FIRST DRIVE: THE INEOS GRENADIER QUARTERMASTER IS AS RUGGED AS PICK-UPS GET
What is it?
The Ineos Grenadier has been around for a little while now, having first arrived on the UK’s roads as a vehicle designed to be focused entirely on getting owners where they need to be, regardless of the conditions. This version – the Quartermaster – takes the same rugged underpinnings as the Station Wagon, but adds a usable truck bed in an attempt to make it even more practical.
Sitting alongside existing Station Wagon and commercial Utility Wagon models, the new Quartermaster completes a trio of Grenadiers – but is it the one to pick? We’ve been finding out.
What’s new?
From its very inception, the Grenadier has been right in the crosshairs of the Land Rover Defender. But while that car is a little more electronic than before, the Grenadier relies on more mechanical features. There’s heavy-duty five-link front and rear suspension, while this Quartermaster brings a 1546mm-long load bed capable of carrying a payload of up to 835kg. There’s enough space to easily accommodate a standard Euro pallet.
The traditional ladder frame has an extended wheelbase of 3227mm in the Quartermaster – 304mm longer than the Station Wagon – and overall, it’s a very long vehicle indeed.
What’s under the bonnet?
As with the rest of the Grenadier range, you’ve got BMW-sourced power under the bonnet of the Quartermaster, with either 3.0-litre diesel or petrol engines available. The smart move is towards the former – you’ll get better efficiency, with up to 25.9mpg coming from the oil-burner compared with the petrol’s 19.6mpg. All cars have permanent four-wheel drive.
All versions get an eight-speed automatic gearbox from ZF – again, the one used by BMW – and performance is adequate. Zero to 60mph takes 9.6 seconds and flat-out, the Quartermaster will manage 99mph. As a proper commercial vehicle, the Quartermaster is restricted in terms of UK speed limits; however, with 60mph being the maximum permitted speed on dual carriageways, for instance.
What’s it like to drive?
The Quartermaster offers a traditional-feeling driving experience, but it’s pleasantly well-backed by decent engines and performance. As with other Grenadiers, the Quartermaster has recirculating ball steering – Ineos says it brings more predictable off-road handling – and though it’s fine when you’re up and about, around town it’s something of a chore and does take some getting used to. Navigating a small turn or a tight parking space is a bit of a challenge in the Quartermaster, that’s for sure.
But all of the Quartermaster’s on-road features do make sense when you head off it. With lockable differentials (standard on Trialmaster versions), a proper low-range gearbox and a suite of off-road modes, the Quartermaster feels unstoppable no matter what lies ahead. We tested the truck out through deep ponds and up steep gradients and it barely faltered – only its slightly longer rear overhang meant it couldn’t tackle slopes that were quite as steep as the standard Station Wagon could manage.
How does it look?
Of course, there are always going to be references to the ‘original’ Land Rover Defender, but the Ineos is different enough to carve out its own presence on the road. Naturally, it’ll appeal to anyone with a big sense of adventure as nearly every area of the truck feels rugged and substantially made. There are mounting points for all sorts of accessories, and you’ve got options for the truck bed, too, with new systems and lockable load covers available.
Being a fellow brand under the Ineos brand, British clothing manufacturer Belstaff is also tied in with the Grenadier – with Fieldmaster and Trialmaster specifications bearing the company’s name bringing additional off-road features.
What’s it like inside?
There’s a real blend of rugged materials and user-friendly features inside the cabin of the Grenadier. In something of a polar opposite to the latest range of button-free EVs, the Quartermaster is practically awash with physical controls for all types of features. Rotary knobs for the heating and ventilation should prove handy when you’re wearing gloves, while additional buttons on the overhead control panel give easy access to off-road functions and auxiliary lights. It’s a little overwhelming to begin with, simply because of the number of controls there are.
Rear-seat space is a little tight, given that Ineos has pinched some space from the cabin to facilitate that larger rear bed. Many of the same practicality issues that afflict the Quartermaster as they do all pick-ups, mind you – if you’ve got precious cargo, then an exposed load bed is never going to be useful, while getting kids or dogs into high-mounted rear seats will prove tiresome.
What’s the spec like?
Prices for the Quartermaster kick off from £66,230, rising to £73,730 for Belstaff Trailmaster and Fieldmaster Editions. All versions get good levels of equipment, mind you, including a 12.3-inch central screen which, again, is sourced from BMW but works intuitively and gets connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to quickly mirror your phone on the display. There are also physical controls for the infotainment behind the gear selector – it’s something BMW deleted a while ago and it’s a reminder that it’s actually a very useful feature.
Of course, there are loads of accessories available to help tailor your Grenadier to the adventure you’re planning. Roof racks, a removable rear winch and a darkness-blasting light bar are just some of the extras there to choose from should you feel the need.
Verdict
The Grenadier Quartermaster occupies an interesting area in the car market. It’s on the more agricultural end of the spectrum in terms of driving style, but for many drivers this will work just fine – providing you really are going out into the big beyond. However, if you’re mainly driving around town, then the Quartermaster’s sheer scale and loose handling might prove a little too challenging.
That said, you can’t fault the level of mechanical grit given to the Quartermaster. If it’s a workhorse you’re after, this Grenadier is one that is unlikely to falter no matter what you throw at it.
- Model as tested: Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster
- Price: £66,230
- Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine
- Power: 246bhp
- Torque: 550Nm
- Max speed: 99mph
- 0-60mph: 9.6 seconds
- MPG: 23.5-25.9
- Emissions: 286-317g/km
