It’s been two years since we first drove the INEOS Grenadier through the rugged terrain of Scotland, and I’ve been itching to get my hands on it here in South Africa ever since. This vehicle sits close to my heart – though I might be a little biased. So, when the opportunity arose to have it on test, I couldn’t wait to take it off-road and see what it could do. We headed to Bass Lake, just outside Meyerton, to put it through its paces.
Now, the Grenadier has two 4×4 modes in low range: one with the centre diff left open and the other with the diff locked. When tackling an obstacle and struggling to get over it, these modes aren’t always the first thing on your mind. After about 10 minutes of trying, I realised my mistake. Once I locked the centre diff, the course became much easier.
But I’m getting sidetracked. Earlier in 2024, we also had the chance to drive it in Kruger Park. I stopped by the Satara Rest Camp for some snacks, and while parking at the shop, a couple of gents approached me and asked who had done the restoration on my Land Rover. It was then that I realised how many people still don’t know about the INEOS Grenadier.
I’m not going to tell you again how good the Grenadier is on and off-road, but for those of you who are curious, here’s our launch review and driving impressions: https://4x4afrika.com/2023/02/08/the-new-ineos-grenadier/.
So, when we finally got the Grenadier on test, I immediately called up a buddy of mine who’s mad about anything 4×4. I’ve always told him how incredible the INEOS Grenadier is, but he was sceptical at first. Pretty soon, though, he was praising this newcomer to the 4×4 world. It was like watching a kid in a candy store – he loved everything about it. The smile on his face when I handed him the keys for a test drive was priceless. This vehicle truly brings out the inner adventurer in you. Suddenly, you’re Dr Livingstone, ready to explore Africa!
Okay, back to the Grenadier. We tested the 3.0-litre diesel Trail Master with the Rough Package. This model comes with front and rear diff lockers and is fitted with BF Goodrich KO2 tyres on steel wheels. The 3.0-litre diesel engine is punchy and accelerates from 0-100km/h in just under 10 seconds, with a top speed limited to 160km/h.
We also had the Toyota Land Cruiser 76 on test at the same time, which made for an interesting comparison between the two. Both vehicles have a solid 4×4 system with front and rear lockers, both are automatic, and both have solid front and rear axles. When it comes to driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist, however, both are very limited. Neither of these vehicles is focused on fancy tech – but that’s part of their charm.
If you look at the spec sheets of the Grenadier and the Land Cruiser 76, they appear to be cut from the same cloth. However, the Grenadier stands out with its luxurious interior. It boasts comfortable seats, climate control, heated seats, and a decent radio. There’s also the cockpit-style roof with a host of switches and buttons, some of which are already wired for accessories like lights, spotlights, and even a winch. All of this puts the Grenadier a step above the Land Cruiser 76, but the price tag is much higher. At R1 862 100 for the Trail Master, it’s about 700-800k more expensive.
Here’s the caveat: the Land Cruiser 70 series could be upgraded with all the luxuries the Grenadier has, but that would send its price soaring as well. I doubt it would be as popular at R1.8 million, especially in industries like mining where these vehicles are used as workhorses.
But the INEOS wasn’t designed to compete with the LC70. It was conceived as an upgrade to the discontinued Land Rover Defender. And in that regard, I think it’s done an excellent job. When Land Rover launched the new Defender in 2020, it was hailed as the most technically advanced 4×4 ever, and I don’t doubt that at all.
But is that what you really want in a 4×4? Do you want 20 on-board computers communicating thousands of times per second? What happens if one of them malfunctions while you’re stuck in Mana Pools with no mobile service? The INEOS may not be the most technically advanced 4×4 ever built, but it was carefully designed to minimise the chances of anything going wrong.
This is truly a fantastic 4×4, though there are a few areas that could be improved, such as a more robust dealer network. Currently, there are only five dealers in southern Africa selling these vehicles — in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, Windhoek, and Gaborone – with just three other locations for servicing. The idea behind the Grenadier was that it should be serviceable by the owner, without the need to visit a dealer. But at R1.8 million, I doubt many of the buyers will be mechanically inclined enough to do this themselves.
So, two years after I first drove the INEOS Grenadier, I’m still head over heels for it. Yes, there are questions about servicing and parts availability, but the 3.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, sourced from BMW, are bulletproof and have been in service with the German brand for years. The Grenadier drives exceptionally well on tarmac and is incredibly capable off-road. If I had the money, I’d definitely have one in my garage.
Interesting facts about the Grenadier
Accessories
The Grenadier comes well-equipped from the factory, with features like a centre diff lock, a choice of petrol or diesel engines, 17-inch alloy wheels, a Nappa leather steering wheel, a hose-out interior, and bash plates. INEOS also offers a wide range of accessories for both interior and exterior, including rock sliders, roof racks, jerry-can holders, bike carriers, and even gas-bottle mounts. If it can be bolted to the Grenadier, you’ll find it in the INEOS catalogue.
Seats
The front seats are designed to accommodate larger individuals, with generous padding and support. Heated seats are available, although ventilated seats aren’t offered. The rear seat is also comfortable, with a sensible backrest angle for long journeys.
Wheel size
The Grenadier comes with a variety of wheel and tyre options. The standard tyre size for both the 2023 and 2024 SUV and Ute models is 265/70 R17, offering a good balance of durability and off-road capability.
Speed
Both the petrol and diesel versions of the Grenadier can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in under 10 seconds. The petrol version is about a second quicker, but both models are limited to a top speed of 160km/h for safety reasons.
Load space
The Grenadier offers impressive load capacity with upright sides that maximise the vehicle’s footprint. However, when compared to other vehicles, it’s not the largest load space available. The rear seat, which houses the battery, doesn’t fold level with the cargo floor.
For the Utility Wagon, the maximum load volume behind the first row is 2 088 litres, dropping to 2 035 litres in the Station Wagon. With the second-row seats up, the load volume is 1 152 litres.
The fuel range
The diesel version of the Grenadier boasts an impressive range of around 850km on highway driving before needing to refuel. The petrol version has a slightly shorter range of approximately 700km. While this is adequate for most touring needs, it might be on the borderline for longer outback excursions in Southern Africa.
The Ineos Grenadier in South Africa starts at R1,717,100 for the base model. The Trialmaster and Fieldmaster editions start at R1,862,100.
Pricing
Ineos Grenadier Base Model: 1,717,100
Ineos Grenadier Trialmaster Edition: R1,862,100
Ineos Grenadier Fieldmaster Edition: R1,862,100
It comes with a 5-year/100,000 km warranty
The standard five-seat Grenadier Station Wagon is a commercial vehicle with a cargo barrier
