After an extended test of the Ineos Grenadier – tackling the toughest off-road terrain, from the Sani Pass in Lesotho, up the Skeleton Coast in Namibia, across the Kunene dune belt and through Hartmann’s Valley – Sir Jim Ratcliffe had the following to report: “You might say I’m biased, having lived the Grenadier project for the last five years, but the guides on the trip – seasoned off-roaders to a man – were united in their respect for its capability. And grateful on more than one occasion for Grenadier assistance in recovering their own vehicles!”
It is responsive, well balanced and fun to drive
“The performance of the vehicles on this trip, combined with the 1.1 million miles of testing the programme engineers have put under the wheels of our prototypes, give me real confidence that we’ve built the robust and reliable working 4X4 that we promised.” But it’s not the Grenadier’s founding father – the billionaire chairman of multinational chemicals company INEOS – who’ll determine the vehicle’s success, instead it’s you, the customer, who’ll decide with your buying power. What follows is a list of reasons why you will at least want to test drive one…
The Grenadier Will Take You On Town And Country Roads
Gentle village roads, quicker country lanes, out and about in town – whatever speed you’re travelling, or road conditions you’re driving on, the Grenadier is highly responsive, well balanced and fun to drive. The award-winning straight-six 3.0L turbo BMW engine, combined with the proven automatic ZF transmission give you the power and smooth multi-gear shifts to adapt effortlessly to any type of road.
Tuned and calibrated together for great drivability and high torque at low revs, you can tow what you need, from caravans to horse boxes. And with permanent four-wheel-drive, you can trust the traction in all conditions. For unexpected encounters, rely on the Brembo braking system’s stopping power (discs, pads and callipers); impressive, controlled performance that keeps you on the safe side.
Progressive coil springs absorb those speed bumps and potholes. Added to the Grenadier’s anti-roll bars and five-link suspension set-up, you can be sure of sharp, confident handling on sweeping bends. Handling you can feel, from the steering wheel to the road surface.
The Interior Allows For Grand Touring
When you hit the highway, the Grenadier is a smooth, comfortable, and safe place to be. Cruise control on, a spacious and light cabin and supportive Recaro seats (heated if you need them) – all combine to help you go the distance. Got little ones on board? Isofix/i-Size keeps them secure, while the tough utility trim is really easy to clean. Long drives give you plenty of time to appreciate the small things; those little details that can make even the longest journeys a pleasure. Enjoy extra character with the saddle leather driver’s pack, and add supple, full-grain leather trim and carpet flooring for extra comfort.
Whether crossing a continent, tackling a lengthy commute or taking a long-anticipated family trip, the Grenadier’s interior is a great place from which to watch the miles go by.
Cruise The Mountain
The mountains are calling. You load the bikes, kayaks and climbing gear, and head up the winding roads to adventure. With the commanding driving position, central instrument display and large mirrors, you enjoy excellent front and rear visibility – constantly aware of other road users, and with a clear view of the scenery on the way up. You alert a group of cyclists with a friendly press of the toot button. The wet surface is no problem with permanent-four-wheel-drive, ABS and other electronic stability systems keeping you in charge at all times.
Bright Lights
Wherever you’re planning to pull up, make light work of heavy traffic with ECO Start/Stop and the automatic ZF transmission. Have your favourite tunes on tap thanks to DAB+ radio, and easily access podcasts and playlists with Android AutoTM and wireless Apple CarPlay®. Bluetooth connectivity and voice control mean simple hands-free calls.
Need a shortcut? Find it using Waze, Google Maps or whatever app you choose. Maps, media, phonebook – they’re all at your fingertips via the multifunction steering wheel, the central control system’s easy-to-navigate touchscreen or the rotary controller.
Wood For The Trees
It’s designed to get dirty, so no amount of mud, sand or wet work clothes will stop you getting the job done. Clearly labelled, well-spaced buttons: the overhead control panel keeping off-road switchgear out of the way. Tough, stain-, dirt-, and water-resistant utility trim. Strong, optional aluminium access ladder to climb to the reinforced roof. Four roof rails to strap up to 150kg of kit on top. Four rubber roof strips that grip cargo and protect your paintwork. And 3.5-ton towing capacity with Trailer Stability Assist as standard. When the job’s done, simply hose down the floor without worry thanks to the five drain valves and splashproof interior. The hard-wearing, heavy-duty seat covers offer even more protection.
Its traction control system takes shifting sand in its stride
Built For Off-Road
Slippery, deep, rutted, rocky – off-road terrain comes in many forms, so you need a 4X4 that’s up to tackling every eventuality. With the Grenadier you have it, with some to spare. From power, torque and grip to rugged beam axles and constant traction, it’s engineered for wherever you decide to take it. The ground underneath you might change, the Grenadier’s capability will not.
The Grenadier Can Handle Any Trail
Slick or sticky, deep or boggy, you need to know your 4X4 can handle any surface. A choice of Bridgestone All-Terrain or optional BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyres means you’re always prepared. Permanent four-wheel-drive for reliable, instant traction; ZF eight-speed automatic transmission so you can keep your eyes on the trail and hands on the wheel.
Dune Bashing
Taking on desert dunes is a true off-roading adventure, and for that you need the right tool. The Grenadier’s traction stem takes shifting sand in monitoring wheel slip and selectively applying brakes to regain traction. Downhill assist keeps you on the way down. All the while, the raised air intake is sucking in clean air to help keep your filters clear, and your engine running at its best. Sometimes you’ll dig in. Drop the tyre pressure and monitor it with the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) on the touchscreen.
Rock Sliding
Tough, capable, engineered without compromise and built to last, you can get to grips with the roughest surfaces, the rock-solid, two-speed transfer case. Excellent ground clearance, approach and departure angles mean the steepest of slopes can be tackled with ease.
Strong, straightforward, coil-sprung beam axles send power to the wheels for maximum articulation and traction, offering superior flex while maintaining grip to deal with the most uneven ground. The underride protection and rock sliders ensure all your Grenadier’s components and bodywork stay protected. Another pair of eyes is always helpful off-road. The central touchscreen displays feedback so you’re always sure of your surroundings. Hitting deep water? Switch your engine fans off with wading mode.
The Grenadier Is Spacious
With seating for five and 1 100L load space behind, pack the tripod, camp chairs and picnic box for the day ahead, and keep electronic items separate and safe in the under-seat dry stowage. Parked up, chairs out, foldable tailgate camp table down, you open the vehicle-integrated side awning for 270 degrees of shelter. Pop the safari windows out and there’s a great viewpoint, perfect for watching wildlife or checking out the surf. And if you decide to head off into the wilderness on foot, keep your valuables secure and out of sight in the lockable central stowage box for peace of mind.
Photography: PR Agency
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