The countdown has begun to the local arrival of what is arguably one of the most highly anticipated vehicles to hit the South African market in recent years. Orders for the Ineos Grenadier open on 18 May and prospective buyers have been invited to start “building” their own vehicles by visiting the company’s website to explore the specification choices on offer.
The reasoning is that every customer is unique, so every Grenadier can be customised to suit the specific role tit will play for its owner. As such a wide range of factory-fit options, numerous accessories and the pre-packaged Rough and Smooth option packs will be made available. In addition, an open-source approach means customers can affix existing kit, while pre-wired electric access points mean fitting lights and other powered accessories is relatively straightforward.
Model line-up
There are three Grenadier derivatives to choose from, all offering uncompromising impeccable 4×4 credentials and off-road capability. Added to the mix are refined on-road driveability, and a functional, modern and comfortable interior.
The Grenadier Station Wagon has five seats and offers a good balance between payload and passenger carrying capability. It will appeal to those wanting a stripped back, no nonsense workhorse, but still require the comfort, refinement and standard features of a modern vehicle.
The Trailmaster derivative will find favour with fans of extreme off-roading. In addition to all the standard kit as found on its lesser siblings, it gains Smooth Pack and Rough Pack features. The latter includes rear diff locks and BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyres. It also benefits from a raised air intake, exterior utility belts, and an auxiliary battery.
The Grenadier Fieldmaster model is designed for life in the outdoors. It is specified for those with an adventure lifestyle who will use their vehicle to get them and their kit to wherever they want to go. It comes standard with the Smooth Pack, which includes a rear-view camera, puddle lamps, power heated door mirrors and auxiliary USB power outlets. Other premium enhancements include 17-inch alloy wheels (with the option to upgrade to 18-inch, leather upholstery, carpet floor mats and heated front seats.
Engine and transmission
The Grenadier is powered by a choice of two straight-six, 3.0-litre BMW engines. Both bring BMW’s sophistication and refinement to the Grenadier but have been enhanced by INEOS Automotive’s engineering team. The result is powerful acceleration on tar, combined with optimal off-road performance.
The turbo petrol engine produces 210kW and 450Nm of peak torque, while the twin-turbo diesel has 183kW and 550Nm on tap. An eight-speed automatic ZF transmission is standard on all models.
The Grenadier will only be offered with permanent four-wheel-drive to ensure reliable and instant traction on any surface. This level of traction is thanks to a two-speed transfer case from Tremec, along with CV joints and propshafts from Dana Spicer. The manually operated two-speed transfer case has a built-in centre differential which is lockable in both high and low range.
Besides the centre locking differential in the transfer case, two optional electronically actuated diff locks are available, front and rear, with 100% mechanical engagement. The front and rear diff locks can be independently toggled from the overhead control panel and automatically disengage at 75km/h to protect the drivetrain. Manufactured by Eaton Industries, the front and rear diff locks are standard on the Trialmaster trim, and optional on all others.
Off-road credentials
The Grenadier is designed to be a capable off-road workhorse. To meet this requirement, a wheel at each corner ensures short overhangs front and rear, a ladder-frame chassis provides excellent ground clearance, while a high engine air intake offers confidence when wading through water.
The integrated Wading Mode ensures the vehicle is optimally set up for wading, including monitoring engine temperature and disabling the engine fan when safe to do so.
For maximum confidence when off-road, the central touchscreen displays relevant information for the driver, including vehicle attitude, steering angle, system temperatures and drivetrain utilisation.
Downhill Assist dynamically brakes individual wheels to enhance control of the Grenadier on extreme descents. Uphill Assist, meanwhile, automatically holds the Grenadier in position after the driver releases the handbrake and provides added safety when tackling steeper terrain.
• Ground clearance: 264mm
• Wading depth: 800mm
• Approach angle: 36.2˚
• Breakover angle: 28.2˚
• Departure angle: 36.1˚
Pricing
The Grenadier Station Wagon will have a price tag of R1 416 985, while the Trialmaster and Fieldmaster models will retail for R1 528 940.
