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2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys '41 Special Edition Celebrates Military Heritage And Modern Innovation
The Jeep brand has unveiled the 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys '41 special edition, honouring the original 1941 Willys MB. Bob Broderdorf, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America, stated, "Eight decades after cementing a reputation for all-terrain capability, straightforward design and tough versatility, the spirit of the original Willys MB lives on in everything we do at Jeep brand." This new model celebrates the legacy while advancing innovation.
The 2025 Wrangler 4xe Willys '41 draws inspiration from the Jeep ’41 concept showcased at the 2022 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. This annual event is a gathering place for Jeep enthusiasts and serves as a platform for unveiling concept vehicles that push design and capability boundaries. These concepts often influence future production models.
The exterior of the Wrangler 4xe Willys '41 features a military olive drab-inspired paint colour reminiscent of the original Willys MB. It includes exclusive 17-inch aluminium wheels with aggressive 33-inch all-terrain tyres. The hood-side WILLYS / 4XE decals are finished in Drab Blue, reflecting the U.S. Army's World War II factory stencilling on Willys MBs.
Inside, this special edition offers unique tan Heritage cloth seats and an olive drab fabric dashboard insert. A '41 shifter medallion adds to its distinctive interior design. Roof options include a body-colour hardtop, Sky One-touch powertop roof, and an exclusive tan soft-top. Standard features enhance off-road capabilities with a rear locker for better traction and steel bumpers for protection.
The Wrangler 4xe is America's best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle for three consecutive years. Its powertrain combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with two electric motors and a high-voltage battery pack. This setup delivers an impressive 49 MPGe, offering 21 miles of all-electric range without range anxiety.
This hybrid system represents over eight decades of technical evolution since the original "Go Devil" engines powered the Willys MB. The electrification initiative aims to transform the traditional 4x4 into a more sustainable option without compromising performance.
Historical Context and Legacy
In July 1940, the U.S. military sought a "light reconnaissance vehicle," inviting manufacturers to bid on production with specific requirements like four-wheel drive and fold-down windshields. Three companies responded, including Willys-Overland, which eventually produced prototypes exceeding initial weight limits but met other specifications.
By March 1941, contracts were issued for further development, leading to Willys-Overland producing its Quad model. After testing, it became standardised as the MA and later MB models known as Jeeps. The name "Jeep" possibly originated from slurring "GP" or from Eugene the Jeep in Popeye cartoons.
Production Milestones
Between October 1941 and August 1945, nearly 360,000 Jeeps were manufactured by Willys-Overland in Toledo, Ohio. WWII reporter Ernie Pyle praised them: "It did everything...as faithful as a dog...strong as a mule...agile as a goat." Post-war efforts led to trademarking "Jeep" and launching civilian models like CJ-2A.
The new Wrangler special edition is priced at $59,930 (excluding $1,895 destination charge) in the U.S., with orders open alongside other 2025 models. These vehicles will be available in showrooms before year-end.
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