Tough and rugged: Ineos Grenadier handles mud, water and loose rocks in the Scottish Highlands with ease.
Tit’s the Scottish Highlands – a place I never thought would host a vehicle launch. I was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful scenery, from the beautiful lake to the snow-capped mountains. That set the tone for presenting a wonderful vehicle that I will always love.
I have always found the rugged and adventurous aspect associated with off-roading. There is something most important about venturing up and through rough terrain, pushing the vehicle to its limits, giving an adrenaline rush like no other. That’s why I love it when new adventure-focused brands explode, dedicated to putting the buyer first.
It’s called the Ineos Grenadier, and they chose the perfect setting – a seemingly untouched-by-technology desert – to demonstrate the car’s capabilities to the media.
Let’s talk about the intricacies and the point of existence of this SUV.
Have you ever felt disappointed when your favorite vehicle underwent such a drastic change that its basic purpose seems obsolete?
Instead of jumping on the Twittersphere to express his disgust, Sir Jim Ratcliffe thought he would build his own car, which is heavily influenced by what the public wants. It will be something that balances comfort and purpose.
In the process, they created an off-roader that was just as capable, if not more, than an off-road vehicle. I tried it in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
The Ineos Grenadier belongs to the segment previously filled by the Land Rover Defender, a vehicle that has become obsolete as the manufacturer takes drastic steps towards modernization. This leaves Ineos room to redesign the segment from the ground up and, in the process, knock it out of the park.
To grasp the scope of this 4×4, we need to understand what makes this onr possible. But, first, the behavior on the road.
The Ineos Grenadier has more than enough power from both petrol and diesel engines. Considering the engine and transmission are tried and tested units from BMW, reliability is to be expected.
On the road, I found a surprisingly small amount of body roll in corners and an absurd amount of up-and-go, especially from the gasoline variant. Both have a 3.0 liter inline-6 turbocharged motor. The petrol has more oomph at 210kW and 450Nm, while the diesel only has 183kW but a mountainous 550Nm of torque sent to the wheels using an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Central, front, and rear lockers make this car nearly unstoppable when the going gets tough. It easily crawls through challenging terrain, while all-terrain tires help overcome mud and rocks. The approach angle of 36.2 degrees and the departure angle of 36.1 degrees allow the Grenadier to smoothly transition between rocks and obstacles while maintaining total control.
Scotland’s wet and rough terrain was a challenge, but provided the perfect opportunity to test the Ineos Grenadier. Lots of mud, water and loose rocks made for a formidable obstacle course, which is what we needed to measure the car’s capabilities.
One feature that sets the Grenadier apart from the rest is Hill Descent Control. Few off-roaders can boast a continuously gravity-defying HDC system but the Grenadier is a cut above the rest. It masterfully navigates the trickiest descents, providing total confidence and stability even when traction seems inconceivable. In the face of these extreme conditions, the Grenadier proved its worth and really impressed.
The vehicle comes with a choice of wheels. Steel rims can take a beating, but they still look great, while alloys add depth to the styling and faux beadlocks add to the rugged off-roader’s rugged aesthetic. Unfortunately, UK law does not allow the use of beadlocks, so this is just for show.
The interior of the Ineos Grenadier is the perfect balance of elegance and comfort, with supportive Recaro seats that provide stability during hairy off-road adventures. You can choose from a variety of materials, including two-tone leather and fabric, to create an ideal cabin.
Although the abundance of buttons and switches seems intimidating at first, a short time with the car makes the placement clear. For example, the controls for front and rear diff-lock, wading control and off-road mode, which disables traction and stability control, are all located on the roof to prevent unintended activation.
Also, you do not have to sacrifice functionality for warmth because the cabin has been designed so that you do not have to remove your gloves to use any buttons and switches.
The infotainment system provides the integration of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and various information displays on the road that can be manipulated and explored.
I like how Ineos balances analog characteristics with modern cars; even touches like a transfer case, which is mechanical, make driving on the road more enjoyable. This analog-digital balance is targeted to capture the interest of all 4×4 users.
The partnership that Ineos has developed will provide a range of aftermarket products supported by the option of additional power points that allow you to create your own Grenadier.
Ineos prioritizing the needs and preferences of customers is seen in Grenadier’s ability to appeal to various individuals.
First, there are adrenaline junkies who love to navigate difficult terrain and reach destinations far off the beaten path.
Second, casual adventure seekers who love the outdoors and enjoy an active lifestyle but aren’t necessarily avid off-road enthusiasts.
Thirdly, practical individuals, such as farmers and estate workers, need a powerful 4×4 to complete their tasks with ease and reliability.
Finally, there is the corporate market, which includes government agencies, emergency services, construction companies, search and rescue operations and rental car agencies.
Although there have been whispers of a military variant being used in Botswana, there has been no official word on this. Regardless, Grenadier’s versatility and ability to meet the needs of various demographics demonstrates Ineos’ commitment to putting customers first.
With a traditional market in South Africa, we hope that Grenadier will attract buyers who appreciate the brand’s capabilities.
Grenadier has many features that subtly hint at the G-Wagon, such as door seals and handles as well as seating position and ride comfort. The Ineos Grenadier is built in the old G-Class factory in Hambach, Germany, so there are similarities. For me, this is a nice touch. Get the features of what is considered to be the best 4×4 fever or less is better.
The starting price at press time was R1 513 100, which is amazing if you can afford it. The power and reliability of BMW, the quality of the G-Class, with customer input, makes this car a favorite of the passionate adventurer. For those who prefer an individual touch, extensive aftermarket support.
There will be those who dismiss this as a Defender knockoff but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Ineos has created a standout SUV in its class.
There are a few minor issues, such as sticky door handles and wind noise at highway speeds, but the company says they will be addressed when the car is launched in South Africa – expected to be in April or May.
This SUV has character, from the rugged control panel to the unique safari sunroofs; It’s an impressive car capable of everything. I like to see more of these vehicles on our roads, because they evoke a sense of excitement and go anywhere fun.
Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, farmer, corporate buyer or just about anyone, the Ineos Grenadier is a vehicle to consider.