First Drive: Ineos Grenadier SUV Review

We love it when new vehicles come onto the market, and we would love it even more to drive them ourselves and test their capabilities. However, since that is not currently possible, we have to settle for reading reviews from the luckier people who have had the opportunity. What's more, we are happy to share their experiences with you.

Building a car company from scratch is no easy task, but that didn't stop Ineos from developing and finally launching the Grenadier, just six years after the first discussions about a spiritual successor to the Land Rover Defender.

The information about the vehicle has continued to come in, and the team at Professional Van (the lucky ones ) had the opportunity to get up close with a prototype, explore its distinctive interior and even drive the model in the UK. They also drove off-road prototypes on a snowy day in January in Scotland.

The Professional Van team points out that they did not get the chance to drive the Utility Wagon. Instead, they were handed the keys to both a diesel-powered Trialmaster and a petrol-powered Fieldmaster Station Wagon.

Both trim levels are sub-models of the Belstaff versions. Belstaff is a clothing brand also owned by Ineos CEO Sir Jim Ratcliffe. They provide slightly more space for rear passengers at the expense of boot space. The Utility Wagon is based around the traditional Station Wagon, but completely sacrifices the rear seats to create a spacious cargo area.

The Grenadier's interior looks unlike any other vehicle. Designed by Toby Ecuyer – a man previously accustomed to designing yachts – it immediately grabs your attention. The model comes with a large 12.3-inch screen mounted at the top of the dashboard. However, this isn't simply an old-fashioned satellite navigation system. The integrated Pathfinder off-road navigation is not designed for road use, at least not in the traditional sense. Instead, it is designed for off-road use, allowing you to plot your own route and waypoints so you can find your way home.

The overhead switches are the main talking point of the cabin – and have been ever since they were first revealed. They are intended for less frequently used functions and include buttons for locking the differentials, activating or deactivating the off-road mode and activating hill descent control. Behind them are two rows of pre-wired auxiliary switches, allowing owners to easily connect accessories such as light bars or a winch. However, the Professional Van team says that while using these switches for the first time is an impressive experience, some of the magic fades with regular use. The buttons are not particularly intuitive, requiring you to turn your head to see what each one does, and this does not improve much with familiarity. The similar grey buttons, with small text and icons, are difficult to distinguish, especially when viewed from a sharp angle. A colour-coding system might have helped, as would additional metal guards protecting the differential-lock switches.

Otherwise, there is plenty of good news. The seats are incredibly comfortable and supportive and rank among the best seats we have experienced in any vehicle. Particularly useful is the top of the door panel, which is flat and very wide – perfect for resting a tired elbow, especially since it sits at just the right height. The driving position is also excellent, with everything positioned centrally for the driver and very little offset.

Ineos makes no secret of the fact that the Grenadier was designed first and foremost for its off-road abilities, with road manners coming later. It has absolutely nailed the off-road side of things, something the Professional Van team put to the test successfully.

An off-road mode, activated by pressing and holding a button on the roof, does not change anything mechanically, but it disables the engine start-stop system, parking sensors and seat-belt reminders. When tackling genuinely challenging terrain, you will need to engage the front and rear differential locks, if fitted.

You will get through most terrain without needing these features, as the big Ineos is capable of going practically anywhere (at least in the UK). It was tested through water, over gravel, down muddy descents and along icy forest roads. The most intimidating test of all was a wet, grass-covered hill, yet the Grenadier handled every challenge without missing a beat.

Switching from diesel to petrol also made little difference, with both engines offering good levels of torque (550 Nm versus 450 Nm) and a similar throttle response.

We liked what we read, and if we get the opportunity to drive one of these models ourselves, we certainly won't turn it down.

Source: Professionalvan.com