Ineos Grenadier Review: The Ultimate Off-Roader to Replace the Iconic LR Defender

Are you in the market for a new real 4x4 vehicle? If so, then the Ineos Grenadier might just be the perfect choice for you. Designed to fill the void left by the discontinued Land Rover Defender, the Grenadier aims to capture the essence of off-road capability and ruggedness that made the Defender an icon in the automotive world. In this review, we'll delve into the features, performance, and overall experience of driving the Ineos Grenadier. When it comes to off-road vehicles, enthusiasts often have a deep love for the Land Rover Defender. Its place in off-road history and four-wheel drive vehicle folklore is undeniable. So, for many, the Defender holds a special place in their heart.

Therefore, it was with a tinge of sadness that I learned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) would be discontinuing the iconic Defender, ending a bloodline that traces its roots back to the 1940s. Many enthusiasts,  considered the option of acquiring one of the final, expensive editions to preserve its legacy. However, not many had the thought of approaching Land Rover and offering to buy the tools and manufacturing rights to save the Defender from an untimely end never crossed my mind.

But that's precisely what Ineos CEO Jim Ratcliffe did. Despite facing difficulties in negotiations with Land Rover, Ineos remained determined to offer the world something that Land Rover couldn't or wouldn't. And five years later, the result is the extraordinary Ineos Grenadier.

While the modern Defender took a contemporary approach to its design, the Grenadier embraces the original Defender's boxy design, albeit with some legal challenges from JLR. The resemblance is striking, with flat panels, round headlights, a rugged glasshouse, and a distinctive curved shoulder line. However, beneath the familiar exterior lies a machine that is fundamentally different from the now-discontinued Defender.

From the moment I took the Grenadier for a drive in the Scottish Highlands, it became clear that this vehicle should not be compared to the dated and flawed old Land Rover. Ineos has managed to create a paradoxical combination of traditionalist engineering and off-road purity with modern and refined touches. While Land Rover may have preserved the Defender's name in a monocoque model, the Grenadier is the true heir to the traditional Defender throne.

Under the hood of the Grenadier, you'll find a choice of BMW petrol and diesel engines. The B57 straight-six 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel variant offers 550Nm of torque and 183kW of power, while the B58 petrol equivalent delivers 450Nm of torque and 210kW of power. Ineos worked closely with powertrain development specialist AVL to extensively remap these engines for its purposes, prioritizing longevity and off-road performance.

Power from both engines is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and a pair of live axles. In terms of comparable models on the market, only the Jeep Wrangler, Suzuki Jimny, and Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series currently feature a full live-axle chassis. However, the Grenadier's off-road capabilities far exceed these competitors.

During the Grenadier's international launch in the Scottish Highlands, the vehicle proved its mettle by conquering a variety of challenging terrains, including peat bogs, rock gardens, deep ruts, mud crawls, icy wading, and even beaches. Equipped with BF Goodrich T/A Baja Champion tires, the Grenadier offered impressive traction and grip in these demanding conditions.

One of the notable aspects of the Grenadier's off-road prowess is its reliance on mechanical grip rather than electronic interventions. While other vehicles depend on traction control and electronic aids, the Grenadier's approach is refreshingly straightforward. Low range and a locked center differential, controlled by a traditional mechanical lever, were sufficient for most low-friction surfaces. For even tougher challenges, electrically locking front and rear differentials provide additional traction.

The Grenadier's suspension system impresses with its ability to tackle obstacles. A multi-link, double-wishbone setup with coil springs at the front and a similar setup at the rear offer remarkable wheel articulation. The 235mm of ground clearance, combined with the 700mm wading depth, means the Grenadier can traverse challenging terrain with ease.

Inside the Grenadier's cabin, you'll find a utilitarian yet refined environment. While it lacks the luxurious appointments of modern Land Rovers, the Grenadier's interior is functional and robust. Hard-wearing materials and finishes ensure durability, while the straightforward layout provides ease of use and practicality. The optional Recaro seats offer excellent support and comfort, even during extended off-road excursions.

One of the standout features inside the Grenadier is the 12.3-inch touchscreen display. It provides access to various off-road information displays, including attitude, TMPS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), Pathfinder (a 3D digital compass), Statistics (off-road statistics and fuel economy), and Battery screens. These displays offer valuable data and statistics to enhance your off-road adventures, adding to the vehicle's overall appeal.

In terms of pricing, the Grenadier is positioned as a premium off-road vehicle, and the starting price of €59,500 reflects that. However, it's important to consider the value you receive for that price. The Grenadier comes equipped with a range of factory-backed extras, and Ineos has partnered with renowned brands like Red Winches, Rhino Rack, and Gearmate to offer a wide selection of accessories. Whether you're looking for a fold-out tailgate table, a powerful winch, or a versatile roof rack, the Grenadier has you covered.

In conclusion, the Ineos Grenadier successfully captures the essence of the original Land Rover Defender while introducing modern touches and improvements. It offers exceptional off-road capability, refined on-road manners, and a sense of ruggedness that is becoming increasingly rare in today's market. The Grenadier is a vehicle built for adventure and exploration, with its robust construction, powerful engines, and thoughtful design. If you're seeking a true off-road experience and want to honor the legacy of the Defender, the Ineos Grenadier deserves serious consideration.