Attendees at Overland Expo West 2024 got their chance to get behind the wheel of the INEOS Grenadier on the test track that reflected the types of challenges you’re likely to find out on the trail. And based on the crowd at the Ride & Drive, plenty of attendees seized the opportunity. By lunch on Friday, all of the available spots were full, and Saturday saw the test track hopping all day long.
Grenadier VS the Offroad Driving Course
I was fortunate to snag a spot on Saturday morning, and after checking out the new Quartermaster and completing the prerequisite forms, I hopped in the driver’s seat of one of the Grenadiers with my copilot from the INEOS team.
As we pulled into the course, a steep drop immediately gave me a great chance to test out the engine braking capability of the Grenadier. It intuitively shifted into manual mode, and dropping it into first gear made braking unnecessary as I pointed the rig down a slope and into a curve. As manual shifting options disappear from many new models, it was great to see this included on the Grenadier. Before the steep section leveled out, I noticed that 15 degrees briefly flashed on both the pitch and roll, but the SUV never felt tippy or unsteady.
Next up on the course, a banked curve led into a series of elephant tracks, and the Grenadier rolled smoothly through these obstacles. So much so it was truly a nonissue. It felt as close to autopilot as you could expect from a 4×4. Then, the course offered a steep hill banked to the outside. The course guide mentioned that I could pick my own line, so I chose the direct up-and-over route. As the course disappeared and then reappeared through the windshield, I was happy to note that visibility from the driver’s seat was great and far better than some other SUVs and trucks currently on the market.
I took a second lap and once again was amazed at how easy steering and nimble the Grenadier felt through each obstacle. It had minimal body roll without feeling too stiff, and with a little throttle, it climbed up, over, and through each section of the course with ease. While some modern rigs tend to rely on cameras to slip through tight spots on the trail, the Grenadier offers great visibility and responsive steering right from the driver’s seat.
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After I wrapped up my time behind the wheel and walked back out onto the course to snap some photos, once again, I was reminded that the Grenadier is just a good-looking vehicle. I can’t help but think it’s the perfect blend of throwback and original design cues. The Grenadiers on the driving course represented many of the colors and trims available. We also got to check out some accessories, such as the raised air intake and roof racks. The builder on the INEOS site provides plenty of customization so customers can dial in their rig to their liking.
As I captured photos of the Grenadiers making laps on the course, I noticed that on several obstacles, only three tires were making ground contact. And this seemed to be the case on the majority of the rigs. However, when I was in the driver’s seat, I never felt any wheel lift or any other signs of instability. The Grenadier feels exceptionally solid and stable even at steep angles and over rough terrain, so much so you really need to try it out for yourself.
While I was more focused on the Grenadier’s performance on the course, the striking interior design is always worth pointing out. At this point, you’ve probably heard the comparison drawn between the Grenadiers switches and aviation equipment. But it’s still worth noting, especially in terms of the overheard switches. The center display is also unique and gives the SUV a distinctive driving experience.
If this Overland Expo was any indication, the INEOS Grenadier has been readily embraced by the overlanding community. And after just a short stint with a Grenadier, I can see why. There are already some great accessories available, and as more Grenadiers hit the streets, that number will surely increase. Now, we just have to wait until the Quartermaster is available to compare it to its SUV brethren.
