The 2024 Ineos Grenadier is a unique machine that successfully combines the driving experience of a classic SUV with modern ergonomics. One of the standout features of this off-roader is its impressive design. It bears a striking resemblance to iconic SUVs like the Land Rover Defender and the Mercedes G-Class, with a nice blend of vintage and modern touches. The build quality is evident in the panel gaps and fitment, making it look well put-together. The overall shape, tidy dimensions, and old-school proportions help it stand out as a neo-classic vehicle.
The Ineos Grenadier is not just about looks though; it’s packed with thoughtful details for off-roading and overlanding. It features tracks in the tough plastic trim where you can mount accessories like shovels and traction boards. The roof has handy grab handles, making it easier to access items stored on top of the vehicle. There are also prewired connectors above the doors for powering lights, with auxiliary switches in the cabin that provide a satisfying action. The split swing gate and boxy cargo area with rubber coverings add to its practicality.
Contrary to expectations, the interior of the Ineos Grenadier is surprisingly comfortable. The driver-side dash is scooped out for good knee room, and the pedals are in normal locations. There’s abundant headroom and even space to your side, unlike in a Wrangler. The rear seats also offer ample leg- and headroom, making them genuinely usable, a rarity in classic SUVs.
When it comes to driving characteristics, the Ineos Grenadier embraces its old-school roots. With solid axles front and rear and a recirculating-ball type steering box, it has a truck-like feel that’s reminiscent of vehicles from decades ago. The shape of the vehicle results in noticeable wind noise, comparable to removable-top SUVs like the Wrangler and Bronco. The steering has a slow response with a notable dead zone on-center, requiring continuous adjustments to stay in a straight line. Despite these quirks, the Grenadier is comfortable and feels less tippy than the original G-Class.
The powertrain of the Ineos Grenadier, sourced from BMW, does show its age. The turbocharged inline-six engine, B58, is noticeably noisier in the Grenadier than in BMW vehicles. The mechanical noises are more pronounced, giving it an old pickup truck feel rather than a refined engine found in a 3 Series. The eight-speed automatic transmission remains reasonably smooth, but the acceleration feels adequate at best. Although more horsepower would be nice, it would likely worsen the already low fuel efficiency of 14 to 15 mpg combined.
Interestingly, despite the drawbacks in the driving experience, actual customers of the Ineos Grenadier are unlikely to mind. In fact, they might even embrace these characteristics. Ineos and its target buyers seek an SUV that not only looks but also feels like one from 30-plus years ago, with better build quality, ergonomics, and some modern technology. The Grenadier successfully delivers this throwback experience while maintaining a great-looking aesthetic. Considering the success of the G-Class, which was notoriously worse to drive before its recent redesign, it’s highly likely that Ineos will have no trouble selling every Grenadier it builds.
