by Baron Wilton
posted on October 30, 2024
Defending the 4×4 legacy
Some cars are once-in-a-generation treasures. And some are revived by a billionaire enthusiast to enjoy decades later. Named after The Grenadier pub in Belgrave Square, London, the INEOS Grenadier proves what a few beers and a swanky French manufacturing plant can do to make dreams a reality. The Grenadier is a remarkable near-dupe of the original Land Rover Defender but is completely modernized inside and out. Let’s take a closer look at MVP CARCLUB’s 2024 INEOS Grenadier, our October car of the month.
2024 Ineos Grenadier
| ENGINE | HORSEPOWER | 0 to 60 MPH | TOP SPEED | MILEAGE | DAILY PRICE* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L I6 | 282 hp | 9.6 sec | 99 mph | 15 mpg | $338 |
| ENGINE | HP | 0 to 60 MPH | TOP SPEED | MILEAGE | DAILY PRICE* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L I6 | 282 hp | 9.6 sec | 99 mph | 15 mpg | $338 |
If you’re thinking to yourself, “an INEOS….car?” just know you’re not alone. INEOS is a global chemicals company, but the chairman of the brand has founded an automotive division to build his Grenadier passion project, and if successful, subsequent enthusiast vehicles. Falling into the same category as Sony, Dyson, or Apple developing a car, INEOS has no preexisting experience in automotive. And yet the Grenadier is an incredibly impressive entry to the market, with an exciting purpose to be at the forefront of 4×4 manufacturing and to replicate the spirit found in beloved SUVs of the past.
While the Grenadier has a clear resemblance to the original Defender, its bones are entirely different. Developed by a British brand, manufactured in France, and built with German components, the production is the result of a smorgasbord of European auto enthusiasts eager to be part of the Grenadier’s story. It is powered by a three-liter inline-six BMW engine that’s broadly used across the industry, including in the 7 Series, 8 Series, and even the Toyota Supra. This widely loved engine outputs 282 hp and a gripping 332 lb-ft of torque for the Grenadier, all with an eight-speed automatic transmission to accommodate drivers of all skills. With relatively sluggish acceleration of just under 10 seconds to 60 mph and a speed limiter of 99 mph, the SUV prioritizes its substantial capability and responsiveness at lower speeds. It leverages a permanent four-wheel-drive powertrain, reinforced body-on-frame, and performs best when bumpy roads require all four tires to be engaged.
Rivian, Lucid, and nearly all of the newest car brands aim to dethrone Tesla as the best electric car maker on the road. As a stark contrast, INEOS is here to build the world’s purest 4×4. And while INEOS may decide to electrify the Grenadier, it aims to keep the nostalgia of the Defender alive with a heritage-inspired silhouette and resto-mod level interior.
Walking around the Grenadier, you’ll immediately be drawn to its boxy, budget G-Wagon look. It has a utility belt, rear ladder, Safari-like split sunroofs, steel wheels, and a three-step body padding job to protect against rock chips. The trunk opens with a 30/70 split and there’s even a combined Germany/Union Jack flag over the right wheel-well that can be swapped for an American flag.
Heading inside the 4×4, designers kept the maximalist, analog interior charm, but with a contemporary flare. Massive buttons control modern comforts like engine auto stop-start and heaters for the sporty Recaro seats. Switches hang from the ceiling for adjusting the differential lock and battery power of the car. A “toot” button sits next to the horn for polite honking. Yet, the tech is still clearly BMW-driven. Wireless Apple CarPlay lives above an altimeter while a sleek BMW gear selector sits beside a traditional knob gear shifter. And best of all, the interior can be hosed clean without any risk to the infotainment technology, with five drains around the cabin.
One thing you won’t find in the control panel is a traction control button. Combine that with a steering wheel that needs to be wound back to its central position, and the Grenadier’s quirks start to remind you that this utilitarian 4×4 is no G-Wagon — nor does it want to be.
The first 1,000 Grenadiers in America have been delivered to customers. Its pickup-shaped brother, the Quartermaster, is soon to hit the streets and will have the same design as the Grenadier, but with a loading bay like a Jeep Gladiator. If you’re searching for a truly unique and memorable adventure, MVP CARCLUB’s Trialmaster Edition Grenadier is waiting to impress passersby on Long Island.
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Baron Wilton
Baron is a walking encyclopedia of car facts. His favorite sport is behind the wheel of his Jaguar F-Type, which he drives more in the canyons of SoCal than on the streets.
