Is the Ineos Grenadier a Worthy Heir to the Classic Defender?
Ever since Land Rover pulled the plug on the original Defender, there’s been a Defender-shaped hole in the hearts of off-road enthusiasts. Enter the Ineos Grenadier—a vehicle born not just from nostalgia, but from a billionaire’s stubborn determination to keep the spirit of the Defender alive. But is this new 4×4 just a vanity project, or does it truly deliver on its promise of old-school ruggedness with modern reliability? Let’s dig in.
Why Did Ineos Build the Grenadier Instead of Just Buying the Defender?
When Land Rover announced the end of the Defender, Sir Jim Ratcliffe—a self-confessed Defender superfan and head of Ineos—didn’t just mourn. He tried to buy the rights to the design and production line. Land Rover said no, and that’s when Ratcliffe decided to build his own. It wasn’t just about copying the Defender, though. The idea was to create a tough, uncompromising off-roader from scratch, something that could tackle the world’s harshest terrain without breaking a sweat.
The journey wasn’t smooth. Plans to build the Grenadier in South Wales were scrapped when Ineos snapped up a state-of-the-art factory in Hambach, France (previously home to the Smart car). There was even a legal tussle with Land Rover over the Defender’s iconic silhouette. Ineos won, clearing the way for the Grenadier to take shape.
How Does the Grenadier Stack Up Off-Road?
Let’s get straight to what matters for many buyers: off-road chops. The Grenadier isn’t just a pretty face with retro charm. Early prototypes were put through their paces on the brutal Schöckl mountain trail in Austria—a rite of passage for serious off-roaders. The verdict? The Grenadier doesn’t just match the original Defender’s capability; in many ways, it surpasses it.
With a ladder-frame chassis, solid axles, and locking differentials, the Grenadier is built for abuse. It’s not trying to be a luxury SUV with a few off-road modes tacked on. This is a tool, not a toy. Whether you’re wading through rivers or crawling over rocks, it feels like it was designed by people who actually get their boots muddy.
What’s It Like to Live With the Grenadier Day-to-Day?
Of course, most owners won’t spend all their time on mountain trails. So, how does the Grenadier handle the daily grind? Here’s where things get interesting.
Under the hood, you’ll find BMW-sourced six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines—proven, reliable, and surprisingly refined. The eight-speed automatic transmission is smooth, making city driving less of a chore than you might expect from such a utilitarian machine.
Inside, the Grenadier strikes a balance between ruggedness and comfort. The controls are chunky and glove-friendly, but there’s a thoughtful layout that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. It’s not plush, but it’s not spartan either. Think of it as a workhorse with just enough creature comforts to make long journeys bearable.
How Efficient Is the Grenadier’s Powertrain?
Let’s be honest—no one buys a big, boxy 4×4 for its fuel economy. Still, the Grenadier’s BMW engines are a step up from the old Defender’s agricultural powerplants. The diesel, in particular, offers a good blend of torque and efficiency, while the petrol version is a bit thirstier but delivers more punch.
According to Ineos, the Grenadier’s diesel variant averages around 25-28 mpg in mixed driving, which is respectable for a vehicle of this size and capability. The petrol version trails slightly behind, but both engines are Euro 6 compliant, meaning they meet the latest emissions standards. And with a fully electric version in the pipeline, Ineos is clearly thinking about the future.
Which Grenadier Model Is Right for You?
Ineos keeps things refreshingly simple. There are three main body styles: the two-seat Utility, the crew-cab Quartermaster pick-up, and the five-seat Station Wagon. Each is available with either petrol or diesel power, and there are two main trim levels—Trailmaster (with a raised air intake and steel wheels for serious off-roading) and Fieldmaster (which adds a touch of luxury and those classic safari windows).
Prices start at around £64,500 for the Utility and climb to just over £76,500 for a fully loaded Station Wagon. That’s not cheap, but you’re getting a lot of engineering for your money. And unlike some rivals, there’s no confusing array of options or endless trim levels to wade through.
Is the Grenadier Just a Nostalgic Pastiche or the Real Deal?
It’s easy to be cynical about a billionaire’s pet project, but the Grenadier is anything but superficial. This isn’t a retro-styled SUV designed to cash in on nostalgia. It’s a genuinely capable, thoughtfully engineered off-roader that stands on its own merits.
The fact that Ineos is already selling two petrol Grenadiers for every diesel shows there’s real demand, and CEO Lynn Calder has confirmed that an all-electric version is on the way. The Grenadier isn’t just looking backward—it’s evolving.
What Do Experts and Owners Say?
Early reviews from respected automotive journalists and real-world users have been largely positive. The Grenadier’s off-road prowess is undeniable, but what surprises many is how well it handles daily duties. Reliability is bolstered by the use of proven BMW engines and transmissions, and the build quality feels solid—no rattles or squeaks, even after serious off-road punishment.
Anecdotally, owners praise the Grenadier’s no-nonsense approach. One farmer in North Yorkshire swapped his aging Defender for a Grenadier and hasn’t looked back, citing better comfort and fewer breakdowns. That’s the kind of real-world endorsement you can’t fake.
What’s the Takeaway for Would-Be Buyers?
If you’ve been longing for a true successor to the original Defender—something that can tackle the wild without breaking down or breaking the bank—the Ineos Grenadier is worth a serious look. It’s not perfect, and it’s not cheap, but it’s built with purpose and passion.
The Grenadier proves that sometimes, the best way forward is to look back at what worked, then improve it with modern know-how. For anyone who believes the age of the uncompromising off-roader is over, the Grenadier is a refreshing reminder that there’s still room for the real deal.