Introduction: A Throwback to True Off-Roading
If modern SUVs feel too soft and luxurious for your taste, the Ineos Grenadier might just be the vehicle for you. This brand-new off-road SUV is designed for adventurers who miss the days of the original Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser—back when SUVs were rugged, boxy, and built for a purpose. Priced around $80,000, the Grenadier offers a back-to-basics approach, emphasizing toughness and utility over luxury. But is it worth the investment? Let’s dive into what makes this SUV so special.
The Grenadier combines the essence of old-school off-roaders with modern engineering, bringing a vehicle to the market that’s ready to tackle the toughest terrains without unnecessary frills.
The Ineos Story: A Unique British Brand
Ineos is a name that might not be familiar to everyone, but the company behind it is massive. Founded by British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos is one of the largest chemical companies in the world. Ratcliffe, with his love for old-school Land Rover Defenders, saw a gap in the market when modern SUVs began leaning toward luxury rather than function. That’s where the idea for the Grenadier was born—at a pub called the Grenadier in London, no less.
Despite its retro looks and British origins, the Ineos Grenadier isn’t just a replica of the old Defender. While it takes inspiration from the design, it shares no components with the original Defender, instead being a brand-new creation built from the ground up for off-roading. And while the ethos is British, the Grenadier itself is built in France, using parts from several countries—including a powerful BMW engine.
Built for Adventure: The Rugged Exterior
The Grenadier’s exterior is unapologetically rugged and utilitarian. It’s boxy, with flat panels and massive off-road tires that scream functionality. At first glance, you’ll notice panels along the sides of the doors that serve a unique purpose—cargo hooks. These hooks allow you to secure gear outside the vehicle, perfect for when your gear is wet or there’s simply no more space inside.
Up front, the Grenadier features large, circular LED headlights that give it a vintage look but with modern functionality. It also comes with a winch hidden behind the flip-up front license plate, ready for serious off-road recovery work. The split tailgate at the rear is another practical touch. Instead of a single tailgate, the Grenadier has two doors, allowing for easier access to the cargo area. It’s a great design for loading smaller items without opening the entire rear.
Off-Road Ready: Functional Features Galore
Every aspect of the Grenadier’s design is focused on off-road utility. For instance, the side bars along the roof aren’t just for show; they’re ready to support roof racks or other adventure gear. There are also plastic panels along the sides prepped for adding auxiliary lights, making it easy to customize the vehicle for extreme off-roading.
The off-road tires—BF Goodrich KO2s—are standard on the Trialmaster model, and the Grenadier features steel wheels, which are both durable and easy to repair in the field. Plus, the vehicle’s high ground clearance, along with its ability to wade through deep water, makes it a reliable choice for tackling challenging trails.
The Interior: All About Utility
Step inside the Grenadier, and the first thing you’ll notice is the abundance of buttons, switches, and dials. Unlike most modern vehicles that have gone touchscreen-heavy, the Grenadier is a throwback to an era when physical controls ruled the cabin. The dashboard and even the ceiling are packed with switches, giving the vehicle an almost aircraft-like feel.
The overhead panel is especially unique, offering a series of auxiliary switches that can be wired for additional off-road gear like lights or compressors. These switches are purpose-built for adventurers who need extra functionality out in the wild.
Despite all the buttons, the Grenadier does have a central touchscreen for modern necessities like navigation and infotainment. However, the infotainment system is fairly basic, and the left side of the screen doubles as the gauge cluster, showing your speed, fuel levels, and other essential information. This clever design allows for easier production of both left- and right-hand drive models without needing separate dashboards.
Under the Hood: BMW Power
One of the Grenadier’s biggest surprises is its powertrain—a 3.0-liter, straight-six engine from BMW. This engine, which produces about 280 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, is tuned specifically for the Grenadier. It’s not about speed; it’s about providing enough power to tow, haul, and conquer rough terrains. While it might not have the sporty feel of a BMW sedan, the engine is well-suited for the Grenadier’s purpose.
In some markets, the Grenadier is also offered with a diesel engine, but in the U.S., only the gasoline version is available. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the engine delivers smooth power and handles off-road challenges with ease.
Driving the Grenadier: A Unique Experience
Driving the Grenadier feels very different from most modern SUVs. For one, the steering is a bit unusual. Unlike typical vehicles where the wheel automatically returns to center after a turn, the Grenadier’s steering requires you to manually straighten the wheel. It’s something you’ll need to get used to, but it adds to the vehicle’s old-school charm.
On the road, the Grenadier is surprisingly refined for what it is. The ride quality is better than expected, especially considering its rugged design. It’s not the fastest SUV out there, but it’s more than capable of keeping up with traffic and handling highway speeds. It’s also quieter than older off-roaders like the classic Land Rover Defender, which tended to be noisy and uncomfortable at higher speeds.
The Grenadier’s suspension and off-road capabilities truly shine when you take it off the beaten path. It’s built to tackle rough terrains, steep inclines, and rocky trails without breaking a sweat. With features like front and rear differential locks, low-range gearing, and hill descent control, the Grenadier is ready for serious off-roading adventures.
Conclusion: Is the Ineos Grenadier Worth It?
The Ineos Grenadier is not for everyone. It’s a vehicle built for a niche audience—those who crave adventure, love old-school SUVs, and want something tough, practical, and purpose-built for off-roading. If you’re tired of modern SUVs that focus more on luxury than utility, the Grenadier offers a refreshing return to basics. With its rugged design, BMW-sourced engine, and off-road capabilities, it’s the perfect companion for serious adventurers.
If you’re intrigued by the Grenadier’s unique approach and want to see it in action, I was inspired by a reviewer who shared their experience with this SUV. Check out their detailed review at this YouTube link for more insights and quirks.