Shotgun ride in the 2022 INEOS Grenadier prototype

It's not too often the prospect of a shotgun ride makes you feel all giddy in anticipation, but that's exactly how we felt on our way to sit in the front seat of what is arguably the most exciting 4x4 vehicle to come to market in recent memory: the INEOS Grenadier.

So the story goes, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe was enjoying a few ales at the Grenadier pub in London in 2017 – his shout, probably – when the idea was born for a purpose-built off-roader. Apparently, Ratcliffe wasn’t amused with the trajectory of Land Rover’s new Defender, and when Land Rover refused to sell him the rights to the Defender, he decided to take matters in to his own hands to fill a glaring gap in the market.

Years of development later and the Grenadier is now in the testing phase of its evolution, with Australia scoring a 2B prototype for local evaluation. The vehicle had recently undergone a thorough testing program at Anglesea in Victoria, with Tom Smith, INEOS's marketing manager, confirming to 4X4 Australia that the prototype will soon head to the outback for some extreme-weather, desert-bashing evaluation.

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Before that, though, INEOS extended invitations to journos and a handful of interested parties who had put money down on a deposit for the vehicle. These people were given the opportunity to get an up-close look at the vehicle, as well as a shotgun ride on a brief off-road circuit.

Despite our short stay in the passenger seat, the mud dash certainly proved that this vehicle has the potential to be an off-road powerhouse. The traditional 4x4 – in the sense of its robust construction and simple design philosophy – utilises a box-section ladder-frame chassis. The multi-link suspension set-up features Eibach coils (front and rear), and the beam axles are made by Italian specialists, Carraro. Interestingly, Carraro will also supply the front and rear lockers on production vehicles.

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The 2B prototype wasn’t equipped with lockers, but it did have a centre diff – not that it needed to be locked on the off-road circuit. Still, a centre diff and front and rear lockers should make this thing unstoppable. Without them, the Grenadier still comfortably swept through the off-road circuit.

It’s built in such a way that you won’t be afraid to point it at difficult tracks, and its utilitarian design means it looks much better with mud dripping from its side-rails than it does sparkly clean. A clear objective for the boffins at INEOS has been to ensure the vehicle remains practical for everyday use, as well as being simple to run should things take a turn when beyond the black stump – an example of this is the use of an old-fashioned key in lieu of push-button start tech.

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Still, it’s not without modern niceties, with an easy-to-access central touchscreen that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In fact, everything is located centrally on the dash – tacho, maps, etc. – meaning the driver has no dash binnacle behind the steering column.

We were assured that the prototype was in line with the production version, just without the final touches. You’ll notice the 4x4 switchgear, interior buttons and knobs, grab handles, and flooring is rough around the edges and incomplete. Despite the interior being a work-in-progress, it’s clear to see there’s been a heavy emphasis on ensuring knobs and dials are easy to reach and simple to use. You may notice some of the dials are big and clunky – this is to enable drivers to adequately use them when wearing winter gloves, for example.

In a throwback to retro off-roaders of a bygone era, the Grenadier utilises empty space on the ceiling of the cabin, where you’ll find drive-mode functions, locker controls (if required), and an abundance of auxiliary plugs.

In line with the ethos of making it a ‘proper’ off-road vehicle, INEOS elected for plastic flooring so that owners can simply point a high-pressure hose at it after a thorough off-road excursion. Still, carpet floor will be available if required. Drainage plugs are positioned in the rear to help with this process, and the dual-battery and electronic set-up is positioned higher in the rear to keep it dry.

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The Recaro seats are properly bolstered, which means they remain supportive and comfortable when bumping and swaying on off-road trails.

The Grenadier is highly customisable, with plenty of mounting brackets found throughout both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. It’s also prewired to accept a range of electrical equipment – think driving lights, winches and solar panels. A storage compartment within the spare wheel, for soggy boots and clothes, is a clever addition. The rear barn doors are split 80:20.

Available are 17- and 18-inch steel wheels with chunky BFG all-terrains as standard – the 2B prototype was wearing 17s inside those BFG A/Ts, but you’ll also be able to opt for 18-inch alloys if so inclined. A bespoke Bridgestone Dueler A/T 001 tyre will also be available from the factory.

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Some may baulk at the fact it’s running BMW-sourced hardware in the form of 3.0-litre in-line-six petrol and diesel engines, but the engine – diesel-powered in the 2B prototype – feels competent in a vehicle of this nature. Further testing should validate this, but it is a bit too early to say. A ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox will be the sole transmission available.

Another point of contention is aftersales support, but INEOS has confirmed it will have 16 agents in major cities around Australia, as well as 34 Bosch Service Centres. Owners of the vehicle will also be privy to an open-source aftermarket strategy, where they’ll have access to aftermarket support software including step-by-step tutorials, a digital repair manual, 3D CAD maps of vehicle parts, and a parts catalogue. In addition, the Grenadier will come with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and five-year roadside assist package.

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The Grenadier comes with a 3500kg towing capacity and 7000kg GCM. It starts at $84,500 for the two-seat commercial variant, with more premium models to sit above it – as well as a ute and hydrogen-powered derivatives in the distant future. A host of accessories will be available to add to that starting point, so expect to pay a bit more once you leave the showroom with your desired product. For example, the snorkel on the 2B prototype is a factory extra, as is the ladder attached to the rear – however, the ladder will be standard on up-spec models.

The Grenadier starts production next year at Hambach, France, with local deliveries beginning toward the end of 2022.