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Ineos Grenadier Review: A Robust and Uncompromising 4×4 for the Modern Era

The Ineos Grenadier has been turning heads and sparking conversations, and for good reason. For those unfamiliar, Ineos, a global petrochemical giant, has ventured into the automotive world with the Grenadier, a vehicle designed to be a serious, no-nonsense off-road SUV. As someone deeply entrenched in the automotive repair industry, I was particularly intrigued to get behind the wheel and conduct a thorough Ineos Grenadier Review. My initial encounter came through the buzz surrounding Sewell dealerships in Texas, known for their commitment to quality and customer experience, taking on this new and unique brand. This immediately signaled that the Grenadier was something worth paying attention to. And after spending a week with the 2024 Ineos Grenadier Fieldmaster Edition, I’m ready to share my comprehensive findings.

Ineos, while perhaps new to car manufacturing for some, is a massive global entity with a significant presence in petrochemicals, oil and gas, and even sports. This diverse background brings a unique perspective to automotive engineering. The Grenadier itself is named after a London pub where the concept was born, and Ineos’s vision is clear: to build a truly robust and uncompromising 4×4. They aimed for a vehicle that prioritizes function over form, utilizing top-tier engineering and components. This isn’t just a passion project; it’s a serious business endeavor to deliver a vehicle capable of conquering any terrain in any condition.

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The model I tested, the 2024 Ineos Grenadier Fieldmaster Edition, is just the beginning. The Quartermaster, a pickup truck version, is also on its way to the US market, and it’s another vehicle I’m eager to experience. Describing the Grenadier is interesting – it’s like old-school ruggedness infused with modern technology. While its off-road prowess is immediately apparent, the crucial question for many, especially in places like Texas, is: how does it perform as a daily driver? Is Ineos aiming to compete with the likes of the modern Land Rover Defender, or perhaps capture a slice of the luxury SUV market dominated by vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class? My Ineos Grenadier review suggests the answer is more nuanced. I believe Ineos is forging its own path, aiming for the Grenadier to be recognized for what it truly is: an exceptionally solid and perhaps over-engineered SUV that delivers outstanding performance and reliability.

Powertrain and Performance

Delving into the heart of the Grenadier, the powertrain choice immediately stands out. In a world increasingly focused on electrification, Ineos opted for a robust and proven BMW powertrain – a decision that resonates with enthusiasts who appreciate traditional engineering. The Grenadier is powered by a 3-liter turbocharged straight-six BMW engine, paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. This combination delivers 281 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. While the 0-to-60 mph time isn’t blistering due to its nearly 6,000-pound weight and full-time 4-wheel drive system, the acceleration is consistently strong and steady. This SUV isn’t built for drag racing; it’s designed for pulling power and reliable performance in demanding situations. The gearing suggests it could effortlessly tow heavy loads, making it a true workhorse as well as an adventure vehicle. In this Ineos Grenadier review, the powertrain earns high marks for its proven reliability and robust performance.

Striking Exterior Design

During my week-long Ineos Grenadier review, the exterior design consistently drew attention. Strangers and neighbors alike stopped to admire its distinctive look. The modern LED headlights are a standout feature, complemented by classic round fog lights integrated into the prominent horizontal bar grille. The flat, Wrangler-esque fenders and the raised, sculpted hood, proudly displaying the Ineos emblem, contribute to its rugged aesthetic. The front end is functionally designed with ample venting to ensure optimal airflow to the turbocharged engine. Practical elements like front tow hooks and, on my test model, an electric winch, underscore its off-road intentions. Even if rarely used, the winch is a symbolic feature for a vehicle in this category.

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From the side, the Grenadier showcases its 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with Goodrich K02 tires, emphasizing its off-road readiness. The roofline subtly rises towards the rear, forming a substantial roof rack system, complete with provisions for attaching accessories like awnings. A unique and functional design element is the Exterior Utility Belt system running along the doors and rear. This provides attachment points for various accessories, such as luggage or camping tables, enhancing its practicality for outdoor adventures. Step bars, a necessary addition given the impressive ground clearance, are also present. Despite its somewhat top-heavy appearance, the Grenadier handles surprisingly well, dispelling any initial visual assumptions. The door handles, with their thumb-operated round lever mechanism, are a charmingly old-school touch that adds to the vehicle’s character.

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The rear of the Grenadier is equally purposeful, featuring a full-sized spare tire with a cover, a robustly mounted ladder, and bullseye-style round LED taillights. A thick steel bumper houses rear tow hooks and a trailer hitch, further emphasizing its utility. The rear door configuration is particularly interesting. A smaller door on the left allows for quick access to the cargo area, while the larger main door provides a wide opening for loading bulkier items. This split-door design is a thoughtful feature, blending convenience with the Grenadier’s rugged nature. Overall, the exterior styling in this Ineos Grenadier review is a successful blend of classic off-road cues with modern functionality.

Interior: Ruggedness Meets Refinement

Stepping inside the Grenadier, I was curious to see how the rugged exterior translated to the interior environment. Considering its price point, the first pleasant surprise was the premium grey and black leather Recaro seats. These seats are not only visually appealing with their heavy stitching but also offer excellent support with subtle bolstering. Then, the overhead control panel caught my eye and truly impressed me. It’s unlike anything else I’ve seen in a vehicle – reminiscent of a Boeing 747 cockpit with its array of switches. This panel is incredibly cool and adds a unique character to the Grenadier’s interior.

This overhead panel houses upfitter switches, catering to the expectation that owners will likely customize their Grenadiers with various accessories like light bars and other equipment. It also includes controls for locking differentials and off-road switchgear. This panel is mirrored by another equally cool panel beneath the touchscreen, which manages climate controls, heated seats, park assist, the start/stop system deactivation, and a dedicated radio volume knob. Exposed screws throughout these panels contribute to the rugged aesthetic, reinforcing the vehicle’s utilitarian design philosophy.

The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system also has a touch of old-school charm. While it functions as a touchscreen, it can also be controlled via a rotary knob on the center console. The screen is monochrome, prioritizing clarity and legibility over vibrant colors. Interestingly, the speedometer is integrated into this central screen – a first for me. While there is a small driver information screen behind the steering wheel, it’s primarily for warning lights. Initially, I was skeptical about the centrally located speedometer, but in practice, it proved to be quite intuitive and easy to adapt to.

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The main touchscreen display also houses other essential gauges like fuel level, range, engine temperature, tachometer, and odometer, positioned closest to the driver for easy viewing. The right side of the screen provides access to menus for off-road data, phone/Bluetooth connectivity, road sign recognition, audio settings, and vehicle settings. It also displays outside temperature, altitude, and Apple CarPlay integration when active. The off-road pages offer detailed information such as pitch and roll angles, wheel angle, and even G-force readings for serious off-road driving. The settings menu allows for extensive customization of vehicle functions, including lighting and safety features. Fortunately, I discovered how to disable the rather persistent speed limit warning – a feature that might be a bit too enthusiastic for some drivers. Below the central screen, a stylish compass and altimeter add a final touch of classic off-road instrumentation.

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The center console houses the BMW-sourced ZF transmission shifter, a lever for selecting 4-wheel drive high or low range, and the aforementioned rotary controller for the touchscreen. Shortcut buttons provide quick access to the menu, audio, favorite radio stations, and off-road pages. Practical additions include well-sized cupholders and a lockable center console that doubles as a comfortable armrest.

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Other notable driver-centric features include steering wheel controls for cruise control, audio adjustments, and voice command activation. On the right side of the steering wheel controls, a distinctive red button labeled “TOOT” activates a polite horn, intended for cyclists and pedestrians. The standard, louder horn is located in the center of the steering wheel, where the Ineos logo sits. This dual-horn system is a thoughtful touch that could potentially reduce road rage incidents.

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Moving to the back seat, the Grenadier offers a cavernous and understated space. The raised roofline provides ample headroom for rear passengers, and the rear seats are upholstered in the same high-quality Nappa leather and are also Recaro-branded. Rear occupants benefit from their own air conditioning vents, USB-A and USB-C ports, a power outlet, and the rear seats fold in a 60/40 split configuration for added cargo flexibility. In this Ineos Grenadier review, the interior successfully balances rugged functionality with unexpected premium touches.

Utility and Cargo Space

The Grenadier excels in utility, particularly in cargo capacity. The rear cargo area is exceptionally large, both in width and height. With the second-row seats upright, it offers a massive 41 cubic feet of storage space. Folding the rear seats down expands this to an impressive 71 cubic feet.

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A 12-volt power outlet is also conveniently located in the cargo area, adding to its practicality. The Grenadier’s utility is a key selling point, making it ideal for both everyday tasks and adventurous expeditions.

Standard Equipment and Notable Features

My test Grenadier included the Smooth Pack, which is standard on all models and encompasses a range of convenience and safety features: Rear-View Camera, Front Park Assist (PDC), Power Heated Exterior Mirrors, Heated Windshield Washer Jets, Central Stowage Box (Lockable), Puddle Lamps & Ambient Door Lighting, Auxiliary Charge Points, and Advanced Anti-Theft Alarm and immobilizer. It also featured the Rough Pack, adding locking differentials and Goodrich tires, further enhancing its off-road capabilities. A roadside emergency kit is also standard with every Grenadier.

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Other notable features included the front power winch, side step bars, floor mats, and heavy-duty load space flooring. Safari Windows in the roof above the driver and passenger are a unique and appealing feature, offering a glimpse of the sky. While stylish, in the intense Texas sun, their tinted glass still allows considerable heat into the cabin, potentially increasing the workload for the air conditioning system. Features not present on this vehicle included blind spot warning, navigation system, ventilated seats, and remote start. Notably, both front seats are manually adjusted, emphasizing the Grenadier’s focus on functional simplicity.

Chassis and Off-Road Prowess

Beneath the Grenadier’s skin lies its true strength – a robust box-section ladder-frame chassis (available in various colors, though the practical benefit of this is debatable). This chassis is paired with beam axles, a two-speed transfer case, permanent four-wheel drive, a locking center differential, and locking differentials at both the front and rear. In terms of frame and off-road systems, the Grenadier appears to be on par, if not superior, to even the current Land Rover Defender. This robust foundation is what truly sets the Grenadier apart as a serious off-road contender.

Ride and Drive Experience

My primary focus for this Ineos Grenadier review was its on-road driving characteristics, particularly as a daily driver. Having owned several Land Rovers, I approached this aspect with a comparative perspective. The Grenadier’s driving experience can be summarized in one word: different. It’s neither inherently better nor worse than other luxury SUVs, but it possesses a distinct character. The steering is heavy, utilizing a hydraulically assisted recirculating ball steering box from Bosch. This system, while proven and advantageous for extreme off-roading, requires some acclimation for everyday road driving. Steering precision is good, but the feedback is less direct compared to rack-and-pinion systems. The turning radius is also not particularly tight, but again, it’s something you adapt to.

Acceleration, while not lightning-fast, is adequate considering the vehicle’s weight. It builds speed steadily and reliably, but it’s not designed for rapid bursts of acceleration. The top speed is electronically limited to 99 mph. Fuel economy is comparable to other off-road-focused SUVs like Land Rovers and Mercedes G-Class, achieving 15 mpg city, 15 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined.

These minor points are the only drawbacks I noted during my Ineos Grenadier review. On the positive side, the ride quality was surprisingly smooth, and the cabin was remarkably quiet. Despite the aggressive Goodrich tires, road noise and tire noise were minimal, which was unexpected and impressive. The ride comfort is genuinely good, and the handling is commendable for a vehicle of this type. Visibility is excellent, and driving the Grenadier imparts a sense of command and road presence.

Availability and Ordering

During my visit to Sewell Ineos in Plano, TX, General Manager Chance Fuller mentioned they were selling a healthy number of Grenadiers per month. While dealership inventory is currently pre-configured, customer orders are the primary route for acquiring a Grenadier. Due to initial production delays, some early orders experienced longer wait times, but this has created an opportunity for dealerships to have some vehicles readily available. The Grenadier is highly configurable, and working with one of the 17 Ineos dealers across America is recommended to spec out your ideal vehicle.

Pricing and Value

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this Ineos Grenadier review is the price point. Before seeing the sticker, I anticipated a price well above $125,000, and even $150,000 wouldn’t have been shocking given its capabilities and market positioning. However, the MSRP of my test vehicle came in at $94,165. This price, in my opinion, represents spectacular value for what the Grenadier offers. According to the Sewell General Manager, the average MSRP of Grenadiers sold is around $85,000, making it an even more compelling proposition.

Final Verdict

The Ineos Grenadier is an undeniably impressive SUV. Considering its price, exceptional off-road capability, high-quality interior, quiet cabin, and unique presence on the road, I wholeheartedly recommend considering the Grenadier. It’s a remarkably solid SUV, a fact reinforced every time you close the doors. This Ineos Grenadier review concludes that Ineos has delivered a truly outstanding first effort, creating a well-built and immensely capable SUV that is sure to impress both on and off the beaten path.

Special thanks to Sewell Ineos Grenadier and General Manager Chance Fuller for providing the opportunity to test drive this exceptional vehicle. For inquiries, contact Chance Fuller at [email protected].

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For more detailed images, please see the slideshow on CarPro.com.

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  • Top Highlights: Interior quality, striking exterior design, and exceptional value.
  • Wish List: Cooled seats are a must-have.
  • MSRP Range: $74,000 to $96,000. As tested: $94,165.
  • Fuel Efficiency: 15 mpg City, 15 mpg Highway, 15 mpg Combined.
  • Test Mileage: 600 miles at the time of review.
  • Weight Specs: 5,875 lbs curb weight / 7,716 lbs GVWR.
  • Spare Tire: Full-size, rear door mounted.
  • Dimensions (L-W-H): 193” long / 85” wide / 81” high.
  • Fuel Capacity: 23.7 gallons (passenger side filler).
  • Towing Capacity: 7,716 lbs.
  • Exterior Color: Inky Black with Scottish White contrast roof.
  • In Summary: 2024 Ineos Grenadier: A remarkable debut for Ineos, delivering a robust, well-engineered SUV poised to excel both on and off-road.
  • Warranty Coverage: 5-year / 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper.
  • Assembly Location: Hambach, France.
  • Manufacturer Website: www.ineosgrenadier.com

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