The Ineos Grenadier may have been inspired by a legendary off-roader, but it has enough merit to leave its own tyre tracks on the 4×4 enthusiast vehicle market. We drove the Diesel variant off the beaten track in Franschhoek to see how well it fares.
We like: Off-road capabilities, incredible levels of customisation, coolness factor.
We don’t like: Some minor ergonomic, refinement and finish issues, may seem too utilitarian, heavy steering.
FAST FACTS
- Model: Ineos Grenadier 3.0TD Trialmaster Edition
- Price: R1 862 100 (December 2024)
- Engine: 3.0-litre inline-6 turbodiesel
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission
- Power/Torque: 183 kW/550 Nm
- 0-100 kph: 9.8 sec (claimed)
- Claimed fuel consumption: 9.3 L/100 km
- Luggage capacity: 1 152-2 035 litres
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Where does the Ineos Grenadier Diesel fit in?
The Ineos brand is a recent addition to the car world and the Grenadier station wagon (ahem, SUV) is its first product. So, how did the Grenadier come to be? The boss of Ineos, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is a passionate adventurer and he aspired to produce a go-anywhere vehicle. Sir Jim attempted to purchase the rights to the original Defender from Land Rover and, understandably, (the firm now known as) JLR said no.
As a reminder, Ineos is a chemicals company and the closest automotive tie-in was initially sponsorship of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team in April 2020, but it subsequently became a shareholder, when it acquired a 3rd of the Brackley-based team later that year.
Development of the Grenadier began in 2017 and Ineos partnered up with some established brands, such as BMW (for powertrains), ZF (gearboxes), Brembo (brakes), Eibach (suspension), as well as Magna Steyr and Magna Powertrain (chassis and suspension).
If you’re an off-road fanatic, the name Magna Steyr should be familiar – the Austria-based company produces the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class in Graz. Interestingly, the Grenadier prototypes were sent to the same proving grounds as the G-Class (located in Schöckl), and it passed with flying colours.
Several low-volume vehicles have been produced by Magna Steyr, including the Toyota GR Supra, BMW Z4, Jaguar I-Pace, Mini Countryman, and Peugeot RCZ, as well as many other vehicles’ components.
It’s a niche product in the classic sense: “We want to build the world’s purest 4×4 and are aiming it at explorers, farmers and off-road enthusiasts across the globe,” Grenadier says.
While Ineos is very new to cars, it has called upon proven component suppliers and vehicle-assembly specialists to deliver a premium product. But is it worth your time and money?
We’d completely understand if you said the Ineos Grenadier looks like a copy of the original Defender. But, if you look at contemporary off-road SUVs, such as the Suzuki Jimny, Land Rover Defender, Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Toyota Land Cruiser, they conform to a traditional box shape.
That brings us to the Ineos Grenadier’s rivals. If you want go-everywhere capability and have about R1.8 million to spend, you can also consider the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser 300 (which seats 7), even if they’ve become progressively on-road biased and very luxurious models.
Compare the Ineos Grenadier to the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser 300
If off-roading and overlanding adventures are your primary reasons for purchase, then look to the retro Toyota Land Cruiser 76 or a demo Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
How the Ineos Grenadier Diesel fares in terms of…
Performance and Efficiency
The Ineos Grenadier Diesel is powered by a BMW-sourced 3.0-litre inline-6 turbodiesel engine. The motor (B57) produces 183 kW and 550 Nm, with power going to a permanent all-wheel-drive setup via a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission. The model is also available with an (again, BMW-sourced) B58 turbopetrol engine with 210 kW and 450 Nm.
This turbodiesel powertrain has been used in numerous BMW products throughout the years, such as the X5 30d (where it makes over 200 kW and 650 Nm, but interestingly, for its installation in the Ineos Grenadier Diesel, the motor’s outputs have been detuned for reliability and longevity.
Considering the Ineos Grenadier has a kerb weight of just over 2.7 tonnes and aerodynamic properties comparable to those of a block of flats (just a joke), we weren’t expecting much in terms of straight-line performance, but tested it anyway. The claimed 0-100 kph time of 9.8 sec was the reference point and we managed 9.4 sec, which we feel is impressive considering the model’s purpose and heft.
We’re well acquainted with this powertrain; in BMW models, it delivers sharp responses to accelerator-pedal inputs, as well as lively performance.
It’s much the same in the Grenadier Diesel: the shift-point mapping of the transmission is near-perfect and while there are no ‘shift paddles on the steering wheel, you can shift cogs manually by tapping the transmission lever. We didn’t feel the need to use that function though, the ‘box shifts quite smartly.
Of course, no one expected that Ineos would get the Grenadier spot on with its very 1st attempt – there is room for improvement. As impressive as the powertrain is, we still discerned a small vibration from the turbodiesel engine at low revs and could feel it through the test unit’s pedals and steering wheel.
The turbopetrol inline-6 in the Grenadier Quartermaster (double cab), which we evaluated as a finalist in the 2024/25 Cars.co.za Awards programme was sonorous, but its fuel consumption was steep. However, the turbodiesel motor in this SUV variant is said to consume a more moderate 9.3 L/100 km. Given its 90-litre tank capacity, the 3.0TD Trialmaster therefore has a theoretical full-to-empty range of 968 km.
It’s not miserly, though. During its tenure in our fleet, the Ineos Grenadier Diesel indicated returns of between 10.5- and 12 L/100 km. Those figures could have been worse – and Ineos’ efficiency claim is a tad ambitious, anyway – but keep the 3.0TD’s thirst in mind when planning an adventure into the bundu.
Features and Practicality
Wow. The Grenadier’s cabin is simultaneously intimidating – and delightful! It features a multitude of buttons that “beg to be pushed” and, in an era in which vehicles are equipped with large touchscreens and very few fascia toggles, the Ineos feels refreshingly old-school and military-grade inside.
The driving position is commanding, and you are afforded excellent outward visibility. The left footrest is awkwardly positioned (perhaps it sits above a vital component?), but we soon got used to its location.
The standard “Recaros” are some of the finest car seats ever, with excellent bolstering and support; it certainly helps that they look great too. There is seating for 5, but an adult may be uncomfortable in the middle seat of the rear bench due to the intrusion of the bulky transmission tunnel (as shown below).
There’s no traditional instrument cluster – you get a basic panel for warning lights. The rev counter, speedometer, fuel tank etc are integrated into the neat, high-tech infotainment screen.
We found this infotainment system deeply impressive. It displays critical info clearly and concisely, along with plenty of additional content, such as system readouts, an altimeter and even a route recording app.
For added convenience and connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available (both of which connect wirelessly), USB-A and USB-C ports are located in the armrest and, finally, a high-end audio system is a nice-to-have in a vehicle that is this rugged, especially considering its great sound quality.
You cannot fail to notice the extra switchgear located in a neat roof panel positioned between the pair of individual sunroofs (Ineos calls them “safari roofs”), which are included as part of the Fieldmaster trim grade. Towards the rear is an array of auxiliary switches for add-ons such as extra lighting, a winch etc.
The Ineos online configurator allows you to spec a Grenadier as lavishly as you like… or stick with a simple base spec. The array of accessories is incredible – right down to an Ineos-branded shovel. To simplify matters, the Fieldmaster and Trialmaster trim grades group several nifty features together.
Trialmaster is tailor-made for the ultimate off-roader and our test unit looked ready to take on the world.
BF Goodrich all-terrain tyres, front- and rear differential locks, heated seats, a reverse-view camera, front park assist, heated side mirrors, heated windscreen washers, a raised air intake, exterior utility mounting points, a 400W inverter and auxiliary battery, a compass (with altimeter), a roof ladder and a reinforced bonnet are just some of the package’s highlights.
The roof-mounted panel houses the controls for the diff locks, off-road drive modes, exterior lighting, hill descent control and stability control, as well as a handy sizing guide for the vehicle (see below).
One of the coolest features of the Grenadier is its 2nd hooter. There is a main hooter (on the hub), as all cars have, but there’s also a much softer, subtle hooter (red button) to alert cyclists and pedestrians.
As for luggage capacity, the Grenadier is said to accommodate 1 152 litres, which expands to 2 035 litres of utility space if you fold the 2nd-row seats down. Note these don’t fold completely flat.
You’ll also notice the rear seatbacks, load-bay floor and footwells are NOT trimmed in carpet material. So, when your Grenadier gets truly dirty inside, you can open the drains and hose out the interior.
It seems as if virtually every interior element of the Grenadier was designed to be fit for purpose. The infotainment screen can be operated while wearing gloves, and the battery is positioned under the rear seats (for safety and efficient packaging). But even if the chunky switches look swell and are all clearly labelled, some felt a little loose and perhaps too insubstantial to withstand long-term use.
For example, often-used buttons, such as the rotary fan controller, could be beefed up, and the same applies to the handbrake surround, which had worked loose. That said, most of the cabin felt hewn from solid and durable, which was emphasised by the heavy-duty doors that needed a proper slam to close.
Ride and Handling
Considering the Ineos Grenadier is primarily an off-road vehicle, we’ll discuss its on- and off-road ride- and handling characteristics separately.
In terms of its on-road demeanour, the Grenadier is, unsurprisingly, a little cumbersome. It has a huge turning circle; the steering has more turns from lock to lock than any SUV that we’ve reviewed recently. It’s not the most direct steering setup either, which means your arms will get quite the workout as you make tiny corrections constantly. If you make long-haul road trips often, perhaps bear that in mind.
Speaking of the steering, the Ineos Grenadier Diesel eschews a traditional rack-and-pinion setup for a simpler recirculating ball system – presumably for better reliability under extreme 4×4 conditions – and the result is a light tiller with very little feel. It’s acceptable for a vehicle of this type, however.
As for cruising on the open road, the all-terrain tyres are not the quietest when travelling at triple-digit speeds, but the cabin’s insulation and audio system work well together to drown out that drone.
For something that’s built on a ladder-frame chassis and optimised for off-roading, the Grenadier’s ride quality is quite refined compared to that of a Toyota Land Cruiser 76, for example, and the Brembo brakes give it decent stopping power too.
But off-road capability is the Ineos Grenadier’s raison d’etre. Previously, only the Mercedes-Benz G-Class had 3 locking differentials, quite a marketable angle. Now, the Grenadier joins that elite club.
The 3.0TD Trialmaster’s list of off-road hardware makes for fascinating reading: a box-section ladder-frame chassis, a 5-link front and rear suspension setup, 264 mm of ground clearance, a wading depth of 800 mm, as well as 35.5-degree approach-, 28.2-degree breakover and 36.1-degree departure angles.
Those elaborate wheel arches make provision for impressive axle articulation. The vehicle has permanent 4-wheel drive and a low-range transfer case, which is operated by an old-school lever that felt a bit stiff to operate (not very user-friendly), but we’ve read on owner forums that this will loosen up over time.
Our quick off-road assessment in the Franschhoek area consisted of some steep rocky inclines and descents, replete with nasty ruts. Many so-called off-roaders have been caught out by this little-known route, and this small, technical section provides a small, but nonetheless comprehensive test.
Given the Grenadier’s permanent 4High and off-road tyres it was unnecessary to engage low range; the Ineos effortlessly dispatched the challenge. It got to a point where our tester deliberately took a poor line through the ruts and then reversed back up the steep hill in low range, simply because the vehicle could.
Any other key takeaways? At no point did the vehicle make contact with the ground, which is something that often happens with some of the bakkies we test because their running boards tend to get in the way.
The Grenadier has side steps and underbody bash plates, but due to the off-roader’s short overhangs, plus excellent wheel articulation and -ground clearance, there was no damage. We would have loved to take it through a stream, but due to some unseasonable rain, there was more water than we expected.
Price and After-sales support
The Ineos Grenadier 3.0TD Trialmaster Edition costs R1 862 100 (before options, February 2025) and comes with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty. Service and maintenance plans are optional.
See also: Ineos Grenadier Specs & Prices in South Africa
Verdict
The Ineos Grenadier is a quirky yet exceptionally accomplished SUV. It’s arguably a far more capable off-roader than the majority of 4x4ing enthusiasts will need it to be, and we can imagine the British brand’s newcomer being enlisted for mountain rescue-, border patrol- and other roles. However, this is also its shortcoming as some similarly priced rivals offer far more luxury and superior day-to-day usability.
Think of the Land Rover Defender. Yes, with the right options ticked, it will probably follow the Grenadier to the ends of the Earth, but when you’re doing the school run, popping to the shops or cruising on a freeway, the new Defender is the better “daily” – and priced similarly to the Ineos Grenadier. Still, despite its limitations as a luxury family car, the 3.0TD Trialmaster is not a jack of all trades, but a master of one.
Should you buy one? If you spend lots of time off-roading/adventuring, are happy to put up with the Grenadier’s, um, indelicate on-road demeanour and your budget can’t quite stretch to a new G-Class, then the Grenadier is a tantalising prospect. Compared with the Toyota Land Cruiser 76, the British firm’s offering feels vastly more modern and upmarket, without compromising on go-anywhere ability.
And the best part? The Grenadier is Ineos’ first foray into building road vehicles, and we’d say that it has gone well. Car making is a complicated and expensive business fraught with numerous challenges and cutthroat competition and yet, the signs are there that the Grenadier is bound to have a lasting impact.
A facelift to the Grenadier (which we expect in a few years’ time), will iron out all the kinks and owners of this model will likely form part of focus groups to enhance what’s already quite an impressive product.
Further Reading:
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