Ineos Grenadier: The Spiritual Successor to the Original Defender

When Land Rover retired the original Defender, there was a void in the market for a true off-roader that captured the essence of the iconic model. Enter the Ineos Grenadier, a project spearheaded by petrochemicals billionaire and Defender enthusiast Sir Jim Ratcliffe. This vehicle aims to fill the gap left by the Defender’s departure and offer a no-compromise, old-school off-roading experience.

The journey to bring the Grenadier to life has been a tumultuous one. Ratcliffe initially approached Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) with an offer to buy the design rights and production-line tooling for the Defender, but his proposal was rejected. Undeterred, Ratcliffe decided to create his own version of the Defender, resulting in the birth of the Ineos Grenadier.

After years of development and legal battles over trademark rights, the Grenadier is finally ready for production. The car will be built at the Hambach plant in eastern France, which was previously used by Daimler to manufacture Smarts. With its production secured, it’s time to see if the Grenadier lives up to its promise as a worthy successor to the original Defender.

Having had the opportunity to drive both prototype and production versions of the Grenadier, it’s clear that this vehicle is a force to be reckoned with off-road. It effortlessly tackles challenging terrains and surpasses the capabilities of its predecessor. But how does it fare in everyday driving situations? Is it a practical and efficient choice for daily use?

The Grenadier comes in three variants: Utility, Quartermaster, and Station Wagon. The Utility model is a two-seat commercial vehicle, while the Quartermaster is a crew-cab pick-up truck. The Station Wagon, which we had the chance to test, offers seating for five passengers. All variants are available with either petrol or diesel engines sourced from BMW.

Ineos offers two trim levels for the Grenadier: Trailmaster and Fieldmaster. The Trailmaster features a raised air intake and steel wheels, giving it a rugged and utilitarian look. On the other hand, the Fieldmaster comes with fancier wheels and safari windows, adding a touch of sophistication to the design.

Currently, the petrol-powered Grenadiers outsell the diesel models, but Ineos has plans to introduce an all-electric version in the future. This move aligns with the industry’s shift towards electrification and demonstrates Ineos’ commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

In terms of pricing, the Grenadier starts at £64,500 for the Utility model with a 245bhp diesel engine. The range-topping Station Wagon with a 282bhp petrol engine comes in at £76,535. While these prices may seem steep compared to some competitors, the Grenadier offers a level of ruggedness and capability that few vehicles can match.

So, is the Ineos Grenadier a vanity project or the real deal? After spending time behind the wheel, it’s safe to say that it’s the latter. This vehicle captures the spirit of the original Defender while incorporating modern technology and engineering advancements. It’s a true off-roader that can handle any challenge thrown its way.

Whether you’re a classic Defender lover or simply in need of a capable and reliable off-road vehicle, the Ineos Grenadier is worth considering. With its robust construction, powerful engines, and versatile configurations, it’s ready to take on any adventure you throw at it. Say goodbye to compromise and hello to the real deal in off-roading excellence.