After more than two million units, 2016 was the end of the legendary Land Rover Defender 110. Although the completely new Defender has been on the market since mid-2020, it is likely to be far too modern for die-hard Landy fans.
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For those who mourn the loss of the original, it returns under the Ineos Grenadier name! Including a ladder frame, solid off-road technology and powerful BMW engines.
The design was too similar to Land Rover
Ineos Automotive, headquartered in London, is a group of chemical companies with its own car division. Originally, company founder Jim Ratcliffe wanted to continue building the old Defender under license, including the original production facilities.
However, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) thwarted the company. So Ratcliffe hired a team of developers and started from scratch.
The Ineos Grenadier should not become a lifestyle object, but a real workhorse.
The look is very similar to the model: the angular body with short overhangs, the round lights and the skylight unmistakably quote the original Defender. The resemblance is so strong that, according to “Automobile Mag”, JLR even took legal action against the design – but without success.
Base price of the Ineos Grenadier: 59,990 euros
The new edition will be built in Hambach (France), in the former Smart factory. Here, where the last electric Smart cars are currently rolling off the assembly line, genuine off-roaders will be produced in the future. AUTO BILD was there and watched the conversion live at the Hambach/Lorraine plant.
Despite the similar look, the Grenadier does not share any common parts with the original Defender.
The first grenadiers are already ready. It is true that these are still pre-series cars; but it won’t be long before production of the series vehicles begins. The Grenadier can be ordered in three configurations from May 18, 2022.
The base price is 59,990 euros. At market launch, customers can choose between a two- or five-seater utility wagon and a five-seater station wagon.
First test of the off-roader in Graz
Like the original, the Grenadier relies on a ladder frame, rigid axles, three differential locks and permanent all-wheel drive. The body is made of aluminum. That should calm skeptics who worry that the Grenadier could just become a cheap knockoff of the Defender. To ensure that the Grenadier also performs off-road, Ineos has brought Magna on board as a development partner.
Under the hood there is always a three-liter six-cylinder, either as a diesel with around 249 hp and 550 Nm of torque – or as a petrol engine with around 285 hp and 450 Nm. Both come from BMW, both work together with the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.
Treacherous terrain is child’s play for the Ineos Grenadier. AUTO BILD was able to convince itself of this during the first test.
A specially developed transfer case ensures permanent all-wheel drive and effective off-road gear reduction. As in the Mercedes G-Class, there are also optional full locks for the axle differentials. We’re not yet allowed to show what the Grenadier will look like inside. Only so much: This is also remarkable. There’s something!
If you’re still wondering where the Grenadier got its name from, it was named after the chic pub in London where mastermind Ratcliffe invented the off-road vehicle.
Specifications and price: Ineos Grenadier
Engine: three-liter straight-six, petrol or diesel Perfomance: 285 HP (petrol), 249 HP (diesel) Max. Torque: 450 Nm (petrol), 550 Nm (diesel) Drive: All-wheel drive/eight-speed automatic transmission curb weight: approx. 2.7 t L/W/H: 4927/1930/2033mm towing capacity: 3500kg Wading depth: 800mm Price: from 59,990 euros
