2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT first drive review

There's something not quite right when all four wheels are fighting for traction, spitting black sand off the 295mm-wide tyres as a Hemi V8 howls towards a 344kW crescendo.

Yet it's here on a New Zealand beach that provides our entrée to a day in Jeep's updated performance hero (at least until the mighty Hellcat-powered Trackhawk arrives late in 2017).

Nothing has changed with the basics of the SRT. It's still a Grand Cherokee with a focus on pace rather than rock-hopping capability. But it also has a modicum of ability off-road, in turn remaining faithful to the Jeep mantra of being capable among its peers. Our sandy off-road jaunt is nothing particularly challenging, but proves you can go bush in a car with a cult following befitting its muscle car image.

Within hours, though, the tracks have changed: we're wheeling on to the challenging Pukekohe race circuit in New Zealand, the black beach surface replaced with hard but occasionally lumpy bitumen where speed limits are no longer.

The launch control system doesn't have the ballistic bite of something like a Porsche, but it builds revs nicely for an abrupt take-off, hurtling the big Jeep to 100km/h in a claimed 4.9 seconds.

It's brisk stuff, although ultimately the bluff design and 2.3-tonne heft slow proceedings once the speedo winds into triple figures. The snazzy partial digital instrument cluster may be functional and customisable, but its 300km/h speedo is optimistic (although the claimed 258km/h top speed is far from shabby).

Still, you never tire of the acoustic accompaniment of that V8, a reminder of just how good a naturally-aspirated engine can sound. The hearty 624Nm of torque isn't bad, either, dishing up stout pulling power, something complemented by the slick eight-speed auto, complete with closely spaced ratios.

Stopping such enthusiasm comes courtesy of sizeable six-piston Brembo calipers. They do a decent job, although a couple of laps of big stops elicits a distinctive waft as heat builds in the brake pads. More of the same would likely result in some smoke and fade, although prior to that they'll cop plenty of punishment.

The massive 20-inch tyres also hang on nicely, at least until the fronts give way with a gentle squeal, the accompanying front-end push predictable - and thoroughly understandable given what they're tasked with doing.

Ultimately, there's no hiding the fact the SRT's centre of gravity is lot further off the ground than most cars that have tackled these challenging corners. Tip in too hard and the electronic aids trigger the auto braking, a sign we've overstepped the SRT's limits.

Still, this is extreme stuff for an SUV, more than most could hope for in a car that seats five in a comfortable and well specified cabin.

Sandwiched in between our beach and track blasts were regular roads. It's here there is more time to consider how most people will utilise a car like this: an occasional straight-line blat and some enthusiastic cornering, perhaps. Mostly, though, trundling around, at which point the performance focus detracts from some of the comfort and compliance of other Grand Cherokees.

Even in its softest mode the suspension is taut, making for an occasionally busy ride on what are low profile tyres.

You can also expect to be a regular refuelling with the top-shelf 98-octane premium unleaded. The old school Hemi V8 slurps through a claimed 14.0 litres per 100km according to the official fuel figure; expect to use plenty more than that if you're making the most of it.

Not that much has changed with the driving manners of this model year 2017 update.

Instead, the SRT is the biggest beneficiary of a styling update that's focused on the nose. A slimmer grille teams with a new bumper boasting new air intakes for a more aggressive look.

It also now picks up the advanced active safety features such as auto emergency braking (AEB) also fitted to the Overland but optional on Limited and Trailhawk.

At $91,000 the SRT isn't cheap, but it's a comparative performance SUV bargain compared with the more advanced go-fast options from German luxury brands.

Like those, it's an acquired taste, one that brings compromises in its quest to be all things to more people. But for those yearning for space, sound, substance and ability the SRT is a bold way to make a big statement.

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT price and specifications

On sale: Now

Price: $91,000, plus on-road costs

Engines: 6.4-litre V8 petrol

Power: 344kW at 6250rpm

Torque: 624Nm at 4100rpm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive

Fuel use: 14.0L/100km

• For more information, visit our Jeep showroom.