When Land Rover culled the original Defender after an incredible 67 years of production, a huge cry could be heard around the world as farmers, tradesmen, outdoor enthusiasts, and general fans of the rugged four-wheel-drive vehicle all despaired. Replaced with the far more upmarket all-new Defender, a large gap was left in the market for a car to take the old one's place.
The vehicle to step forward and plug the gap is the Ineos Grenadier. Looking like a highly-evolved version of the vehicle it takes over from, the Grenadier is no mud-shy luxury SUV. Built from sturdier stuff than say a rather trendy BMW X3 the Grenadier will forge its path in the wilderness, happily rambling across inhospitable terrain that would have a crossover vehicle running for the nearest shopping mall.
Built to withstand the harshest environments, the Ineos Grenadier will also no doubt be snapped up by the fashion-conscious, as its utilitarian looks set it apart from other vehicles. A bold new venture for a fledging automotive manufacturer here are ten things we just found out about the Ineos Grenadier.
10 Just An Uncompromised Rugged Vehicle
The Ineos Grenadier has been designed and built to be one of the best off-road vehicles, full stop. It will be as tough on the inside as it is on the outside. Able to withstand whatever a user can throw at it, the Grenadier just gets on with the job at hand.
Built specifically to be used off-road, the Grenadier has a purpose. It's a rugged tool that can be depended upon when things get tough. A solid and reliable workmate can be pushed to its limits without fear of failure.
9 A Go-Anywhere Attitude
From the cavernous wheel arches to the underbody cladding, the Grenadier is equipped to tackle rough terrain. Coming as standard with steel wheels just proves what the Grenadier is all about and that's going anywhere, whenever it pleases.
A very traditional ladder frame chassis combined with solid axle beams and three locking differentials means the Grenadier is unlikely to get stuck. Pointing one at a muddy field and pressing the throttle will only result in amazement as it conquers all.
8 Globally Tested To Last
Tested well beyond what would be an industry standard, the Grenadier was sent to 15 countries to experience a multitude of terrains and environments. After all, it can't be the best at what it does without having seen the worst on offer.
From sand to mud, snow to surf, the Grenadier battled it all. All the while being improved, updated, and tweaked following the tester feedback. What better way to ensure that it's up to the task than to use it where it will eventually be used.
7 A Pub Pipe Dream
The brainchild of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and thought up whilst sitting in the Grenadier pub in London. The Ineos Grenadier was drafted up to drop into the gap left by the original Defender, and to improve upon that long-lasting design.
All avid off-roading fans, the brains behind the Grenadier knew what the perfect all-terrain slayer would look like, and they decided to build it. From conversation to prototype through to the finished vehicle, the focus and drive have been second-to-none.
6 Reliable Power
This being their first vehicle, Ineos needed to outsource their powerplants and so turned to BMW. With a choice of only one gasoline or one diesel engine, options are limited. Both units though are highly suited to the Grenadier.
Tuned to fit the Grenadier's more off-road orientated lifestyle, the gas unit pumps out a healthy 283hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine makes a respectable 250hp with a massive 369lb-ft of mud-plugging torque.
5 A Halo Model
Proving its tough credentials, an Ineos Grenadier was given to the Halo Trust. The world's largest land mine clearance charity, Halo pushed the Grenadier to the max. Seeing service in Angola, the rugged vehicle carried out daily duties.
This first-hand experience allowed for a wealth of development data. Often being repaired in the field using basic hand tools, the charity's other vehicles allowed for the awesome Grenadier to further evolve on its journey.
4 The Belstaff Connection
To mark the launch of the innovative off-roader, Ineos has teamed up with Belstaff. On offer are two bespoke models named after famous Belstaff products that both capture the essence of the Grenadier and its hardy style.
The Trailmaster comes with a raised air intake, access ladder, exterior utility belt, and an auxiliary battery to all encourage off-road adventuring. Whilst the Fieldmaster has Safari windows, leather seats, and a more luxurious feel.
3 That Old Fashioned Allure
The market is flooded with sporting SUVs that all claim to be as good off-road as they are on. The Ineos however, arrives like a breath of fresh air. Purposeful in its existence, it harks back to a time when the ability was more important than car park presence.
That said, the Grenadier is surely going to draw a few jealous glances. Its slab-like appearance and chiseled good looks add to the appeal. It is a retro-styled truck that is underpinned by the best of modern thinking, and equipment.
2 Designed In Britain, Built-In France
Having been dreamed up in a London pub, the Grenadier proudly retains its very British roots whilst drafting in the greatest global minds. A British idea brought to life via a design studio in Stuttgart, the Grenadier is a wonderful collaboration of ideas.
Bolted together at the former Mercedes-Benz production plant in Hambach, the Ineos Grenadier is a European product. The Grenadier project retains 1300 jobs, whilst also being able to fulfill some requirements for the Smart car.
1 Plugging A Gap
For those that miss the old Land Rover Defender and believe that the reborn version is too much of a fashion statement, then the Grenadier is the answer. Better built and more refined than the old Defender, it's a fantastic off-road vehicle.
The Grenadier also ticks the box for buyers that want a vehicle that was built to cross continents and not road humps. This is a fully-fledged hardcore terrain stomper and not a pimped-out grocery getter. The Grenadier is simply the bomb.