Photo: SB-Medien
Demand for 3-row crossovers is huge right now. As such, Jeep is developing the Yuntu, a family car on stilts that has been spotted undergoing road testing in the company of the Volvo XC90 plug-in hybrid and Chrysler Pacifica.
The benchmark has been set pretty high, and it should be. Everybody from Acura to Subaru and Volkswagen wants a slice of this market.
The Yuntu has presented as a concept at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show back in April. However, it has been testing for about two years as a Grand Cherokee-based mule.
But this isn't a mule at all. Thanks to the concept and some patent filings, we have a pretty good idea of where Jeep's design language is going here. The Yuntu will have narrow, long headlight and grille assemblies placed right under the hood. The LED signature can be seen peaking from under the camouflage tarp.
A sneak peek at the rear reveals two oversized exhaust trim pieces that hide much smaller tips. It looks like the car-like independent suspension arms are bolted to the AWD case, thus saving a little bit of weight.
Jeep hasn't yet revealed its plans for Yuntu. The fact that it was shown in China suggests that is its primary market. However, our spyshots suggest testing is happening near FCA's headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Should the launch be successful, the family crossover could be shipped over.
Speaking of Volvo, the Swedish company ships almost all the S90 sedans it makes from China. The Yuntu might also get a different name overseas, as is the case for the Volkswagen Atlas, which is known as the Teramont.
Considering the concept was originally shown as a hybrid, and this production prototype was seen in the company of the XC90 PHEV, it's reasonable to presume that it uses Chrysler's e-motor.
The Yuntu has presented as a concept at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show back in April. However, it has been testing for about two years as a Grand Cherokee-based mule.
But this isn't a mule at all. Thanks to the concept and some patent filings, we have a pretty good idea of where Jeep's design language is going here. The Yuntu will have narrow, long headlight and grille assemblies placed right under the hood. The LED signature can be seen peaking from under the camouflage tarp.
A sneak peek at the rear reveals two oversized exhaust trim pieces that hide much smaller tips. It looks like the car-like independent suspension arms are bolted to the AWD case, thus saving a little bit of weight.
Jeep hasn't yet revealed its plans for Yuntu. The fact that it was shown in China suggests that is its primary market. However, our spyshots suggest testing is happening near FCA's headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Should the launch be successful, the family crossover could be shipped over.
Speaking of Volvo, the Swedish company ships almost all the S90 sedans it makes from China. The Yuntu might also get a different name overseas, as is the case for the Volkswagen Atlas, which is known as the Teramont.
Considering the concept was originally shown as a hybrid, and this production prototype was seen in the company of the XC90 PHEV, it's reasonable to presume that it uses Chrysler's e-motor.
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