The Jeep Meridian, a premium 3-row SUV, has been making waves in the automotive market with its latest facelift. Launched in India at an introductory price of Rs 24.99 lakh, the 2024 Jeep Meridian brings several exciting updates that aim to enhance its appeal to potential buyers. In this article, we delve into the details of the new features, changes, and what to expect from this updated iteration of the Meridian.
The first major update is the addition of two new base-level variants: Longitude and Longitude Plus. These variants are designed to offer more affordable options for buyers while still providing a rich set of features. The Longitude variant starts at Rs 24.99 lakh, while the Longitude Plus variant is priced at Rs 27.50 lakh. This move by Jeep aims to attract a broader audience by offering more choices in terms of pricing and specifications.
One of the most significant updates in the 2024 Jeep Meridian is the inclusion of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The test mules of the SUV have been spotted in various locations, including Bangalore, equipped with ADAS sensors from Bosch. This integration of ADAS technology is expected to enhance safety features and provide a more comfortable driving experience. For instance, the ADAS suite will likely include features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
The exterior design of the 2024 Jeep Meridian has also undergone subtle yet noticeable changes. The facelift includes reprofiled front and rear bumpers, tweaked headlights, and possibly new alloy wheels. These updates aim to give the Meridian a fresher look while maintaining its rugged and premium appeal. Additionally, there are rumors of a petrol engine being introduced in the future, although this is expected to happen in 2025 rather than 2024.
Inside the cabin, the Meridian is expected to receive a new cabin theme with redesigned upholstery and a tweaked aircon panel. The overall layout will remain largely unchanged, but these updates will provide a more modern and luxurious feel. Other notable features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system running on Jeep's updated user interface, dual-zone climate control, ventilated and powered front seats, a digital instrument panel, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, wireless charging, and an air purifier.
Mechanically speaking, the 2024 Jeep Meridian will continue to be powered by the same 2.0-litre Multijet diesel engine capable of producing 168 bhp and 350 Nm of peak torque. This engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic gearbox. The SUV also comes equipped with Jeeps Selec-Terrain 44 terrain management system, ensuring it remains versatile for various driving conditions.
The pricing of the 2024 Jeep Meridian is expected to range between Rs 35 to Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom). This positioning places it in direct competition with other premium SUVs like the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, and Skoda Kodiaq. The Fortuner and Gloster are already equipped with ADAS technology, making the Meridian's inclusion of ADAS a significant advantage in terms of safety features.
In conclusion, the 2024 Jeep Meridian facelift brings a plethora of updates aimed at enhancing its appeal and competitiveness in the market. With two new base-level variants, the inclusion of ADAS technology, and subtle yet noticeable exterior changes, this SUV is poised to attract both new and existing customers. Whether you're looking for a premium 3-row SUV with advanced safety features or simply want to upgrade your driving experience, the 2024 Jeep Meridian is definitely worth considering.
