment (via HDMI or rear seat entertainment control);
The ability to view the exterior vehicle cameras;
Fire TV for Auto. It is possible to start a movie at home and finish it in the Grand Wagoneer.

And there is a 10.25-inch rear screen in the second row to adjust temp, fan, airflow, and seat heating and ventilating controls.

The Rear Seat Entertainment system, $2,195, features Amazon Fire TV built-in. Second-row passengers can stream TV, movies, and apps on two 10.1-inch touch screens on the seatbacks.

In total, there are 75 inches of display screens.

Performance and Ride and Handling

The big 6.4-liter V-8 hits its power stride with a peak of 455 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. The eight-speed automatic rolls smoothly through gear changes while showing respect to stretching fuel economy. Sport mode steps up off-the-line force but not aggressively.

Fuel economy is challenged. The best I could get was 13.3 mpg on a long highway run. Owners will not enjoy filling the 26.5-gallon tank, but they will enjoy every mile it provides.

A hood-up view of the 6.4-lter V-8 engine.

Grand Wagoneer’s 471-hp, 6.4-liter V-8. (Mark Maynard photo)

Ride and Handling

Road tripping in a Grand Wagoneer Series III is a first-class cruiseliner experience. There is headroom and legroom for 6-foot-6 tall adults in the first and second rows. And the second-row captain’s recline and are heated and ventilated.

The ride quality is supple, and some might consider it too soft in road undulations. But there is very little wind or tire noise at highway speeds. And the tire patch is significant from 22-inch Goodyear Eagle grand touring tires (285/45).

Four-wheel-disc stopping power is absolute and necessary when controlling three-plus tons. The front brakes have 14.88-inch vented rotors, and the solid rear rotors are 14.76 inches.

At 6,420 pounds, the Grand Wagoneer is at least 300 to 800 pounds heavier than its mainstream competition. But its turning circle of 38 feet is up to 3 feet tighter.

The Grand Wagoneer’s max tow capacity is a benchmark at 9,850 pounds. A Class IV receiver hitch and 7- and 4-pin wiring harness are included.

Grand Wagoneer’s Air Ride

The GW’s Quadra-lift air suspension gives the feel of a carpeted ride. Head toss is well controlled over speed bumps or when pulling into driveways. The sophisticated system includes electronic semi-active damping to match changing road conditions and stabilizer bars.

Quadra-Lift adds up to 3.6 inches of lift, supported by four-corner air springs. The air-cushioned ride operates automatically, or it can be manually controlled at the shift console. It has five height settings:

Normal Ride Height (NRH): 8 inches of clearance offers improved fuel economy, as well as improved aerodynamics during on-road driving;

Off-road 1: Lifts the vehicle an additional inch from NRH for added height in clearing obstacles (9 inches);

Off-road 2: Adds 2 more inches of ride height, for 10 inches of ground clearance;

Park Mode: Lowers the vehicle 1.6 inches from NRH. NRH and Park Mode are driver-selectable, allowing the driver full control over vehicle ride height;

Aero Mode: Lowers the vehicle 0.6 inches from normal ride height. Aero Mode is controlled by vehicle speed and adjusts for optimal performance and fuel economy. The vehicle will also lower to Aero Mode when in Sport Mode

There is headroom and legroom for 6-foot-6 passengers in the second row.

Wagoneer 4WD Systems

The Grand Wagoneer gets the top two-speed on-demand four-wheel-drive system. Its Selec-Terrain traction control has five modes: Automatic (functional for on- or off-road driving), Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud.

Rock mode works with the Quadra-Lift for a maximum height of 10 inches.

Selec-Speed Control integrates hill-ascent and hill-descent controls. The Electronic Range Select system, engaged at the steering wheel, allows drivers to control vehicle speed up and down trail grades without using the accelerator or brake pedals.

Wagoneer Client Services

Wagoneer will become a portfolio of vehicles that defines “American premium” and delivers a unique customer experience, the company says.

Customers interested in purchasing a Wagoneer or Grand Wagoneer can go to Wagoneer.com, select a dealer and place a $500 deposit. A Wagoneer concierge will make contact to initiate the order process, provide vehicle updates, and assist with any dealer interactions.

After a customer receives their vehicle, support will continue through a VIP helpline via Wagoneer Client Services. Those services include:

Five years of free dealership maintenance, including oil changes and tire rotations;
24/7 concierge support and roadside assistance via phone or online chat;
No-charge equivalent service loaner;
Trip interruption coverage;
VIP access to exclusive events;
Interior and exterior vehicle cleaning and a full tank of fuel when serviced;
Vehicle pickup/delivery for service;
Free Wi-Fi and phone charging at the dealership.

With more than 3 feet of legroom, the third row can recline or fold flat.

10 Customer Promises

1. Only dealers that earn a “Customer First” award for excellence by J.D. Power will be allowed to sell the Wagoneer.

2. The sales process will be efficient. Sales reps will use tablets and full integration to digital communication.

3. Certified Wagoneer Ambassadors. To become certified, a sales or service associate must complete more than 90 hours of training and pass exams to ensure that he or she truly understands the brand, the cars, how they can be used, and how they can be equipped.

4. Every Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will be sold with a full gas tank.

5. The vehicle will be thoroughly cleaned at delivery and after servicing and will be returned with radio, seating, climate, and other settings left as the customer had them.

6. Tech access to remote showrooms and to schedule test drives and delivery services.

7. An appropriate loan vehicle will be provided when a Wagoneer must be left at the dealership.

8. Remote services and diagnostics to schedule services and updates, including over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics.

9. Free Wi-Fi and phone charging in the showroom or service lounge, with “high-quality beverages and snacks.”

10. Wagoneer Client Services will provide 24/7 customer support and five years of maintenance. Concierge support and roadside assistance will always be available.

Both back rows of seats folded to show the open cargo area

All-new 2022 Grand Wagoneer rear interior cargo space (94.2 cu. ft. with second and third rows folded flat).

Why Buy the Grand Wagoneer?

It’s not a Jeep, it’s a Wagoneer — the only Jeep ID on the vehicle is in the headlight lenses. The Grand Wagoneer is grand luxury, not a Rubicon Trail-tested SUV. The elite dealership support and promises should be reassuring to new customers and conquests to the brand.

Despite the considerable sticker prices for these big vehicles, customers generally have incomes that make high fuel prices more of an inconvenience than a reason to reject such vehicles, auto-analyst Kim said. “The segment should remain strong in the coming years as lots of product action in that space will keep consumers interested and engaged.”

The Wagoneer customer experience includes 10 promises and dedicated client services.

2022 Grand Wagoneer Series III Specifications

Body style: large, 5-door, 7-seat body-on-frame SUV with two-speed electronically controlled 4WD

Engine: 471-hp 6.4-liter V-8 with fuel-saver mode and active grille shutters; 455 lb.-ft. torque at 4,400 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed Torqueflite 8HP75 automatic

4WD system: 2-speed electronically shifted transfer case; variable (50/50 or 100 front/rear) with traction modes of Automatic, Tow, Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock, and Sport

Fuel economy: 13/18/15 mpg city/hwy/combined; premium fuel recommended

Towing capacity: 9,850 pounds, with included Class IV receiver hitch and 7- and 4-pin wiring harness