The INEOS Grenadier: Prototype to Production Comparison
An off-road drive through Scotland with the INEOS Grenadier proves it is a 4×4 ready for adventure.
The highly anticipated INEOS Grenadier is ready for production. INEOS Automotive invited media from around the world to attend the INEOS Global Media Drive Event in Scotland last month. TREAD was one of the few select U.S. media outlets in attendance; our wave included journalists from North America and the Middle East.
Who is INEOS?
INEOS Automotive is a London-based subsidiary of INEOS Group, a global chemical, oil, gas, and energy conglomerate employing 25,000 people in 31 countries within 36 total business units.
INEOS Group Chairman and British billionaire, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is an avid original Land Rover Defender fan. However, in 2016, Land Rover switched gears and paved their way toward luxury and unibody architecture (dropping its popular body-on-frame Defender 110). Ratcliffe saw an opportunity to fill a marketplace gap with a new boxy utilitarian 4×4 that echoes similar Land Rover characteristics but is new from the ground up.
Ratcliffe gathered top talent from the automotive world and assembled a team to create a unique off-roader with a function-over-form purpose: the INEOS Grenadier. It’s mechanical wherever possible and uses technology only where necessary.
INEOS Automotive remains steadfast in its commitment to keep the Grenadier mechanical wherever possible and only technology-enabled whenever needed. However, the pictured 2B prototype had mechanical mirrors whereas the production-ready rigs in Scotland had power iterations. (Pictured: Prototype 2B model)
The INEOS Evolution: the First Prototype
This is the first-ever INEOS Grenadier prototype ever produced. (Pictured: Prototype 1 model)
It’s been nearly two years since we saw INEOS Automotive’s first-ever Grenadier prototype touch U.S. soil. The carefully produced prototype, the first one ever produced, was shipped to Texas so a small group of media could check it out and meet Greg Clark, INEOS Automotive’s executive vice president of the Americas. The prototype was then shipped to the East Coast and beyond, to begin its U.S. tour to be introduced to others.
The 30/70 rear split door makes loading a cinch, with the smaller door allowing quick and easy access for smaller items. However, we noticed no interior pull handle to shut the larger door, making it difficult to close it without touching the exterior paint or rear spare tire. (Pictured: Prototype 1 model)
Basically an exterior shell with an engine at the time, the inaugural Grenadier had promising signs of a proper off-roader: a ladder-frame chassis and skid plates, front and rear recovery points and a future allowance for an OE-supplied winch, exterior and interior L-track tie-down tracks, built-in roof rails, an optional rear-mounted access ladder, and more.
The optional rear access ladder has remained throughout the Grenadier’s evolution process, giving users endless load-carrying potential. (Pictured: Prototype 1 model)
Heavy-duty built-in roof rails and rubber protection strips are standard on all Grenadier models, allowing owners the ability to stow cargo directly to the vehicle’s roof with little issue. (Pictured: Prototype 1 model)
The three-hour meeting stoked our curiosity of this overlanding opportunist. So, we kept pace with the manufacturer to follow its developments.
Driving Grenadier Prototypes: February 2022
INEOS finished its prototype manufacturing and has begun Grenadier production in its Hambach, France plant (sharing the facility with Mercedes-Benz and their Smart cars). INEOS started with 1B and 2B prototypes, then progressed with production try-outs (PTOs). These included three rounds of 4x4s: PTO1s, PTO2s, and finally the last prototype iteration, PTO3s.
We got a unique glimpse of their early-stage prototypes during some time with it in France last winter—I was the first journalist from the Western Hemisphere to drive Grenadier prototypes, specifically 2B diesel and petrol variants.
Along with journalists from Europe and the UK, we drove left-hand-drive and right-hand drive Grenadiers off-road in loose dirt, thick mud, slick conditions, and steep, off-camber hills. The prototypes had dash-mounted emergency shut-off buttons, 3-D printed dash details, and software systems yet to be fully dialed. However, the early-stage Grenadiers went right to work, offering up a compliant and controlled demeanor, even when pressured under tougher terrain.
Greg Clark, INEOS Automotive’s executive vice president of the Americas, believes the Grenadier fulfills a widening marketplace gap for a workhorse 4×4. It certainly proved its prowess early on during our time with the 2B prototype in Hambach, France. (Pictured: Prototype 2B model)
Nearly one year later, production-ready Grenadiers gave us an intimate view of overlanding potential as we drove through the Scottish Highlands. After driving petrol and diesel Trialmaster and Fieldmaster editions (sadly, the diesel variants aren’t destined for our shores any time soon), we realized the INEOS evolution is apparent.
The author felt right at home driving right-hand-drive Grenadiers, no matter if in France (pictured) or in Scotland during the global production-series launch. She and her husband, Andy, currently own three RHD Japanese Domestic Market 4x4s: two Mitsubishi Pajeros and a Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear van. (Photo by INEOS Automotive; Pictured: Prototype 2B model)
Prototype to Production Specs Update
Not only has the manufacturer stayed true to its word, offering a workhorse 4×4 with mechanical bits that are long-gone features of other overlanding mainstays, they’ve refined their efforts.
Here is a first-hand high-level specs comparison, from prototype to production:
Overall Stats Prototype:
- 193.9 inches in length (including the spare tire)
- 76 inches wide (excluding the side mirrors)
- 80 inches high
- 115-inch wheelbase
- Body-on-frame ladder chassis
- Towing capacity over 7,700 pounds
Overall Stats Production Models:
- 192.7 inches in length (including the spare tire)
- 76 inches wide (excluding the side mirrors)
- 80 inches high
- 115-inch wheelbase
- Body-on-frame ladder chassis
- 7,000 pound towing capacity
We tested two diesel and petrol editions: the more extreme off-road capable Trialmaster and the adventure-ready Fieldmaster. (Pictured: Production model)
Among other overall stats, the Grenadier includes a 23.77-gallon fuel tank (90 liters) and offers non-U.S. petrol fuel economy figures of 18.9 to 19.6 MPG (EPA-rated numbers for the petrol-powered Grenadier are yet to be announced).
Off-Road Amenities Prototype Models:
- Permanent four-wheel-drive
- Two-speed transfer case with 4H and 4L
- Standard center-locking differential
- Optional front and rear e-lockers
- Front/rear Eibach coil springs
- Heavy-duty single-tube Bilstein shocks
- Solid-beam front and rear axles
- Standard front/fuel tank and rear skid plates
- Front and rear winch options
- Pre-wiring for aux accessories
- Front/rear modular steel bumpers for serviceability
- Exterior-mounted cargo-hauling L-tracks
- Wheel articulation approx. 9” front and 12” rear
- Approach angle 35.5˚, departure angle 36.1˚, breakover angle is 28.2˚
- Ground clearance nearly 10.4”
- Wading depth 31.5”
Off-Road Amenities Production Models:
- Permanent four-wheel-drive
- Manually operated two-speed transfer case with 4H and 4L (2.5:1 ratio produced by Tremec)
- Standard center-locking differential (standard on all three Grenadier types)
- Optional front and rear differential lockers, electronically actuated with mechanical engagement (Trialmaster standard, Fieldmaster and Grenadier optional)
- Front/rear progressive-rate Eibach coil springs
- Heavy-duty shocks, unable to confirm INEOS’ 2B prototype Bilstein single-tube selection
- Solid-beam front and rear axles
- Standard front/fuel tank and rear skid plates
- Front and rear Red winch options (for both Trialmaster and Fieldmaster editions)
- Pre-wiring for aux accessories
- Front/rear modular steel bumpers for serviceability
- Exterior- and interior-mounted cargo-hauling L-tracks
- Wheel articulation 9” front and 12” rear
- Wheel travel 23”
- Approach angle 35.5˚, departure angle 36.1˚, breakover angle is 28.2˚
- Ground clearance 10.4”
The INEOS Grenadier’s Off-Road Mode disables parking sensors, seatbelt alerts, and the engine’s start/stop feature to minimize driver distraction in tricky situations. (Pictured: Production model)
INEOS shared other production-ready statistical bits with us as the automaker readies itself for distribution:
- Crawl ratio and speed: 53.81 and 1.26 mph (petrol)
- Maximum side angle limit: 45˚
- Front axle articulation 9˚
- Rear axle articulation 12˚
- Recirculating ball steering system with hydraulic assist
The INEOS Grenadier is available with a wide array of optional features and accessories. Their rear door-mounted aluminum ladder allows quick access to the vehicle’s roof, is E-coated and powder coated for durability, and can handle up to 330 pounds. (Pictured: Production model)
Powertrain/Drivetrain Prototypes:
- ZF 8-speed automatic transmission with manual override
- Turbocharged BMW 3.0-liter straight-six, petrol and diesel engine
- Petrol 281 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, diesel 245 HP and 406 lb-ft of torque
- Acceleration test unknown.
Powertrain/Drivetrain Production Models:
- ZF 8HP51 8-speed automatic transmission with manual override
- Turbocharged in-line BMW B58 3.0-liter straight-six petrol and B57 diesel engine (revised and recalibrated for this application)
- Petrol 282 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, diesel 246 HP and 406 lb-ft of torque
- 0-62mph: 8.6 seconds (petrol), diesel 9.9 seconds
The Grenadier’s center stack features a comprehensive set of dials, switches, and displays. Although it takes a bit of getting used to, the overall layout is simple and fairly intuitive. (Pictured: Production model)
Wheels & Tires Prototypes:
- 17” and 18” steel and alloy wheel options
- Two three-peak mountain-snowflake-rated tire choices: bespoke 265/70R17 or 255/70R18 Bridgestone Dueler all-terrains, LT265/70R17 or LT255/70R18 BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrains
Wheels & Tires Production Models:
- 17” and 18” steel and alloy wheel options (17” steelies on Trialmaster and Grenadier standard, 17” alloys on Fieldmaster standard)
- Two three-peak mountain-snowflake-rated tire choices: bespoke 265/70R17 or 255/70R18 Bridgestone Dueler all-terrains, LT265/70R17 or LT255/70R18 BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrains (BFGoodrich KO2s on Trialmaster and Grenadier standard, Bridgestone Duelers on Fieldmaster standard)
Grenadier’s wheel articulation is 9” in the front and 12” in the rear—the same as a non-Rubicon Jeep. Lift kits will not be available through INEOS; however, aftermarket support is expected for 4×4 enthusiasts. (Pictured: Prototype 2B model)
As we gleaned a few key projected specs from the INEOS team last winter in France, we later confirmed them while driving the production-ready vehicles in Scotland:
Confirmed Upgrades & Details:
- The display axle stamp we spied in France was correct: the custom-built Carraro solid axles will have 4.10 gearing (Carraro is an Italian manufacturer specializing in heavy-duty tractor axles and industrial components to companies like John Deere)
- INEOS will offer an optional integrated front-mounted 11,000-pound RED winch with synthetic rope (featuring approximately 42.6 feet, or 13 meters, of length). INEOS will also offer a removable rear-facing winch. Available on all three Grenadier types.
- Four pre-wired connector housings nestled within built-in roof rails
- Rhino-Rack platform roof rack option, with a 925 lb. static load capacity and a 330 lb. dynamic load limit (both numbers including the roof rack weight)
- The Grenadier pick-up truck is currently being tested with a winter trip to Sweden planned in the next few weeks. North American availability for the truck and the 127” long-wheelbase Grenadier SUV is still TBD. Unfortunately, the diesel option will not be sold in North America to begin with.
Summing It Up
Though this list just scratches the surface of the INEOS Grenadier’s features, this 4×4 is an adventure-ready utilitarian built to withstand rough trail endeavors yet can handle on-road excursions with comfort and compliance. It’s got a mix of old-school accoutrements and high-tech abilities that will satisfy the majority of trail enthusiasts, lifestyles, and workers alike.
The INEOS Grenadier 4×4 will be distributed in other parts of the world first and is set to hit North American shores later in 2023. U.S. pricing for 2024 units will be revealed in the coming months.
Our Scotland overlanding adventure testing production-ready INEOS Grenadiers made it clear—the automaker will make waves in a global fashion. Stay tuned as we further discuss our off-road journey with the 4×4 newcomer during the Global Media Drive Event. Let’s just say it has us eagerly awaiting our next turn at the wheel of one.
You can follow INEOS Automotive on Instagram @ineos_grenadier.
