INEOS, the multi-billion dollar chemical company and new kid in the SUV block party has announced official pricing for U.S. versions of its Grenadier SUV, with a base version of this retro themed throwback starting at $71,300 when it begins making its way to our shores later this year.
Old-School Charm With A Pinch Of Modern Civility
The INEOS Grenadier was intentionally engineered to be a counter culture SUV entry in a segment where screens, technology and comfort have eclipsed the core values that once defined an SUV. That’s very reflective with the base model which is pretty spartan when compared to some of its peers. Meant to serve as a blank canvas, this base trim is about as utility focused as an SUV gets with two solid axles, seating for five passengers, and a locking center differential. The interior is equally spartan and while the touchscreen infotainment system is the only nod to the tech needs of younger buyers, everything else is pure function right down to the rugged materials and simple switchgear.
Of course, INEOS knows that this bare-bones trim level is not for everyone, and has two other trim levels that are named after the company’s Belstaff clothing brand (they are that big of a company.) The Fieldmaster is the luxury focused model and comes with upscale amenities such as leather upholstery, safari windows, carpeted floor mats and heated front seats. The Fieldmaster will also be the INEOS model that will most likely be the volume focused member of the lineup due to its luxury nature as well as it being the most urban ready of the bunch. Step up to the Trialmaster (named after another piece of clothing) and you get the polar opposite experience, with all Trialmaster models skipping all the excess frills for equipment that makes them the ultimate trailbuster entry. The Rough Pack comes standard with the aforementioned pack adding BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 tires, a snorkel, an extra battery, electronically operated front and rear locking differentials and even pre-wiring for off-road lights.
All models are powered by a BMW-sourced 282-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline-six engine that INEOS claims is rated for an EPA estimated 15 mpg in combined driving. An eight-speed automatic is the lone transmission here but it’s unknown if the Grenadier will bring the European market diesel engine here or not. The Grenadier’s greatest party trick though is customization, with INEOS revealing that it will be offering a large pool of accessories for buyers to take advantage of including a rear-mounted access ladder, safari windows, and several different interior packages.
When Can I Buy One?
INEOS is accepting pre-orders for the Grenadier now, with customers being able to play with the configurator here. Deliveries for this first wave of pre-orders are slated to begin in the U.S. by the end of the year while Canadian buyers have to wait until early 2024 to get theirs. Curiously, INEOS has also opened registration for a pickup version of the Grenadier, but is limiting the view of it (for now) to one blurry teaser picture. The appearance of this pickup version (as well as the Grenadier’s marketing strategy) makes it clear that it will be going head-to-head with the Land Rover Defender. The Defender has a similar pricing and configurability ladder and is also designed to be the ultimate tool on the trail.
It will be interesting to see how the two would measure up in a comparison test but look for INEOS to get plenty of hand-raisers especially from buyers looking to ditch blinged out luxury yachts for a trip back to the old-school styles of yesteryear.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.