Off-road adventures with the INEOS Grenadier
By Fiona Sanderson
Few vehicles evoke the rugged spirit of adventure quite like the INEOS Grenadier. This is not your typical urban SUV but a purpose-built 4×4, designed to tackle the toughest terrains while offering a functional but comfortable experience. I was delighted when I was asked to put the Grenadier to the test in the picturesque setting of Stonor Park in Henley-on-Thames, and it proved to be a thrilling introduction to this remarkable off-road machine.
The Grenadier’s origins are as fascinating as the vehicle itself. In 2017, INEOS’ founder and chairman, Sir Jim Ratcliffe — the British billionaire, businessman and chemical engineer — recognised a gap in the market for a truly utilitarian 4×4. Gathering ideas with friends in their favourite pub — The Grenadier in London’s Belgravia, which inspired the vehicle’s name — Sir Jim set out to create a vehicle from the ground up, blending British design ingenuity with German engineering precision. As Sir Jim described it, “the idea behind the Grenadier was to develop an uncompromising, no frills, no fuss 4×4 that provides the best-in-class off-road capability, durability and utility.” And it delivers on all fronts.
At Stonor Park, I joined an enthusiastic group of motoring enthusiasts, all of whom looked as though they could have driven up Mount Everest at a moment’s notice! Undaunted, however, I put my faith in the vehicle to tackle the tough terrain of the course which had been set for us. Designed to challenge even seasoned drivers, the course included steep inclines, muddy trails, and deep-water crossings, but I felt very confident behind the wheel, thanks to the Grenadier’s thoughtful design and engineering.
The Grenadier’s ground clearance and permanent four-wheel drive were immediately apparent as it tackled steep, slippery hills with ease. Locking the front and rear differentials was a breeze, using intuitive controls on the overhead panel. Even when faced with deep water crossings, the Grenadier’s wading depth of 31.5 inches ensured smooth sailing — literally — with the car easily able to take to the water by switching on the “Wading Mode,” so you could avoid damaging the engine.
Under the hood, the Grenadier is powered by award-winning straight-six 3.0L turbo BMW engines, providing the power and reliability needed for demanding conditions. This really is where power meets practicality! The car’s rugged exterior is matched by an equally practical interior. While the design emphasises functionality over luxury, the seats are exceptionally comfortable, and the infotainment system is both intuitive and comprehensive. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, along with INEOS Automotive’s Pathfinder navigation system, ensures you’re always oriented — even in the most remote locations.
After the adrenaline-filled off-road experience, I took the Grenadier on a two-hour drive to Estelle Manor in Gloucestershire. Despite its imposing size — over 5 metres long and weighing 5,500 lbs — the vehicle handled the winding country roads with surprising ease, delivering a smooth and comfortable ride. Parking in Waitrose may perhaps pose a challenge but at Estelle Manor, the car more than held its own parked among the Rolls-Royces and Bentleys, exuding a quiet confidence that reflects its dual-purpose design.
The INEOS Grenadier is not just a vehicle; it’s a statement. Built for those who value capability and durability over glitz and glamour, it’s a perfect companion for adventure enthusiasts. Whether you’re navigating muddy trails, embarking on a long road trip, or even coping with the extreme heat and rough terrain of, say, Namibia, the Grenadier is up for the challenge. It’s a refreshing alternative to the polished SUVs most usually found dominating city streets.
The INEOS Grenadier is a true utilitarian 4×4 that earns its stripes in the wild. It’s a car that is built to get muddy, and it can easily be washed down both outside and within. If you want a vehicle that’s ready for anything and will get you there in comfort, then this is the car for you. Understated elegance with a tough off-road exterior — I am sold! From Stonor Park to Estelle Manor, the Grenadier proved its worth. It’s a car that left me thoroughly impressed. Next stop the Namibian mountains…. I wish!
