Ineos Grenadier - new 4x4 revealed as 'workhorse' rival to Land Rover Defender

Ineos Automotive has revealed the first images and details of its Grenadier, calling it a “no-nonsense 4x4 for the world”.

There’s no doubting where the Ineos Grenadier takes its inspiration - in looks or purpose - and even comments from project founder Jim Ratcliffe confirm that this is a car for people who lament the death of the original Land Rover Defender.

Design- form over function

The Grenadier is still 18 months away from production but Ineos says that unveiling the finished design now will allow it to focus on testing without worrying about keeping the car’s shape under wraps.

The design is immediately familiar. Ratcliffe tried to buy the original Defender tooling from Land Rover and despite being knocked back, the Grenadier’s looks are a clear nod to the car it aims to emulate and are a matter of form over function, according to its designer.

“The brief was simple. We set out to design a modern, functional and highly capable 4x4 vehicle with utility at its core”, said Toby Ecuyer, head of design. “A design that is ‘easy-to-read’, with no ambiguity about the Grenadier’s role in life. There to do everything you need, and nothing you don’t. Nothing is for show. Modern engineering and production techniques ensure the Grenadier is highly capable, but we have been able to stay true to the essence of creating a utilitarian vehicle that will stand the test of time”.

That means short overhangs, a bluff, upright front end; a broad, flat bonnet; straight sides with a Defender-like through line from front wing to round tail lights, and external hinges so the doors can be removed quickly and easily. There’s a vertically split tailgate that opens wide enough to take a Euro pallet and carries the spare wheel, and a familiar three-pane glasshouse.