The new Italian-built Jeep Compass SUV claims to be the most aerodynamic model ever produced by the brand after extensive wind-tunnel testing.

In a bid to boost performance and efficiency in a vehicle designed with electrification at heart, the Compass is claiming a 10% improvement in the coefficient of drag and now claims a class-leading value of less than 0.29.

The car, which launches in mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions with a full battery-electric vehicle to follow, debuted at Stellantis’ historic Melfi plant in Italy in May.

Jeep says the Compass’s aerodynamics are achieved while maintaining the brand’s iconic off-road upright visuals. Engineers employed multiple design features such as a fully flat underbody to manage airflow beneath the vehicle. Active grille shutters built into the front bumper cut drag by almost two points at higher speeds by closing when cooling is not required.

There also are aero-optimized wheels, reduced sharp body edges at the rear of the car, a high-efficiency roof spoiler and sports car-inspired functional air curtains in the rear wheel arches.

“The new Compass is more than just an evolution; it’s a revolution in how we approach efficiency and performance,” Federico De Medio, global program vehicle synthesis manager of the Jeep Compass, says in a statement. “With the integration of advanced aerodynamic solutions from the very first sketches, we created a vehicle that delivers significantly reduced drag, increased range and improved fuel economy across the lineup, while keeping true to the Jeep brand’s DNA.”