10 curiosities that will make you look at the INEOS Grenadier with new eyes

We have already told you about the INEOS Grenadier, the first vehicle from INEOS Automotive. An off-roader that recalls the Land Rover Defender and, in a way, revives that adventurous 4×4 spirit that can handle anything.

Now we have been able to get to know it a little better in person. And we can assure you that, when you examine it closely, it is a surprising car, in which it is clear that everything has been designed with a purpose: to fill the gap that manufacturers have left aside by offering a functional, tough and reliable 4×4, capable of adapting to the most demanding terrain.

Here are some curiosities about the INEOS Grenadier that will surprise you.

1.- What is INEOS Automotive?

INEOS Automotive is a new subsidiary company of INEOS Group. You have surely heard the name INEOS. It is a multinational giant specialised in the manufacture of petrochemical products, among other sectors, with 34 companies, 22,000 employees and a production network of more than 180 plants in 26 countries.

Its products range from paints and plastics to fabrics and clothing (does the Belstaff brand ring a bell?), technology, pharmaceuticals or even mobile phones. You have probably seen its logo, as it sponsors sports teams such as the Team INEOS cycling team, the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team, sailing teams, football…

2.- How was the idea of the Grenadier born?

They say the idea was born in an English pub, from which the model takes its name. The CEO of INEOS Group, Jim Ratcliffe, a well-known adventurer and car enthusiast, challenged some friends he was having a drink with to design an “authentic” 4×4 from scratch.

3.- “Made in Spain” components

Initially, the project to manufacture the Grenadier envisaged building a factory in Bridgend, Wales. But in December 2020 the purchase of the Mercedes-Benz factory in Hambach, France, was formalised. Here, in addition to assembling the Grenadier, INEOS maintains a subcontracting agreement to continue producing the
electric smart EQ fortwo.

Among the partners for the development of the car are names such as Magna Steyr, BMW, ZF… and Spanish companies. For example, Gestamp is responsible for manufacturing the ladder-frame chassis, and the Grupo ORAN for various reinforcement components of the bodywork.

4.- Engines: with the seal of BMW’s six-cylinder

For a project like this, INEOS had to choose its “engine supplier”. And under the Grenadier’s bonnet we find no less than petrol and diesel 6-cylinder in-line engines from BMW. The petrol version produces 285 CV and a maximum torque of 450 Nm, while the diesel reaches 250 CV and 550 Nm of torque. The gearbox is from ZF, with a clearly recognisable gear lever: it is like the one fitted to many BMW models.

5.- A hydrogen INEOS Grenadier

This makes sense when we consider the main activity of the INEOS group. In fact, at the end of 2020 the company signed an agreement with Hyundai to develop the economics of the hydrogen fuel cell, including the possible development of this type of propulsion system for the Grenadier.

INEOS has also partnered with AVL, a company specialised in propulsion system engineering, to advance the development of the Grenadier FEVC prototype, which will begin its real-world testing phase at the end of 2022.

6.- Also an INEOS Grenadier with a pick-up body

INEOS’s plans also include a second bodywork version, in this case a pick-up. Its configuration, with a ladder-frame chassis, makes this possible without the need for a large engineering investment.

7.- Clever design details focused on practicality

The Grenadier is full of countless details showing that, in this case, form really does follow function. For example, the tailgate has two leaves and the smaller one opens first to make it easier to load smaller items into the boot, without having to open the larger part. There is also a ladder aligned with the tailgate closure that gives access to the roof.

The headlights are round and identical on both sides of the bodywork, to make repairs or parts availability easier. On the sides there are bars that allow loads to be fixed to the roof without using a roof rack, and the protective strips on the bodywork have grooves that allow fixings to be attached for loads or accessories. Inside, there is enough space to carry up to one Euro pallet in the two-seat commercial version.

8.- More than 30 buttons to control all the systems!

Not counting those on the steering wheel, the centre console and the roof control panel have… more than 30 buttons! Digitalisation and touchscreens do not sit well with a car designed for extreme use. In fact, for the cabin the designers drew inspiration from aircraft, ships and even tractors.

In the Grenadier, the most-used controls are within easy reach, and the rest are further away. For example, the buttons to lock the differentials are placed on the roof panel. And all the controls are large and widely spaced, so they are easy to operate even while wearing gloves.

There is no shortage of a touchscreen, with 12.3 inches and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But the menus can also be operated and navigated using a separate control dial.

9.- Splash-proof… inside as well

Another very interesting detail in a 4×4 like the Grenadier, intended for both work and leisure, is its interior. The seats (which can be Recaro) have a special upholstery resistant to stains and water. And the waterproof rubber floor has drainage plugs, while the switches and surfaces of the dashboard and doors are fully washable and splash-proof.

Under the rear seat there is a fully sealed storage compartment. And to minimise the chance of failure in extreme conditions, the Grenadier has half the usual number of electronic control units; for this reason, for example, it was decided to use a physical key.

10.- Test passed: 130 prototypes and 1.8 million kilometres

Up to 350 engineers, from INEOS’s own team and those of its partners, have taken part in the development of the Grenadier. The testing programme is already under way and is being carried out successfully: in total, 130 prototypes will cover 1.8 million kilometres in all kinds of situations.

As part of the testing programme, INEOS collaborates with HALO, a humanitarian organisation dedicated to landmine clearance and weapons destruction. The INEOS Grenadier prototypes are also put to the test on these missions, supporting HALO in its humanitarian work.

Where can the INEOS Grenadier be bought and how much does it cost?

All of this is very good. But… what will the Grenadier cost, where can it be bought and at which workshops will maintenance be carried out?

In Europe, the launch of the Grenadier is planned for mid-2022. The online reservation phase opened in October 2021, and the estimated price is around 60,000 euros. INEOS Automotive has reached collaboration agreements with dealers to have a network of up to 200 sales points at the time of launch, while for maintenance it relies on the Bosch Car Service network.

INEOS Grenadier image gallery