The Ineos Grenadier, a product of British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his chemical company Ineos, was born out of a desire to resurrect and enhance the classic Land Rover Defender. In this review, the Grenadier is examined in terms of its design, performance, interior, and ride quality.
The Birth of the Grenadier
The Ineos Grenadier is, in essence, a nostalgic endeavor. After an unsuccessful bid to buy the original Defender’s design rights and production-line tooling, Ratcliffe and his team decided to create their own version. Despite legal disputes over trademark rights, the Grenadier finally came to life, with manufacturing taking place in a former Daimler plant in France.
Design and Variants
The Grenadier maintains the boxy, utilitarian design of the original Defender with a few modern updates. Three variants are available – the Utility Wagon, the crew-cab pick-up Quartermaster, and the five-seat Station Wagon. All versions are powered by BMW-sourced engines. The design incorporates a spare wheel at the rear, integrated roof bars and load pads, circular LED headlights, and a skid plate.
Interior and Comfort
Continuing the theme of rugged toughness from the exterior, the cabin of the Grenadier is made of durable, stain-resistant materials. Many of the elements can be hosed out, and there are even drain holes on the floor. The interior features a wide center console, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, an analog clock, and a BMW-sourced gear shifter.
Performance and Ride Quality
Underneath the pragmatic exterior lies a BMW-sourced 3.0-liter, straight-six turbo engine, boasting 282 hp and 450 Nm of torque. The Grenadier also includes ladder frame construction, front and rear differential locks, and a high ground clearance of 264 millimeters. Despite its sturdy build, the Grenadier features five-link coil-over suspension at all four corners ensuring excellent ride quality and body control.
Safety and Additional Features
Ineos has equipped the Grenadier with an array of safety and driver-assistance technologies, including a lane-departure warning system, advanced emergency braking, driver-drowsiness detection system, and intelligent speed assist. It also comes with a suite of airbags, stability and traction control, a trailer stability assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Wrapping up, the Ineos Grenadier is a versatile, feature-packed off-roader that holds its own against its esteemed predecessor, the Land Rover Defender. With its robust off-road abilities, spacious interior, and reliable BMW engine, the Grenadier is a formidable player in the SUV range.