Grenadier Takes on Land Rover Defender on Price

The Ineos Grenadier old-school styled British inspired rival to the iconic Land Rover Defender will come to market priced directly to attack the original in the marketplace.

While the car can not longer claim Brit credentials, having had to switch from its planned factory in Wales to an alternative in Austria owing to Brexit-led logistic issues, it certainly looks the part and at around £49,000 ($62,870) for the entry-level model a real challenge to the Defender. That’s because, at that price, it features the choice of diesel or gasoline straight-six 3.0-liter BMW engines against the Defender’s lower powered 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit.

Ineos Automotive’s Grenadier is also promising top-quality rugged construction standards and, one hopes, with better door handles than the Defender’s feeble wobbling plastic ones. On launch it is powered by the proven BMW B57 diesel and B58 gasoline powertrains which have been used in everything from sports cars to SUVs.

Both have been calibrated to help the driver to manage the vehicle’s momentum and grip without stressing the engine, aiding control when tackling tricky terrain. The turbo gasoline engine produces 281bhp and 332ft-lbs of torque, while the twin-turbo diesel generates 245bhp and 406ft-lbs for greater pulling power. Start/stop is built-in, increasing range and preserving air quality when the vehicle is stationary. Both are available in the entry level two-seater Utility Wagon at the same starting price.

Whichever is chosen, the Grenadier’s engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox from ZF. It claims smooth multi-gear shifts in under 200ms while drivers who wish to take control, manual mode can be selected.

The car is only offered with permanent four-wheel-drive boasting to a two-speed transfer case from Tremec, alongside CV joints and propshafts from automotive specialist, Dana Spicer. The manually-operated two-speed transfer case has a built-in center differential which is lockable in both high and low range.

On top of this, two optional electronically actuated diff locks are available, front and rear, with 100% mechanical engagement. The front and rear diff locks can be independently toggled from the overhead control panel and automatically disengage at 46mph to protect the drivetrain. Manufactured by Eaton Industries, the front and rear diff locks are standard on the upmarket Trialmaster trim, and optional on all others.

The Grenadier is designed to be a capable off-road workhorse. To meet this requirement, a wheel at each corner ensures short overhangs front and rear, a box-section ladder-frame chassis offers maximum ground clearance, while a high engine air intake offers confidence when wading through water.

Dimensions include:

Ground clearance: 9.68-ins

Wading depth: 2.64-ft

Approach angle: 35.5˚

Breakover angle: 28.2˚

Departure angle: 36.1˚

The Grenadier’s standard underride protection includes front and rear skid plates as well as fuel tank protection. The chassis also combines a five-link suspension setup with Brembo brakes and Bridgestone tires.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_