Ineos reveals its rugged Grenadier 4x4

Ineos Automotive, a UK-based company that was started in 2017, has just released exterior images of its new Grenadier – a tough off-roader designed to handle the most challenging conditions. It uses an all-new platform, and is slated for production in Bridgend, Wales in late 2021.

“The brief was simple. We set out to design a modern, functional and highly capable 4x4 vehicle with utility at its core,” said Toby Ecuyer, head of design at Ineos. “A design that is ‘easy-to-read’, with no ambiguity about the Grenadier’s role in life. There to do everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Nothing is for show. Modern engineering and production techniques ensure the Grenadier is highly capable, but we have been able to stay true to the essence of creating a utilitarian vehicle that will stand the test of time”.

There are several noteworthy details from a design standpoint, with the overriding theme being functionality. At the front, the circular headlamps are exactly the same units, making the servicing and potential replacement easier. The same goes for the rear lamps. There are also exterior wiring exit points are available at the front and rear of the roof to power work lamps.

Aesthetically, the front end is not dissimilar to an old Defender. The ‘V’ shape design on the grille provides a distinctive quality, and is a reflection of the font used for the ‘A’ in Grenadier, engraved into the bonnet (pictured below). This ‘A’ is also used as a lighting element on the rear of the vehicle.

The shape of the bonnet echoes the same shape, and rises up slightly to meet the huge windscreen. The front fenders are strong enough to allow people to sit on them.

From the side everything is kept clean and simple. Rails run along the width of the doors at the same height as the door handles. These can be used to fit bump strips or utility belts, the latter providing an alternative space to carrying tools that may not fit inside or cannot be attached to the roof. There are three clear sections to the side profile, marked by the three windows. This is changed to two when using the flatbed layout.

The rear has been designed to ensure loading is simple. It works the same as the Jeep Wrangler, with the lower door opening first before the upper glass section. A small storage box can be used for dirty clothing or equipment. There is also a rear ladder, formed in an unusual shape to match the outline of the rear body panels, that can be fitted to provide easier access to the roof.

Up on top of the Grenadier, the roof bars and strips have been designed to ensure objects can be mounted and secured directly without the need for a roof rack. These run only across two thirds of the vehicle, with the front of the roof including two windows.

According to Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe, the Grenadier plugs a gap in the market that has been “abandoned by a number of manufacturers.” Indeed, as the shift to SUVs marches on, larger 4x4s have been left behind. There is, though, that rather significant exception of the new Land Rover Defender, which just won production car of 2019 for Car Design Review…

We look forward to seeing images of the interior of the Grenadier. For now, Ineos says it is working hard with its engineering partner Magna Steyr to start prototype testing.