In 2017, INEOS Automotive announced its plans to design and manufacture a utilitarian off-road vehicle to fill what avid adventurer and INEOS Chairman, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, saw as a void in the market. Today, Sir Ratcliffe is well on his way to making his dream of bringing his unique, world class 4×4, the Grenadier, a reality.
The INEOS Grenadier recently transitioned from a concept into the series development phase, in partnership with Austrian auto manufacturer Magna Steyr, making the vehicle one step closer to its production planned for late 2021.
Photo credit: INEOS
Last week, INEOS announced the exterior design of the vehicle – a full 18 months before production is scheduled to begin – in an effort to execute their million-mile prototype testing plan without having to camouflage the vehicle throughout its rigorous global journey.
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“We set out to design a modern, functional and highly capable 4×4 vehicle with utility at its core.”
The Grenadier is not designed for show, but for work. Powered by BMW’s TwinPower Turbo gasoline and diesel engines, which are famed for their world-class blend of durability, performance and efficiency. The Grenadier is stocked with a workhorse under the hood.
The vehicle is designed to provide best-in-class off-road capability, durability and reliability to off-road adventurers, overlanders, and farmers, who depend on a vehicle as a working tool. In short, this 4×4 is built to work as hard as you do — with no frills and no fuss — in the harshest conditions.
But that doesn’t mean the Grenadier will be uncomfortable or out of date. Details are still being finalized about the interior but designers plan to outfit the interior with modern creature comforts and the connectivity and screen technology buyers expect of today’s vehicles. Off-road enthusiast buyers will be pleased to find the Grenadier outfitted for a comfortable ride on a long journey. Coupled with designer’s plans for a “hose-it-out” interior, the Grenadier is a utility vehicle at its core.
Photo credit: INEOS
INEOS touts an engineering-led design process meant to deliver a durable, go-anywhere vehicle inspired by the legacy of classic 4x4s like the Willy’s Jeep, Series 1 Land Rover and the J40 Toyota Land Cruiser. Design and engineering staples include a box-section ladder frame, permanent four-wheel drive, solid axles and a boxy body.
Yes, the Grenadier’s exterior styling pays homage to the overland vehicle kings of the past. But we’re eager to see yet another capable, adventure-ready vehicle option come to market for our community of off-road enthusiasts and explorers.
We hope to have the Grenadier at 2021 -2022 Overland Expo events. Come check it out and see for yourself.
Header image credit: INEOS
Article by Jessica Kirchner
