THE JEEP WRANGLER 4XE WILLYS '41 SPECIAL EDITION SHOULD BE A STANDARD PACKAGE - RETRO FTW!
Jeep’s latest creation is a love letter to its origins, celebrating the iconic Willys MB that paved the way for all-terrain vehicles back in 1941. Enter the 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys '41 - a limited-edition plug-in hybrid that blends the military-grade grit of the original with today’s tech-packed capability. The story begins in 1940 when the U.S. military needed a nimble, rugged "light reconnaissance vehicle" to meet strict specs - think 270 kg payloads, four-wheel drive, and a fold-down windshield. Among the contenders was Willys-Overland, whose design ultimately earned the nod after extensive testing. By 1941, Willys MBs were rolling off production lines, winning battles across the globe with their unparalleled toughness. The world simply called it "the Jeep," and its legacy was sealed. From WWII trenches to postwar civilian roads, the Jeep defined the go-anywhere spirit and still does. Fast-forward to today, and the Wrangler 4xe Willys '41 is here to salute the legend. Bob Broderdorf, Jeep’s head honcho for North America, sums it up “The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys '41 is a celebration of our past that inspires us while we keep pushing the boundaries of capability and innovation.” Jeep's design team nailed the retro vibes while keeping it modern. On the exterior, there’s a military olive drab-inspired '41 paint that coats the body and 17-inch alloy wheels, complemented by massive 33-inch all-terrain tyres ready for any mission, but they do make a lap of the highway interesting, and loud. The Jeep also wears some bespoke decals, there are authentic Drab Blue graphics on the hood that mimic the stencilled markings of wartime Willys MBs. The badges continue the homage.
Inside, it’s a blend of rugged charm and modern comfort with Tan Heritage cloth seats and an olive drab fabric dashboard insert mimicking the original Jeep’s utilitarian roots. A '41 shifter medallion serves as a constant nod to its ancestor, a cool touch. As with all Wranglers, owners have the choice of two different roof options, one for the city folks, one for the outdoorsy types and one just because. There’s a body-colour hardtop, the Sky One-Touch powertop, or a unique tan soft-top exclusive to this model. I spot a gap in the aftermarket scene with this, there will be plenty of Wrangler owners who’d want one of these. While it nods to the past, the Willys '41 is fully modern under the hood. Powered by a 280 kW hybrid drivetrain, combining a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with a pair of electric motors, it churns out 673 Nm of torque - plenty for off-road adventures or urban commutes. Other off-road goodies include a rear locker for superior traction, front and rear steel bumpers for added protection, and a silent full-electric mode for emissions-free trail driving - with a range of around 34 km. The Wrangler 4xe Willys '41 isn’t just a limited edition - it’s a time machine with trail cred. It’s Jeep’s way of saying thanks to the vehicle that started it all while embracing the electrified future. It doesn’t look like these will ever end up in SA, the regular 4xe isn’t headed our way. Pity, coz it’s awesome, and I’m sure my mate Janus at Steallantis here in SA would let me have some fun shooting it.
Take a look at the YouTube video that shows off what this Jeep looks like in its regular form, which is still pretty cool. Who would have thought we'd see the day an icon like the Jeep featured a hybrid powerplant?: The 2024 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe Is An Electrified Heritage Rich American Off-Road Vehicle | Redline Reviews
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Cars SXdrv Heritage Retro Special Edition Hybrid Willys '41 special edition Jeep Wrangler 4xe