Beer Mat Ingenuity in Ineos Grenadier's Quartermaster
The relatively young off-road brand Ineos, which is almost still considered a start-up, is venturing into new territory. The Grenadier Quartermaster is a stylish all-purpose truck that can handle dirty jobs. It continues the legacy of the highly cherished Defender from Land Rover.
This modern-day fairytale begins with a wealthy British businessman named Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the founder and CEO of chemical giant Ineos, deeply falling in love with the iconic Defender from Land Rover. However, when production of this off-road legend ceased in 2016, Ratcliffe was repeatedly denied the license rights. So, undeterred, he decided to create a worthy successor.
The outcome is the attractive Ineos Grenadier, which is named after a London pub where Ratcliffe first sketched his ideas on a beer mat. The Austrian company Magna Steyr from Graz plays a key role in the development, and this vehicle will be built at the former Smart plant in Hambach, which Ratcliffe will also acquire along with the workforce.
Carrying on the Defender's Legacy
Ineos is crafting a modern accompaniment to the long-standing legacy of the Defender with the Grenadier. This robust off-roader features a heavy ladder frame, indestructible rigid axles, and a promise that drivers will never be stranded in this vehicle. Its visual design is reminiscent of the evergreen Land Rover, with steeply sloping windows and smooth body surfaces. Like the Spiritus Rector, the doors are suspended on external hinges and close securely when closed forcefully, while the standard off-road mobility guarantee is located under the front bumper.
A Tough Pick-up for All Situations
Now, chapter two of the modern fairytale introduces the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster. This three-ton heavy-duty pick-up is well-suited for all kinds of situations, facing off against the likes of the Jeep Gladiator and the Ford Ranger Raptor in terms of forestry operations and rescue services. It's also perfect for anyone needing to transport heavy equipment into the rough terrain. Just like the Station Wagon, two engine options are available: a diesel (249 hp) and a petrol version (286 hp). Both engines are sourced from BMW, coupled with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and have their own unique strengths.
The diesel engine boasts considerable torque of 550 Newton meters, efficiently propelling the vehicle off-road, and its real consumption is roughly around 12 liters, just four liters more than its gasoline counterpart. However, the latter is slightly quicker, has better manners, operates more quietly, and rides more smoothly.
The price for each engine type is the same, with the starting price set at €72,640 for the base model, while the Trailmaster version kicks off at €81,890 and the fieldmaster, which has been designed for extreme touring, also costs the same. The list of off-road enhancements is lengthy.
An Impressive Sheet Metal Mountain
At an official length of 5.44 meters, the Quartermaster is 55 centimeters longer than the Grenadier Station Wagon. When it arrives on the scene, it makes a strong impression. As a mountain made of metal, the quartermaster towers over its surroundings. The wheelbase has been extended by 30 centimeters, allowing a Euro pallet to fit on the 1.53-meter-long flatbed, and the payload capacity is an impressive 800 kilograms. The towing capacity is an equally admirable 3.5 tons.
The surrounding metal framework is supported by arm-thick metal tubing, not only amplifying its off-road personality, but it also improves stability. A lockable metal roller blind or a tent-like canvas top can be added to protect from curious onlookers and potential theft. However, both accessories come at an additional cost.
Up until the loading area, the Quartermaster closely resembles the Grenadier Station Wagon. This is a positive development, except for whoever finds themselves in the second row of the crew cab. There's a slight disadvantage for these passengers as they have lost about eight centimeters of legroom, and the backrests are very steep due to the partition wall following directly behind them, which can be quite uncomfortable.
Comfort is Relative
That being said, comfort is not the focal point of the Quartermaster. Its interior is tailored to adventurers who wish to traverse vast deserts at the end of the day. It doesn't signify a space filled with hard plastic; rather, many surfaces are rubberized or covered in foam to provide additional cushioning. The overall build quality is of a very solid nature, and the interior can be cleaned out (up to the height of the center console) with a hose after it's been used for dirty work. Water drains are strategically placed throughout the floor area.
Regardless of any practical design improvements, it's essential to remember that the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster is a vehicle built for those who crave the thrill of off-roading and the satisfaction of conquering challenging environments.
However, the Quartermaster isn't concerned about being trendy or fashionable. It's a practical machine through and through, built to last even in extreme conditions. The 12.3-inch touchscreen only displays the necessary information for off-roaders, making it easy to access while driving. The centre console switches and dials are large, not elegant, but make it simpler to locate them in rough terrain.
The control panel on the roof resembles an aircraft cockpit. This is where off-road and wattage modes are activated, and front and rear differential locks are engaged. Other adjustable toggles can be configured.
There's no denying this Grenadier's climbing skills, a powerhouse in the surf. This longer version can ascend paths where ski lifts would typically carry people. The Quartermaster's capability in tricky terrain surpasses the author's courage and skills. Professionals admire its unwavering durability, the manually lockable center differential, the gear reduction, or the coarse-tread AT tires. Air suspension, on the other hand, was never an option for the truck. Longevity is paramount at Ineos, even in small components.
The comfort this rough traveler provides on standard roads is decent. The commercial vehicle springs and dampers work hard to minimize vibrations for passengers. The Quartermaster boasts an impressive comfort level compared to its predecessor, largely due to its extended wheelbase.
Sense? Sustainability? Not on the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster's agenda
The steering comes from Bosch and bears little resemblance to what we're familiar with in luxury SUVs. It's not particularly precise, but it can be adapted to. Proactive driving helps tremendously, as this 7.5-tonner's turning radius is suitable for two cars. It's necessary to reverse after turns or else this rolling bench will persistently follow your route. Off-road, though, this design has notable advantages, as it barely transmits shocks to the steering wheel and is fantastically resilient.
Discussing the utility or environmental friendliness of this professional vehicle would be missing the point entirely. The Quartermaster fills a niche and adds color to our automotive world, albeit not significantly greener. From 2026, however, all Grenadiers will have BMW's partially electrified Euro 7 engines. In mid-2027, the Fusilier, Ineos' first fully electric off-roader, will be released. And for those who find the size excessive, Sir Jim Ratcliff has more in store: a mini off-roader in the vein of the Suzuki Jimny. That's a welcome surprise!
Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Diesel B57 - Technical Specifications
- Four-door pick-up; length: 5.44 m, width: 2.15 m, height: 2.02 m, wheelbase 3.23 m, payload 760 kg, front overhang 88.7 cm, rear overhang 1.33 m, ground clearance 26.4 cm, gradeability 45 degrees, fording depth 80 cm
- 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, 183 kW/249 hp, max. torque 550 Nm, 1250-3000 rpm
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 9.8 seconds, top speed 160 km/h, fuel consumption 10.9-12.1 l/100 km
- Price: from €72,640
Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Petrol Engine B58 - Technical Specifications
- 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder petrol engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, 210 kW/(286 hp, max. torque 450 Nm, 1750-4000 rpm,
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds
- Top speed 160 km/h, fuel consumption 14.4 - 14.9 l/100 km
- Price: from €72,640
Read also:
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, a successor to the Land Rover Defender, is another Land Rover model under the Ineos umbrella. (Follows from the second-to-last sentence in the text)
Ineos, the company behind the Grenadier Quartermaster, also plans to introduce an electric off-roader, the Fusilier, in mid-2027. (Last sentence in the text)
Source: www.ntv.de
