Visualizing an all-new car is always an exciting creative challenge, and my latest project for Auto Express allowed me to imagine the rugged future of Jeep.
I was tasked with illustrating an upcoming large family SUV designed to go head-to-head with the Land Rover Defender. What makes this particular project so fascinating is the engineering beneath the skin. This new model is being developed through a joint venture with Chinese manufacturer Dongfeng. Utilizing this shared architecture allows Jeep to produce a substantial, hybrid or fully electric off-roader at a much more accessible price point, but it also presents a very unique set of design challenges.
Shared Platforms and Off-Road Proportions
Whenever you are building on a shared global platform, the fixed structural hardpoints dictate much of the vehicle’s fundamental proportions. My goal was to take that underlying Chinese architecture and wrap it in a design that is unmistakably Jeep. Because the platform is engineered to package hybrid and electric powertrains, the wheelbase naturally stretches out, pushing the large wheels right to the corners. This layout not only creates the necessary space for under-floor battery packs, but it also gives the SUV a wide, planted stance with the short overhangs essential for tackling steep off-road trails.
Blending Heritage with Modern Surfacing
To capture the essence of a classic 4x4, I kept the overall shape decidedly boxy while introducing cleaner, flatter surfacing to reflect its modern drivetrain. At the front end, I updated Jeep’s famous seven-slot grille for the electrified era, seamlessly blending it into a wide face with sharp, aggressive headlights that help disguise the visual bulk of such a large vehicle. Moving along the sides, the square wheel arches and thick lower body cladding heavily emphasize its tough, trail-ready character. Meanwhile, the upright windows and flat roofline maximize the interior cabin space, matching the family-friendly practicality you would expect from a Defender rival. It was incredibly rewarding to figure out how to balance this cost-effective, shared platform with the classic, no-nonsense aesthetic that Jeep enthusiasts demand. You can view the complete set of illustrations and read the full story over on the Auto Express website.
