The English company Ineos Automotive announced today that the first production examples of its Grenadier off-road SUV for the North American market are starting to roll off the production line.
More than 7,000 Grenadiers have already been ordered in the United States, making it Ineos’ largest market on the planet. Deliveries to Uncle Sam’s country will begin in November and those to Canada will follow from January 2024. The number of orders from us is not specified, but remember that it is possible to reserve a copy, for a fee a deposit of $450, by visiting the company’s Canadian website.
The company purchased its French factory in Hambach from Mercedes-Benz in January 2021 (the smart fortwo was previously assembled there) and subsequently invested more than 50 million euros to modernize the facilities. The Grenadier can count on a new semi-automated paint shop, a new fully automated body shop and a new quality center.
Photo: Ineos Automotive
“The launch of vehicle production for North America is a great moment for Ineos Automotive and particularly for our Hambach plant,” said President and CEO Lynn Calder. We have increased the pace of production over the past six months in order to be able to deliver to customers as quickly as possible while continuing to meet the exceptional quality standards we have set for ourselves. With the launch in North America, Hambach now produces for five continents. The Grenadier is truly a vehicle serving the world. »
Indeed, Ineos Automotive is active in more than 40 countries, deliveries having already started in 20 of them. It has its North American headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, and will soon announce an initial list of official dealers, as well as details for service and maintenance.
For those nostalgic for the Defender
The Ineos Grenadier is intended to be a reinterpretation of the original Land Rover Defender. It uses a BMW turbocharged six-cylinder developing 282 horsepower, an eight-speed ZF gearbox, a Tremec transfer case, Carraro axles, an adjustable suspension with progressive springs, Brembo brakes and 17 or 18-inch wheels. The latter can be shod with Bridgestone Dueler A/T or BFGoodrich KO2 tires.
Photo: Ineos Automotive
In terms of practical equipment, the Grenadier offers a 30/70 double-leaf rear door, integrated roof bars, pre-wiring for auxiliary lights and accessories, as well as a front bumper, guards – mud and a hood allowing you to sit. The rubber floor is jet washable, the Recaro seats are in durable fabric or leather and several storage options are on the menu.
What price?
In Canada, the Grenadier is expected as a 2024 model and sells from $91,929, plus shipping and preparation of $2,000. For comparison, the current Defender costs a minimum of $69,950 in a similar four-door configuration.
In addition to the base version, customers can choose a Trialmaster or Fieldmaster edition ($101,219 each, plus the applicable luxury tax of $643.80) depending on whether they are looking for more ruggedness or comfort. The first includes locking front and rear differentials, a booster battery and a type air intake. snorkelwhile the second has, among other things, leather seats, an upholstered floor and hinged windows on the front part of the roof.
Photo: Ineos Automotive
Added to this is a range of options and accessories to personalize the vehicle, a luxury that many buyers, if not the vast majority, should enjoy.
As elsewhere in the world, the Ineos Grenadier is covered by a 5-year/100,000 km warranty. There is also a 3-year warranty on paint and accessories as well as 12 years against perforation of the chassis and bodywork.
Customers who wish will be able to do part of the maintenance with the help of the interactive manuals offered by the company. Partner centers will also be identified. Since the mechanics come from BMW, the German brand’s dealers will be able to help.