INEOS Grenadier Pick-Up joins 4×4 range

INEOS, the company which makes a lookalike model of the original Land Rover Defender, has added a second version to its Grenadier range. This is the Grenadier Quartermaster with a longer double cab pick-up bodystyle which made its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed over the weekend.

While the Quartermaster shares most of its architecture and components with the Station Wagon, its strong and rigid box-section ladder frame chassis is 305 mm longer. This results in a large and versatile load bay measuring 1564 mm long and 1619 mm wide.

Its everyday cargo-lugging versatility is assured by 4 tie-down rings in the load space, while the1280 mm tailgate can support up to 225 kgs when open.

The Quartermaster’s loadspace can accommodate the bulkiest cargo and the vehicle’s payload is up to 760 kgs.

Engine from BMW
Like the Station Wagon, the pick-up is powered by BMW 3-litre turbocharged inline 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines and 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.

A centre differential lock and 2-speed transfer case are fitted as standard, with front and rear diff locks optional. There’s also a 400W power take-off to provide power for external equipment or accessories.

The Quartermaster also rides on the same heavy-duty 5-link front and rear suspension, and is fitted with Carraro-supplied solid beam axles. The steering system remains as a recirculating ball type which is robust, while the brakes are Brembos.

Prices in the UK for the Grenadier Quartermaster start at £66,215 (RM393,600), compared to £76,000 (RM451,760) for the Station Wagon which is comfort-oriented.

Its cargo bay can be fitted with a robust frame and waterproof canvas canopy or a lockable roller tonneau cover, while a roof rack further increases carrying capacity.

The Grenadier story
INEOS is actually a multinational chemicals company and INEOS Automotive, a subsidiary, was established by its Chairman, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

He owned an original Land Rover Defender and wanted a replacement; since Land Rover had stopped making it in 2016, he decided to build it himself.

So he proposed to Jaguar Land Rover to buy over their tooling and continue production in his own company. After INEOS Automotive was established, the factory site was planned to be in Wales. However, France was later chosen instead.

Production of the first model began in July 2022 , with deliveries beginning in December.

Not a clone of the Defender
While the Grenadier resembles the Defender, INEOS head of design, Toby Ecuyer, has said that it is not a mere ‘copy’. They had the idea of making a modern Defender which would be an improved design with the utilitarian features maintained.

They looked at other traditional 4×4 models and the eventual design which still has the Defender profile suggests that even after reimagining the design, the original form still offered the most efficient space-utilisation and was ideal for Grenadier (which got its name from the founder’s favourite pub).

Electrification with fuel cells
As for powertrains, INEOS has been taking BMW 6-cylinder engines so far but is looking at electrification as well. In fact, the company was already looking at a project to develop a hydrogen fuel cell Grenadier a year ago.

“The hydrogen powered Grenadier Demonstrator, along with our all-electric model due in 2026, shows INEOS commitment to net zero. Battery EVs are perfect for certain uses, shorter trips, most private car journeys and urban deliveries, whilst Hydrogen Fuel Cell EVs are more suited for longer trips, heavy duty cycles where batteries impact too much on payload and where long range between stops is necessary,” said Lynn Calder, CEO of, INEOS Automotive’.

“Our demonstrator proves that the technology is capable, but what we need now is support from policy makers to help provide the infrastructure for the next generation of hydrogen vehicles,” she said, adding that INEOS also produces 400,000 tonnes of hydrogen per annum so it can supply customers the fuel.