Reviews

INEOS Grenadier 2023 Review

The INEOS Grenadier is a back-to-basics 4×4 with just enough refinement for daily driving that aims to be the hardest SUV on the block. It’s unnecessary to squint; this is a brand-new 4×4 designed for individuals who believe the modern Defender has become too much of a premium SUV. Although Ineos may be a new name in the automobile industry, the giant chemical company that supports it has the financial clout, and the engine cooperation with BMW lends legitimacy.

The collaboration with premier outdoor clothing company Belstaff, which Ineos also owns, adds a flare and glitz. It’s not all sound engineering, either. There are few competitors, and the Grenadier is constructed to be as durable as the Mercedes-Benz G-Class while being more reasonably priced. Given its superior reputation for off-road indestructibility, it also has a much more relaxed aesthetic than the classic Toyota Land Cruiser, which Ineos would love to take for itself.

It was built in an expensive way to buy and operate.”

The INEOS Grenadier’s construction makes it expensive to buy and operate, with off-road durability and expedition-grade versatility far outweighing affordability or tax-friendly emissions levels. It will be severely hit by first-year VED rates and other upfront charges due to the straightforward option between huge, BMW-supplied petrol or diesel engines. It consumes a lot of water, thus fueling it won’t be cheap.

The allegedly commercially oriented version also lacks sufficient payload to be eligible for tax benefits for corporate customers. On the other hand, the pricing appears to be competitive compared to a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and used prices for top-of-the-line, recent Land Rover Defenders are also relatively high. Ultimately, it will be purchased more as a piece of outdoor lifestyle gear than a car, and the target market is unlikely to be turned off by extravagance.

INEOS Grenadier

We’ll have to hope the Grenadier is as reliable and durable as advertised.

We’ll have to consider this a holding score because the INEOS Grenadier is a brand-new vehicle, and Ineos Automotive is an unproven company. Given the desire to create the most durable 4×4 available, more than a million miles of testing in the most extreme environments, Ineos’s significant funds, and the technical alliances with reputable companies

We’ll have to trust the Grenadier is as dependable as promised by the entire car industry, though. A five-year guarantee is a solid place to start, with maintenance and servicing managed by Ineos through a network of designated experts.

Among the few more modern gadgets are parking sensors and a reversing camera.

The INEOS Grenadier’s lack of driver assistance devices is conspicuous compared to other popular SUVs, but it is consistent with its keep-it-simple, get-back-to-the-fundamentals philosophy. For the more masculine end of the target population, the lack of lane-correcting steering interventions, blind-spot bleepers, and the rest will likely be highly alluring. However, airbags are in the front, two Isofix child seat mounts on the back bench’s extreme places, and the fundamentals of stability control and anti-lock brakes.

These have separate off-road settings as well. Among the few more modern gadgets are parking sensors and a reversing camera. Additionally, the Grenadier is essentially constructed like a tank, meaning it won’t likely suffer more damage in collisions. On our test drive, the Grenadier climbed steep, rocky climbs while the Hill Descent Control kept it all together on steep hills. We had to peer through the sunroof to check progress. When the going gets tough, the Grenadier promises nearly unstoppable progress. If you think of security as being able to handle anything, the Grenadier goes well beyond that.

We hope it will be solid and reliable.

Given that the INEOS Grenadier is built differently and has a far more comprehensive range of capabilities, it is not fair to compare its comfort level to that of more traditional SUVs. With plenty of grab grips, sturdy materials, rubber floors, and even drain plugs to hose the muck out, everything feels reasonably practical and in keeping with the “made on purpose” philosophy. It’s not a Bentley Bentayga with luxurious lambswool rugs. Regarding ergonomics, it’s not comparable to the vintage Land Rover Defender it so obviously honours.

Ample room to spread out and a driving posture that is both commanding and appropriate. Although there is a little tunnel in the middle that the middle passenger must straddle, there is plenty of headroom, supportive chairs, and three usable positions on the back bench. The rear entry has a clever feature that allows you to open the smaller half even while parked in a tiny space: a vertically split door. And you have easy access to the big, solidly lined boot with both unlocked.

A clever rail system connects various storage and load-carrying accessories, so you won’t mind filling it with muddy wellies or dogs even though it’s very high off the ground. The classic 4×4 construction shouldn’t be conducive to refinement on the road. Still, Ineos has done an excellent job, and the INEOS Grenadier feels more over-engineered than that creaky old Defender. The steering is light and low-geared, and there is still the occasional shudder over rough bumps. This needs a lot of arm whirling.

Thus, it is more challenging to drive than a contemporary SUV. However, a car designed mainly for off-roading has good refinement; you can converse with your companions while on a cruise. If it lacks bells and whistles, you can make a lengthy motorway trip with confidence that your fillings won’t be rattled out.

Ineos also offers a wide range of accessories.

The features Ineos would like to brag about are more nuts and bolts, such as locking differentials, low-range gearboxes, and suitable off-road tires. Ineos also offers a wide variety of accessories. All critical information for camouflage-clad, green lane enthusiasts, but for the rest of us, the interior’s unique design, with its central touch screen and oversized switches, is more intriguing. These features were created to be practical and straightforward, even with thick winter gloves on.

In addition to basic information like the speedometer, gear selection, and fuel level, the screen handles everything from navigation to entertainment. While it has the necessities, such as wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as some more off-road specific features as well, we found the screen to be a little slow to respond to inputs, and it can be a little challenging to monitor speed and other essentials when there are no instruments in your line of sight.

According to its way of life, expedition-ready credentials A wide variety of accessories are also available from Ineos, including carriers for bikes, skis, or kayaks, fold-out tables that can be accessed from the interior of the back door, “utility belt” quick release exterior racks, awnings, and winches. These are in addition to the two trim levels with the Belstaff brand, which are self-explanatory “Rough” and “Smooth.” options packs.

That diesel engine might be the better option.

BMW’s engine partner offers diesel and gasoline power options, both of which are six-cylinder engines connected to a reliable eight-speed automatic transmission. Power outputs appear to be comparable, with the 286 horsepower petrol being slightly more refined and smoother in its throttle responses than expected.

Given the vehicle’s weight and anticipated use, we contend the diesel engine would be a better option. The added torque gives the diesel a little more muscular feel while the fuel consumption is marginally more tolerable. Both settle to a low rumble while driving, though if you put too much pressure in the transmission, it may hunt around a little in the gasoline.

You have a vast arsenal of off-road gadgets to keep you going in rugged terrain, including theIf you unfamiliar how all function; you will need an expert to work with you due to their complexity. The Grenadier felt appropriately unstoppable over mud, snow, boulders, and even through deep river crossings as we scrambled up and down some rather challenging terrain in the Scottish Highlands. Regardless of whether you use that skill, for many people, simply knowing it exists will be sufficient.

The vehicle’s off-road prowess is so outstanding that you won’t always feel the need to use the all-wheel-drive system that it comes equipped with. For instance, it was able to navigate some particularly challenging terrain without having to use all of the available diff-locks.
Although there is still a decent amount of arm spin, and there are moments when it is difficult to discern which way the wheels are facing due to the dual spoke wheel, even the handlebars feel at home off-road with no awful bounce through the wheel.

Unfortunately, not many owners will fully appreciate the vehicle’s off-road potential. Most of them still have more than enough off-road capability thanks to other automakers who realized this and mandated off-road behaviour. For Ineos, this is not the way.
As one of the brand’s three pillars (along with looks—you determine it—and off-road capability), you’d expect the INEOS Grenadier to endure as long as Sir Jim and his safari guides hope. However, only time will tell if the Grenadier can establish a reputation for dependability.

RAMI

My name is Rami, and I bring a wealth of experience in automotive media to the table. Over the years, I have delved deep into the world of cars, reporting on the intricate buying, selling, and servicing processes for renowned industry publications. My passion doesn't stop there – I am equally devoted to capturing the essence of classic cars through my writing. I derive immense joy from unearthing and narrating the captivating stories of the individuals, trends, and cultures intertwined with these automotive masterpieces. As a lifelong enthusiast, I have rolled up my sleeves and dived into vehicle restoration and maintenance. I have been immersed in everything from the timeless allure of 1960s cars, the quirks of Fiats and MGs, to the cutting-edge technology of modern-day machines. My expertise extends across a broad spectrum of automobiles, and I take great pride in sharing my knowledge with others who share the same zeal for cars. Through my writing, I aim to enrich and inform readers with insightful industry knowledge, captivating narratives, and an unwavering passion for all things automotive. As I continue on this thrilling journey, I am dedicated to not just reporting on cars but also breathing life into the rich tapestry of stories that make the automotive world endlessly fascinating.

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