Just out of the blue Jeep unveils a new version of the Grand Cherokee with a substantially changed interior and exterior design. The new model is inspired, rather heavily, but the Chrysler 300 and looks more macho and muscular than ever.

The 2014 Cherokee features new headlights that appear to be ripped-off directly from the 300, a newly designed bumper with dark chrome accents, a less showy but still quite prominent seven-slot grille with chrome surrounds, LED taillights, new rear bumper and a redesigned tailgate. It is still recognizable as a Cherokee, only it’s been groomed and manicured from head to toe.

The GC also gets some much needed interior revisions with a new center console arrangement, featuring a large 8.4-inch infotainment screen (depending on the trim), new steering wheel and gear lever, and new buttons and controls. There are different finishes and colors available, all garnished with contrasting stitching all over the cabin. To be honest we didn’t expect Chrysler to put so much effort into making a high-quality interior. It is not really their forte, but they seem to have pulled it off.

Other remarkable changes in the new model are the addition of a new V6 diesel engine to the American lineup, and also a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The Pentastar V6 and HEMI V8 engines remain unchanged.

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee goes on sale later this year as a 2014 model.