Ineos News

The newest rugged off-roader on the market is now a little cheaper to buy, as pricing for Ineos’ 4WD models has dropped across the board by a few thousand dollars.

Ineos has revealed a selection of Grenadier and Quartermaster concept vehicles at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed and none are electric. 

Ineos Automotive has delayed the release of its electric Fusilier SUV, according to reports, placing the blame on uncertainty around the future of electric cars.

The Ineos Grenadier entry price is now $24,500 higher than when the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series wagon rival was released in October 2022. 

The latest 70 Series line-up has shown that Toyota is not completely ignoring customer feedback – introducing a HiLux 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and Aisin six-speed automatic transmission choice to the range – but is the time right for another hardcore 4WD ute to knock the 70 off its perch? Something like the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, perhaps?

There are plenty of notable new 4WD releases this year – including the all-new Mitsubishi Triton (already here), revised Isuzu D-Max and MU-X (coming soon), the Lexus GX and even a petrol-electric BYD ute, to name a few – but in this yarn I’m throwing the spotlight on three 4WDs that I reckon will shake up the market.

The rise and rise of ‘traditional’ 4x4 specialist Ineos continues with the release of the British brand’s new Quartermaster five-seat dual cab chassis variant.

What's old is new again. Sure, it's a well-worn saying, but it's used often for a reason … because it contains at least some truth. We're seeing it now in the rise of new 4WDs that have been engineered to contemporary standards but are steeped in traditional off-roading spirit – I call them old-school new 4WDs.

Ineos has revealed the design for its long-awaited electric third model, which is set to be called the Fusilier, something it had confirmed was under development back in May 2022.The Fusilier joins the existing Grenadier - which is based on the licensed design of the original Land Rover Defender - in the brand’s line-up as the second badge name, but technically becoming the third ‘model’ alongside the Grenadier and its Grenadier Quartermaster ute sibling.The Fusilier’s specifications are yet to be confirmed, but the brand notes its design is different from that of the Grenadier for drag efficiency.While also being slightly shorter in length and height than the Grenadier, the Fusilier also does away with some of the sharp, boxy lines inherited from the Defender.“Chamfered edges and corners assist with uninterrupted airflow and maintaining that crucial unobstructed visibility over the road and terrain ahead,” Ineos said in a statement explaining the exterior design changes.“Updating the archetypal 4X4 for an electrified powertrain to minimise drag without impacting the functional design sees a smoothing of body lines and a more athletic style.”Additionally, the brand has incorporated active grille shutters to manage airflow based on range or cooling requirements.This will likely come into play later when Ineos introduces a range-extender-equipped version of the Fusilier, which will have a small engine to recharge the battery when needed.Ineos Chairman Jim Ratcliffe says the ranger extender will arrive to alleviate the ‘range anxiety’ perceived by some owners or aspirational owners of electric cars.“We’re excited to bring our electric 4X4 to market but we are beginning to understand the clear limitations of battery electric in certain situations,” Ratcliffe said.“As we developed this vehicle, we quickly concluded that in order to move towards decarbonisation but continue making cars that consumers want to drive, we need a mix of powertrain technologies. “BEVs are perfect for certain uses: shorter trips and urban deliveries, but industry and governments need to have realistic expectations around other technologies that can help accelerate the necessary pace of change. “That is the reason we are offering an additional powertrain for the Fusilier, one that dramatically reduces emissions but has the range and refuelling capabilities needed.”Ineos says the finer details of a range extender powertrain should be able to be announced by the northern hemisphere’s autumn this year, or effectively Q3.Similarly, Australian details in terms of availability and timing should arrive closer to the Fusilier’s launch date.Until then, Ineos will work with automotive supplier Magna to develop the Fusilier, including a “rigorous testing programme on Austria's Schöckl mountain” close to Magna’s facility in Graz.

The six-figure Defender ute successor is on its way, with Ineos Automotive confirming production of the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster ute has commenced about a year after the SUV version.Hoping to steal sales from the likes of the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Se