2018 Jeep Grand Commander release date, specs news: First look at large SUV bound for China

A promotional image for the 2018 Jeep Grand Commander.Jeep China

The 2018 Jeep Grand Commander has been revealed ahead of its official debut at the Beijing Motor Show in April.

Designed specifically for the Chinese market, the large SUV features a long wheelbase that allows for a three-row, seven-seat configuration. In terms of design, it is based on the Jeep Yuntu Concept that was first introduced at the Shanghai Auto Show last year. Both vehicles have a similar exterior design — specifically sharp and clean lines as well as slim LED headlights and taillights. They also have the same chrome finish on Jeep's signature seven-slot grille.

Though the 2018 Grand Commander forgoes the rear-hinged doors of the Yuntu Concept, it does add a large roof rack and a sunroof.

The 2018 Grand Commander will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers either 234 horsepower or 265 horsepower. Both engine configurations are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with a four-wheel-drive system. The large SUV may also be powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain as previewed by the Jeep Yuntu Concept.

The 2018 Grand Commander is priced at 250,000 yuan, which is about $38,000. Unfortunately, the 2018 Grand Commander isn't expected to arrive in the United States.

Instead, Jeep will be resurrecting the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer nameplates for the U.S. market. The large SUVs will be underpinned by the same body-on-frame platform used by the 2019 Ram 1500. There is also a possibility that design cues from the Grand Commander will be adopted by the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoner.

In terms of dimensions, the Wagoneer will be shorter — similar to the Cadillac Escalade and the Lincoln Navigator. Meanwhile, the Grand Wagoneer will be longer and will be competing with the Escalade ESV and Navigator L.

The Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are expected to start production next year and could be released as 2020 models.