Meet INEOS, a New Truck Company for Old Defender Lovers

Off-road and adventure-oriented SUVs are becoming increasingly popular, as you know. Of course, some are more capable and more renowned than others, starting with the iconic Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco and Toyota 4Runner/Land Cruiser. In the luxury sphere, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and various Land Rover models, including the Defender, immediately come to mind.

For those who preferred the latter in its classic attire, there’s now an alternative: the INEOS Grenadier. Doesn’t ring a bell? Well, let us introduce you to the brand in more detail.

First of all, we’re talking about the automotive division of INEOS, one of the world’s largest petrochemical companies, headed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. In his mind, current trucks and SUVs have become too sophisticated, too modern and too luxurious for serious dirty work. So in 2017—a year after the last original Defender left the factory—he launched the Grenadier project, named after his favorite pub in the heart of London.

The goal was to create a genuine woodland adventurer on a body-on-frame architecture and incorporating several features of the Defender, for example a super-boxy exterior, circular headlights, steel bumpers, a roof with skylights and a spare wheel mounted on the rear hatch. This would eventually be followed by a pickup variant called the Quartermaster.

Globalization at Its Best

The Grenadier was engineered with the help of Magna Steyr (based in Austria, a subsidiary of Canadian equipment manufacturer Magna). The chassis is supplied by Gestamp Automacíon (a Spanish company, but built in Germany), the solid axles by Carraro (an Italian company), the engines by BMW, and the gearbox by ZF (two German firms).

In Canada, the only engine available is BMW’s B58 six-cylinder gasoline engine, while a B57 turbodiesel is offered in other countries. It is paired with a two-speed transfer case and a locking centre differential. Depending on the trim level, front or rear differential locks, a raised air intake (with or without a filter), an integrated 5.5-ton front winch, a removable rear winch, an emergency kit, an additional battery, auxiliary electrical preparation and even a shovel are available as standard or optional features.

The straightforward interior is unadorned, inspired by military and aeronautical equipment, and creature comforts are limited. Cutting-edge technology and luxury are not really part of the program. All this is intended to simplify and lighten the Grenadier, which nevertheless weighs an incredible 2,650 kg.

From the U.K. to France, Then to Canada

INEOS vehicles are assembled in Hambach, France, in a factory that formerly manufactured smart cars. No kidding. The brand is today present in more than 40 countries and has its North American headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina.

In Canada, the first Grenadiers began arriving in early 2024. Dealerships have opened in Mississauga, near Toronto, as well as in Vancouver and Calgary. Prices currently start at $96,695 plus freight and delivery, and from there customers can choose a Trialmaster or Fieldmaster edition ($105,995 each) depending on whether they’re looking for more ruggedness or comfort. On top of that, you will find a host of options and accessories to personalize the vehicle, a luxury that many, if not the vast majority of buyers will likely take advantage of.

Oh, and one more thing: INEOS provides a 3D interactive manual with each vehicle to allow owners to do their own maintenance and repair work. Partner service centres are another option, and since the engine comes from BMW, dealers of the German brand should be able to assist, too.

Want to learn more? Visit INEOS’ Canadian website.