The Ineos grenadier off-roader project is the brainchild of Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire engineer and chairman of multinational chemical giant Ineos. He focuses on trying to close the market gap that was to be created as Land Rover’s decision to stop the production of the old Defender with a 68-year run that had seen more than two million of them made.
With a clever marketing, transparent development, and enthusiast focus that stands in contrast to some other new 4x4s, the Ineos Grenadier is prepared to fill in this gap with a focus on the end-user, albeit without the EV focus.
It’s worthy of note that the Ineos Grenadier project has kept a smartly planned open book regarding development, informing enthusiasts of progress highlights along the way and key choices for things such as mechanical components and design. This has gone a long way to creating much-needed awareness for the brand.
Our interest is in knowing how this Land Rover reincarnation will perform and whether it is more ‘Defenderish’ in nature or has its personality. For now, we’re reliant on a ride-along, and a chat with the company’s local team.
The Exterior Design
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The exterior of the new Ineos Grenadier shares some clear design similarities with the old land Rover Defender such as the round headlights, separate fenders, flat windscreen, clamshell bonnet, button-style door handles, exposed door hinges, and barn-door-style tailgate.
The Grenadier is gifted six-stud wheels shod with 265/70-profile Bridgestone Dueler H/T off-road tires, making it a perfect fit to take on the very worst roads. The new Grenadier also comes with ‘utility rails’ within the bodyside protection that buyers will be able to choose as part of a long list of optional extras.
The Engine Performance
Under the hood of this Land Rover reincarnation is a 3.0-liter straight-six BMW diesel engine, backed by the legendary ZF 8-speed automatic. The auto-only offering is a clear indicator that Ineos is aiming to maximize the driver’s experience and keep their hands and minds focused intently on the terrain and control of the vehicle.
There may be die-hards who argue for the feel and application of a manual but in real-world off-roading, an auto is superior. In the single case where it is inferior (engine braking) a ‘torque converter lock up’ switch can quickly solve that problem and leave no doubt that an auto can do everything a manual can off-road, and plenty more. Ineos has also said that a BMW straight-six petrol option will be available as required.
The transfer case is also well suited to off-roading. It offers all-wheel drive (AWD) for safer on- and off-road duties are complete with a center diff lock, and provides a proper low-range for harder and more technical 4×4 demands.
Room for Personalization
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The culture of Modifying a 4×4 is a critical part of not only building a vehicle that suits your needs but also individualizing your ride with personal touches.
This simply means, taking what is already a good base platform and turning it into a tuned performance machine that’s ready for all the challenges of remote area work and play. We give it to Ineos for pulling out all the stops in this area and showing a unique and practical approach to being mindful of the needs of the end-user.
To perfect their genius masterpiece, Ineos has collaborated with numerous 4×4 aftermarket manufacturers to ensure that data, drawings, and vehicles are available to guarantee that aftermarket accessories are available almost as soon as the Grenadier launches to market.
So there should be a solid offering and good quality choices across dedicated accessories such as bar work, long-range tanks, roof racks, suspension, snorkels, and more, as soon as the vehicle is launched. This is another smart idea and well-orchestrated plan.
What to Expect
The Ineos has revealed that two versions of the Grenadier will be available from the outset: the five-seat station wagon driven in prototype guise here and a two-seat commercial vehicle, both based on a standard 2921mm wheelbase. Shortly afterward, Ineos will launch a double-cab pick-up truck and a seven-seat station wagon, both using a longer (3175mm) wheelbase.
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