With UK prices starting at £48,000 for the base two-seat pickup model, the INEOS Grenadier is now available to order. A few years ago, drivers and off-roaders who loved the good old Land Rover Defender were dismayed when the brand decided to drop the model. It has now been replaced by a much fancier vehicle of the same name that is good but very expensive.
In the meantime the INEOS Group, a global industrial company, took heed of the cries of woe and determined to build a true replacement for the legendary Defender; the result is the Grenadier and it is brilliant. Initially there will be two or five seat models (see image) with a four-seat crew cab pickup and a seven-seat variant later.
On The Outside
As can be seen in the images, the spirit of the old Defender lives on, but it’s not a rehash. This great new vehicle has been built from the ground up on an all-new platform with a ladder-frame chassis. We learn that the INEOS Grenadier has been designed to meet the demands of its owners for a rugged, capable and comfortable go-anywhere working or leisure vehicle. There are obviously some clear design similarities between the old and the new. These include the round headlights, separate bumpers, flat windscreen, clamshell bonnet, button-style door handles, exposed door hinges and so on. Call it nostalgia? Not really, the Grenadier retains that was good about the old four-wheel driver, but with the latest in automotive technology.
Practical exterior features include a 70:30 split rear door, integrated roof bars, pre-wiring for auxiliary lamps and accessories, and a front bumper to sit on. The Grenadier is also designed to be customisable, with an ‘open-source’ approach to accessories so owners can tailor the vehicle to their specific requirements. The inner body is a steel structure while the body panels, including the roof and doors, are manufactured from aluminium.
All models will have permanent four-wheel-drive along with three locking differentials and a low-range gearbox, ensuring real off-road capability. Power will come from torquey twin-turbo 3.0L petrol and diesel engines supplied by BMW, combined with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox from ZF.
On The Inside
The interior of the INEOS Grenadier is designed for purpose, to deliver the space, practicality and versatility owners need from a hard-working 4X4. The dashboard resembles an aircraft flight deck, developed as it was from a clean sheet and incorporating the latest modern technology and comfort that customers expect from a 21st Century vehicle. Switches are sited for optimal function, regular controls are close to hand with auxiliary ones a little further away. Overall, the layout is functional and logical, designed with ease of use in mind. It has everything a busy driver needs.
Toggle switches and dials on the centre and overhead consoles are widely spaced and clearly marked as to purpose. Auxiliary switches have been built in, conveniently pre-wired to support the addition of winches, work lights and other working or sporting accessories.
The infotainment system is accessed via a 12.3” touchscreen, or by using a rotary dial. The now expected Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration means users can rely on smartphone navigation which will always be up to date. An off-road pathfinder navigation system allows drivers to programme, follow and record their route via waypoints, when roads and tracks are left behind and the rough stuff begins; surfaces that this car is designed to tackle.
To allow for interior cleaning after a hard day’s work, drain plugs in the rubber flooring and wipe-down upholstery mean the interior can be hosed out, being sure to keep that water away from the dashboard! Water-resistant anti-stain Recaro seats provide ergonomic support and comfort on or off the road. If a hardcore interior is not required, buyers can opt for carpets and leather upholstery instead.
Stowage space is very well catered for. There’s a dry storage box under the rear seat, a lockable central console cubby box, and secure side-mounted storage in the rear load area. There is also scope for individualisation, with a wide range of interior options and accessories to help owners to customise the INEOS Grenadier to best perform the role required of it.
On The Road & Off It
In early tests of pre-production models from various independent sources the suspension, axle articulation, ramp break-over angles and climbing ability have been pushed to the limit. There is no dissent; this vehicle delivers.
With over 400lb/ft f torque from either fuel, the ride is pleasantly refined with well chosen gearing in high range on the road. It’s not a luxury car; the soft springs and suspension travel see to that but drivers accept that there will always be compromises on such a vehicle. The crucial thing is that the agricultural ride of the original Defender is a thing of the past; technology has seen to that. For more information about the INEOS Grenadier, get in touch with us here at MHH for further details.
