Miss the old Land Rover Defender?

Land Rover has a new Defender. But if you prefer the old one, how about Ineos Automotive’s Grenadier?

Land Rover’s new Defender is an altogether more road-capable, sophisticated and refined vehicle than its predecessor. But if you love box-section ladder frames and beam axles, it won’t be for you. Step forward the Ineos Grenadier.

‘Number one focus was off-road mobility and capability,’ says the British firm’s commercial director, Mark Tennant. ‘An off-road vehicle that doesn’t keep on going and provide years of faithful service isn’t really doing the job. The Grenadier’s designed first and foremost to be a working tool, but you shouldn’t have to suffer for that utility – there’s connectivity, screens, seat comfort, plenty of room… It’s not a throwback. It’s a modern vehicle built to a certain style.’

It’s boxy, with prominent wheelarches, low bonnet, near-flat glass, external hinges, utility rails, asymmetric rear doors, a ladder to the roof, exposed tie bars, bash plates and steel wheels.

Design chief Toby Ecuyer says: ‘For inspiration we looked at other 4x4s, tractors, helicopters – all sorts of different hard-working vehicles. Then we designed an honest, uncomplicated vehicle.’

Your engine options are a 3.0-litre straightsix petrol or diesel from BMW, and Ineos has a deal that covers the next generation of engines. Transmissions are from ZF, axles from tractor-makers Carraro, and a lot of the development work has been done by Magna, the same people who make the G-Class for Mercedes. In all, around 160 suppliers are involved.

Assembly involves bodies and chassis being built in Portugal, before the cars are completed at a purpose-built factory in Bridgend, Wales.

How much? ‘Durability isn’t cheap. But the G-Class has taken a path into the stratosphere from a price point of view,’ says Tennant. ‘We don’t want to go that high.’ When sales start next year, expect to pay at least £35k.

In time the Grenadier range will comprise this wagon, a short-wheelbase version and a double-cab pick-up with an extended wheelbase.