Ineos Grenadier preview confirms specifications ahead of order launch in May.
Five years after billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, chairman and founder of British chemical giant Ineos, first announced plans to build a rugged, no nonsense off-roader in the vein of the original Land Rover Defender, the company is now just weeks away from taking orders.
The off-roader is the Ineos Grenadier SUV, and orders will begin in May; prices in Ineos' home market of the UK are confirmed to start at 49,000 British pounds (about $61,435).
Ineos previously announced that sales in the U.S. will begin in 2023, and while local pricing is unknown, Ineos has confirmed that the Grenadier will come with a 5-year/60,000 mile warranty in North America.
The Grenadier is based on a custom-built platform developed in cooperation with Magna Steyr of Austria. Magna helped develop the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and continues to build the iconic SUV.
The platform is a true off-road design with body-on-frame construction, solid axles with front and rear panhard rods, progressive coil springs, and up to three locking differentials. To reduce weight, the body is made from a combination of aluminum, high-strength steel, and some composite materials. Ground clearance is 10.4 inches, water depth is 31.5 inches, and approach, breakover, and departure angles are 35.5, 28.2, and 36.1 degrees, respectively. The wheels are available in 17" and 18" with a 6-stud pattern, and the tires are Bridgestone Dueler All-Terrain 001 and BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2.
Like the exterior, the interior is designed almost purely with utility in mind, but with a subtle touch of luxury. Like the modeled Defender, the Grenadier's cabin features an upright dash and hard surface materials. There are multiple controls, some of which can be customized (there are pre-wired auxiliary switches in the headliner). At launch, buyers can choose between two- or five-passenger configurations.
Infotainment includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen and other modern features. The system integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and can also be controlled via a rotary dial on the center console. The Grenadier also offers multiple storage spaces, including a lockable box in the center console. The cabin can be easily cleaned with a hose thanks to rubber floor drain plugs and wipe-clean Recaro seat upholstery. Ineos will also offer a variety of accessories to allow owners to customize their SUVs.
Buyers will have the choice of a gas or diesel engine, a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine sourced from BMW. The gas engine delivers 282 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the diesel delivers 245 hp and 406 lb-ft. A permanent four-wheel drive system with an eight-speed automatic and two-speed transfer case completes the drivetrain. Brake towing capacity is 7,716 lb.
Production of the Grenadier is taking place at the former Smart plant in Hambach, France. The first customer examples are scheduled to go off the line in July.
