This time MHH International is moving away from familiar mainstream territory to have a good look around a vehicle that was just a sketch on an automotive drawing board not so long ago. The much anticipated INEOS Grenadier, that we first featured about a year ago, is finally on sale and it really is quite something.
Combining rugged British spirit and design coupled with German engineering prowess, the Grenadier is a truly uncompromising 4x4 vehicle from the ground up. This is not some back-street assembly either; the Grenadier is designed, engineered and built to world class standards for those needing a stripped back, no-nonsense workhorse, but still with the comfort, safety, refinement and standard features that today’s drivers expect.
Starting with a clean-sheet enabled the designers and engineers to create an off-roader with a meticulously selected suite of key components. The result is a 4x4 that is designed, developed and engineered to deliver exceptional off-road ability straight out of the box.
On The Outside (And Underneath!)
For starters, this fine all-round vehicle really looks the part, steering clear of sleeker competitors. The Grenadier is all about purpose, not just looking good on the school run or at the shopping mall. It’s available as a five-seat station wagon, or as a utility version with the choice of a two-seat or five-seat layout, depending on availability. It’s a blank canvas ready to be configured for the exact needs of customers.
The Grenadier’s exterior design is clear, simple and straightforward: A timeless and instantly recognisable form, dictated by the purpose of the vehicle, with substance informing style. It is old-school boxy to maximise space. Wheels are positioned at the corners of the chassis to minimise body overhang fore and aft for better off-road capability. There’s nothing superficial here.
The backbone of the Grenadier is a full box-section ladder frame chassis. Simple, strong and stable, it’s designed to withstand daily punishment in all conditions. Its steel section is up to 3.5mm thick for outstanding rigidity and stiffness. The Grenadier features heavy-duty solid beam axles that are built to last. Torque and power are sent to the front and rear axles via an INEOS-designed two-speed transfer case built specifically for this car. The manually-operated two-speed transfer case features a built-in centre differential which is lockable in both high and low range. In addition to the standard centre locking differential in the transfer case, front and rear electronically actuated diff locks are optionally available.
On The Inside
Whether crossing a continent, tackling a daily commute, or taking a long-anticipated family trip, the combination of high levels of refinement, a spacious and airy cabin, intelligently configured controls, excellent visibility, comfortable Recaro seats, and phone connectivity makes the Grenadier excellent everyday transport.
The interior of this fine new addition to the motoring ranks is functional, intuitive and comfortable. Where possible it favours analogue over digital (a refreshing change these days), with clearly labelled and well-spaced buttons and chunky dials on both the Central Control System and the rather aircraft-inspired overhead control panel.
A comprehensive suite of infotainment and navigational featuring Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay come as standard, with Bluetooth connectivity and voice control for hands-free calls. Pathfinder off-road navigation is a bespoke, waypoint-based guidance system.
On The Road
Depending on market availability, the Grenadier is powered by a choice of BMW 3.0-litre turbo-charged inline six-cylinder petrol or diesel engines, which have been extensively revised and recalibrated for this vehicle.
The Grenadier is set up to provide dynamic handling and a comfortable ride, whatever the load or road surface (or lack of). Those in need of a truly robust vehicle may like to know that suspension is provided by progressive coil springs, robust anti-roll bars, and a sophisticated five-link setup, with a pair of longitudinal links either side of the axle and a Panhard rod. Developed to deliver optimal performance in both on-road and off-road environments, the Grenadier is equipped as standard with all the key safety systems required for it to meet its target sales markets.
Early testers report that the Grenadier truly delivers. Power is from a tried and tested name and build quality is paramount to the brand. It’s way less expensive than a Range Rover too, if you can bear to be without the fancy trimmings. Get in touch with us here at MHH International and find out how you can import this premium vehicle from the UK to New Zealand, Kenya and other global destinations, VAT free.
