Driving INEOS Grenadier - Defender rival or Disappointment ? | 4K 

People criticize the price but don’t realize the great bits that come with the vehicle. Durable Carraro tractor axles, ZF transmission, near bulletproof BMW B58 inline straight 6, gears instead of a chain in the transfer case, E-coated, powder-coated, and hot-wax treated frame, galvanized steel for the major body panels and aluminum for the doors and bonnet, etc.

Great commercial vehicle. Except that it’s not. Not even the Quartermaster pickup due to the ridiculously low carrying capacity of 600 to 750kgs [depending on spec]. This is well below the 1000kgs capacity that is required to qualify for VAT refund and commercial tax relief. In practice, in the UK, that means that you can buy two Ford Ranger Wildtrak pickups for the overall cost of the Quartermaster. £40,000 plus VAT [refundable to registered businesses] compared to an average £80,000 for an average spec Quartermaster. How many UK businesses do you think will stomach that difference in price for a vehicle that cannot carry a ton tote bag, a pallet of calf food or a full 1000litre IBC? None of the five seater vans qualify either for the same reason and Ineos dealers pretend not to know this, usually suggesting that it’s between the customer and their accountant. It’s not! No reputable accountant would pass it for a tax class that it just does not qualify for.

After 6000km in my Trialmaster, I can only report that I am loving it. Looking forward to a snowy winter in the alps. Thanks for a good review.

The Ineos rep. needs a payrise! What an absolutely charming lad! That smile🥰

I've gone from a 1989 LR110CSW to a Grenadier Utility 5 seat station wagon; the Grenadier is excellent and 11,000 miles to date has confirmed it as a good choice for me. I looked at the new Defender but anything other than a blingy one was a very long wait and I have no confidence that I could afford to run a Defender outside of a full warranty. Mine is an early build, so the launch software had to be updated to kill off the spurious warnings, but it has started every morning, without drama. I have high hopes that it will last 20+ years.

The fact that one of the most requested add on/option is a clip on picnic table tells me everything you need to know about who is buying these. I saw one at the petrol station about a week after they started deliveries and had a look and quick chat with the owner. Said its going back as massive electrical problems and already had to be recovered. In its first week on the road. Shame, but maybe they will last.

I enjoyed watching the Video. Thank you for filming the review as I particularly like the New Model and a reminder of the old Defender 😊

This suv and it’s pick up variant is really cool! Id buy one if I could. Would make a great overlander. Great review Sir Pete!!

Love the fact it has been made to simplify maintenance and repairability...if only other manufacturers would do this, rather than constantly adding more electronics and complex drivetrains etc

I work in the IT department for a dealer group that sells these as part of their brand portfolio. I have to say the attention to detail is really something. I often see them with batteries unhooked and they never get unhappy about it

Very nice car PP...... But having taken my 22year old P38 to the Welsh Mountains, and having gone up one climb that the Sheep refused to go up!! I think spending 4 Grand over 10 years ago I will stick to mine.. (If I can get it through its MOT!!) :-))

Hi Ped VERY IMPRESSED. I will admit to limited knowledge and experience on this class of vehicle, but I do admire what Sir Jim & Ineos have achieved in such a relatively short period of time. It is good to have more competition in the sector and if they can build a good reliability reputation then I think Ineos are on to a winner.

A really good episode, a great capable vehicle indeed, one to watch 👍👍👍

Saw my first Grenadier in the metal at my Local petrol station this morning, I had a good look around it and was impressed by both it's stature and the build quality , I spoke to the owner who told me he'd sold his diesel LR Discovery and replaced it with a 3.0 Litre Petrol powered Grenadier and so far he was super impressed with his new toy and loved it , he also said it was way better in the mud than his old Discovery, so one happy customer.

I admire them for making it and as a niche it should be a success It looks basic, which is the point, but the price! Which isn't the point I have seen the station wagon and it looks huge! I hope it succeeds

Would have been great to see your Defender 90 do the same off-road course! These could be a good buy second-hand in a few years.

What a good bit of kit . another good one ped👍

I drove one for the first time today (on-road only) and must say, was quite impressed. Very much like the no-nonsense functional character. I imagine it is unstoppable off-road. As you have a JLR Defender long-termer Peter, I would love to hear a comparative review of the two vehicles.

I love the idea of the interior, all physical buttons and switches. I question the dynamics though, the steering and on road behaviour has actually drawn severe criticism from folks who know through extensive experience. Sometimes, it does take slightly more knowledge in order to properly critique.

Enjoyed this video mate, really nice to have your unbiased review on the Grenadier. It’s a nice bit of kit but quite pricey, then again isn’t everything these days.

Hi Ped, very informative video. Can’t help thinking the French flag on the side is a step too far and I drive a Peugeot! French styling is a thing for me but not replacing an icon of British engineering. Makes me wonder what Sir Jim is going to do to my football team! 🤔

I don't think there's any point in watching reviews when the manufacturer has provided the car. The reviewers never seem to be really honest. This is in total contrast to the Evo review recently where they gave it 2 stars out of 5. No mention that the pickup is not VAT qualifying etc.

A really fascinating look into the INEOS Grenadier. What a great car. I want one.

I was actually booked to attend this event and unfortunately I couldn’t make it. Absolutely gutted. But the review you did was brilliant and gave a good incite into the capabilities of the grenadier.

Brilliant review Pete, I want one!!!

Evening pal, I’ve always been intrigued with these since their launch. BFG tyres always get a big thumbs up from me.👍👍🇬🇧

I have driven a LandRover County 110 (later renamed Defender) and an early Mercedes G Wagon, and this car has the best of both in its suspension. It has the long travel coil springs of the LandRover and the long progressive bumpstops of the Merc. My only concern is that steering compared to modern vehicles. Well done!

Love it. Definitely on my list!!

Thanks Pete, good video as always 👍

Brilliant video!

Depends on what you're used to, I've used Landrovers a lot and this seems to me a continuation of that style of vehicle. The new Defender is part of the Landrover house style its difficult to tell the difference between a Defender a Range rover or a Discovery at a glance. You mention that the old defender wasn't great on road, mostly I'd drive on road to the job maybe 80 miles then go off road. It was pretty noisy, the steering like this one an aquired skill but ok and the heater wasn't great but I'd set off layered up because you don't want to start getting changed up a snowy mountain, so it was very easy to live with. I hope they have great success if I was still doing my old job this is exactly what I'd want to get me there.

Top Marks on the commentary!

I used to drive the lightweight SWB military Land Rovers when I was a gliding instructor with the cadets. To call the steering "vague" would be an understatement. Sometimes I'd tow a 7 tonne winch with one which was a little bit scary (another understatement) Thankfully, health and safety hadn't been invented then.

I really wanted to like it more. I wonder if they'll do a quicker rack option? For me, not being built in the UK put me off as I was going to order one. I'll stick to my Range Rovers

I applaud what they've done with this and wish the Grenadier well. But I can't help but feel it's a really niche choice due to it's price. It's not actually much simpler than a new Defender, particularly now most of those come on coils as standard. Speccing a Grenadier Fieldmaster against a Defender 110 SE, both lightly optioned to similar levels results in a £78k Grenadier vs a £65k Defender. The Defender isn't much less utilitarian, will be the same off-road but night-and-day better on the road. I just don't see how that stacks up for most people short of overland explorers. Which isn't a very big target market.

Would like one of these in Quartermaster form, but from a commercial perspective, with a payload of 760kg, it doesn't qualify for any benefits of a typical commercial pick up with >1t payload - Ranger, Amarok etc. Feel this is a real trick missed by Ineos, which is why I'm still bumbling about in an appalling Defender 110 pick up!

I have test driven the IG both off and on road. Off road the suspension was compliant and impressive. On road, it felt solid and stable. The recirculating ball steering is old fashioned in that it does not automatically return to center after making a turn. Rather the wheels need to be redirected back to center. Impressive on the freeway as it absorbed various imperfections. Good and brisk acceleration onto the freeway. Both test drives were 45-60 minutes in duration.

Strong logo placement on the brolly intro ☺️

A staggering achievement to bring a car like this to market and mass-production. It is literally a best of the best amalgamation of 4x4 componentry, design and engineering. Built to last and built by the best in the world. Unsurprising, given the input of Magna-Steyr and it being built at the Hambach Mercedes plant. From an engineering perspective, this vehicle stands head and shoulders above the competition. Only Toyota's 70 series is as robust, but that is nowhere near as sophisticated in engineering, nor refined on road (The Grenadier is actually very capable - flat cornering, good brakes/gearbox/engine). When I tested it, the steering was fine and quite good through corners (far better than old Defender). And it is as it is for a purpose - dirt roads/offroad need some centre play. And this is a mechanical steering unit, not electric... As for the notorious LHD footrest - nonsense, never noticed it (at 6'2" with size 12s). One of the most comfortable, roomy interiors ever. As a car enthusiast/farmer/forester, I've owned all Land Rover's products (and every pickup on the market) up to Disco 5 - they've deteriorated to become Beckhan bling and utterly town focussed (I never see them in the countryside unless they're driven by a visitor) and woefully unreliable/expensive outside the warranty period (even within it). Friends in Africa and Australia just laugh at the thought of taking modern JLR product into the bush - no way. For me, Grenadier is the spiritual heir to Defender, but it is so much more intelligent and capable. It's an exciting vehicle: capable for work and versatile for recreation, inspirational for travel. So I pick mine up tomorrow. Oh and price? I'm paying £5k more than a new Ford Ranger, and £20k less than a similar spec Defender.

Great video 👍🏻

Does exactly what it says on the tin.Proper work horse.👍

As a farmer its a big no I'll stick with the main streem have the price trucks and its certainly not suitable as a car. You say its simple mechanical compared to the Defender which i dont see. It would be good if you a did a follow-up showing this. Like the Defender its an auto with a sofisicated complex engine. It has electronics to control wheel slip. All i see is different not better than Defender if anything Defender does more as it is also capable on the road which will result in better road towing.

lol cracking horns

That is one of the best videos you have done. The gentleman from Ineos was brillant. Its great to see such a solid range vehicles. My apologies if I missed this information, how long is the warranty on these vehicles? I'm hoping for a minimum of 5 years.

Really enjoyable video using a the car in terrain it was meant for a very very impressive car.

I would really like more examples of Clubcab/Extended Cab models as I find like many others a Dbl Cab a practical nuisance most of the time. You cannot place a full size door or medium ladder flat in a Dbl Cab. So maybe Ineos can in addition to the Quartermaster bring out an Extended Cab or straight forward LWB pickup.

Peter…it is a car with many good points and a few challenges. It us astonishing that they have come so far but I just hope the company can survive its financial situation as they have huge debts to service and repay..they need all the sales they can get. I would not buy one but many will…🙂🙂🤔😃😃

Love it 👍👍

What a car, would really like to have a got with one of those.

Its so beatiful, which make it perfect for lifestyle buyers but the price may stop it from being a sucessful commercial vehicle

Does the INEOS Grenadier come with Chris Froome on the passenger seat? What about a Pinarello Dogma in the trunk?

Excellent vid,really enjoyed that,thanks.More like this please.But the big question is,new Defender or Grenadier? Which would you choose Mr Ped. Think i already know the answer to that one and it aint made in France.The Grenadier does look good and very capable though,but unless you have a job for it to do i think it may be a bit big and ungainly for the everyday motorist.

My 110 would have mastered that stretch too I am sure....and btw mine is behaving very well on the road depending on what you do to springs, dampers and wheel spacers, still very happy with my 2025 Defender 110

Cheers guys

Used to drive up tracks like that in a Suzuki SJ.

My friend in Keswick is selling his as its a magnet for "random angry British people" As you can see from the comments it has alot of Brexit baggage. Much like driving a Scimitar and people talking about Princess Anne. Plus its not VAT eligible and its not nice to be inside. There is no storage inside, no compartments and it feels like a cheaper car than it is, even a Dacia has better ergonomics. Telling that the off-road aspect was chaperoned as you need to be coached how to use it rather than just driving it. They have a 4x4 Merc Van now and he pointed out the utility of the Grenadier is naff as the stupid door at the back has no visibility, reversing it or looking behind is poor. This whole 2 hay bales in the back is hardly an £80k answer as they have a Polaris ATV for that.

Excellent car, off road it looks amazing. However how many people could ever afford one. I’d personally love one but would never use it to its full capability. Think we’ll see loads of these on the road.

I don’t know it was meant as an insult to Defender drivers or if it was purely from not-knowing. You may be spoilt in earlier car experiences and think otherwise but after having clocked 30.000km on a 2014 Defender every year in the past almost 9 years, I can’t say I ever complained about the drivers’ seating position or on any other driving experience in it. Regards from Sweden.

Most Testers / Commentators have criticized the gear box intrusion on RHD cars making it difficult in the footwell. How did you find it. As other comments, most farmers up in the dales have pickups, simpler & cheaper. Even more 'Utilitarian'

Why is there a side marker on the snorkel? I don't understand. Snorkel is supposed to be 100 percent water proof, but with the side marker on it. I believe water will get in if it is not fixed by aftermarket parts. How many inch suspension lift kits are required to fit 35/37 inch tyres in both the field and trial master and as well as in the quarter master?

What about after market off road gear to go bush - A Roo Bar, Compatible drawbar, Flat tray instead of Tub Ute, Drivers seat selectable tyre pressure. Different countries have a range of needs that may not be viable to option only from the car manufacturer.

In the market for a 4x4 - had 2 Defenders and they were dogs. Looking at this; wonder how the Land Cruiser will be.

Richard at Electric Classic Cars would walk all this 😀

Grenadier has been engineered for off-roading. The Defender is able to go off-roading but when anything goes wrong it’s a nightmare - you need LR laptop and internet connection to jump start if the battery goes flat which it will if you camping because of the car electronics activation every time a door is opened.

I have in the last few days seen a couple of these on the road one up in Aberdeenshire where I would expect to see them and one here at home on the outskirts of Glasgow not so much. I have two questions do Defender drivers wave at you on the road like everyone did in the old Defender & not so much in the new one. My second question is would you buy this over a Defender if you were in the market for a big 4x4 bearing in mind your time off road would probably be minimal as it would be for me. I would however hunt down any opportunity to do so if I had this or a Defender sitting in my driveway. Is there any word on electrification of the range. Overall I was impressed with it's capability even though the hill on camera on the way up seemed tame it looked a lot steeper on the downhill trip.

Nice motor, trust it more than the new defender.

I watched a video where a wildlife programme maker had a defender in a 3 vehicle expedition. It did not go well and he said he would never use one again as the electronics were it’s Achilles hill. For anyone who depends on a rugged vehicle for their livelihood then this is choice compared to a defender.

Just buy a Defender. We all wanted to hate it when it came out but the truth it, it’s a great car. Everything else is an imitation.

The Grenadier - an answer looking for a question … 🤔

Looks good !!!! but it's not a true Landrover Defender is it 🤔🤔

When will the off roading begin? My Octavia vrs goes up roads like this every day??

Sorry to be a bit negative - but there are some errors in this review. At 5:40, the reviewer says that all the models are the exact same capability off-road. That's not true: (1) the Trialmaster comes standard with front and rear locking differentials - that is a HUGE difference compared to other models, and (2) the Trialmaster comes standard with BFG KO2 tires, which are very different - and much better off-road - than the standard tires on other models. The transmission is not the same between the petrol and diesel; yes, both are ZF 8-speed, but the diesel gets a heavier-duty version with a higher torque rating than the petrol. Its not a snorkel (which is water proof), but a raised air intake. Yes, the transfer case is manual, but there are still a lot of electronics in the vehicle (and European owners are having issues with the electronics - check the Grenadier Forum). Its a BMW engine with a ZF transmission - there are plenty of electronics.

I neeeeeeeed one🥰

Priced one of these, then did the maths on upgrading my Defender and no competition. Not spent any where near the price of ineos and have front, rear and centre locking diffs so can go pretty much anywhere easily and safely off road. Having driven Defenders for most of my life I don't find them hard work on the road just drive accordingly.

It’s all about the reliability if you want to go into the bush. It’s all about the price if you want to run sheep around wales.

Loved the concept initially but I do see how abandoning UK manufacturing and USP did kill it for some people. And the price. Seems a bit neither here nor there - luxury or utilitarian.

Good Evening petrol ped

Wow, that price 🤑 And as it’s niche with currently unproven relatability I’m not sure how bad depreciation will be. I do like the looks, but then it is just a facsimile copy of the old Defender 😂

It may have a steering rack that reduces kick-back BUT please keep your thumbs out of the wheel! 1st thing you are taught driving off-road.

How is it vs the Toyota land cruiser?

I don't know what UK pricing is like, but this is waaay overpriced in the US. It should have been priced like a Ford Bronco, Toyota LC250 etc. Instead it is priced like a P400 Defender.

Brill video…… but the Quartermaster is gonna be an expensive vehicle!!!! U can know doubt but two Hilux’s for the price of one Grenadier!!! Hence most farmers will buy the Hilux!!!! Regards Ian 👨‍🎤🇳🇿👍

Interesting video Ped 👍

In case anyone is wondering. The Grenadier has 35 computers!!! So yeah - still loads of tech. And those can fail like in any other modern vehicle, so we shall see. Ceiling mounted buttons and switches IS cool - but highly unpractical. And almost impossible to use while moving and off-road. Steering is vague due to solid front axle like a Wrangler and uses Worm & Gear/Recirculating Ball as can’t readily use Rack & Pinion with a solid axle. And that’s why most vehicles now have IFS (or independent all round), so they can use Rack & Pinion steering. Dynamic roof load is only 150kg and that includes the roof platform. You can’t shove 450kg up there even static!! It’s limited to 420kg static. Manual levelling headlights - not auto. Like most 3500kg max towing vehicles - you can’t realistically do that. Perhaps take your boat across town with 1 person, half a tank of fuel and no other payload and yeah you can tow 3500kg. Toot would be illegal in Australia as the horn is only allowed to be used as a warning device in an emergency. But you should always wear your seatbelt even off-roading and farming. Actually more chance of rolling when doing this driving. You did say ALL Grenadiers come with the same off-road ability. Well no, the FieldMaster doesn’t come with the locking front and rear diffs unless you option them. So from the factory, no they aren’t all the same. Not much from the showroom that will do this. There’s loads. Any Ute, Defender, Patrol, LC300 well any LC probably & any Land Rover too. So many 4x4s would easily do it and without diff locks. 7° slope isn’t steep. My driveway is that. Try 20°+ HDC is awesome as can brake individual wheels which no human could do even with 4 brake pedals (one for each wheel) unless you had 4 legs.

Nice to see a new car without all big touch screens and tech, old school tech still works even down to its ladder chassis and coil suspension its everything the new defender should of been , a farmers work horse.

Reply interesting! For me it’s a proper 4x4 !

Did you take the indicator out of the snorkel to let water in? Not quite thought of everything, wading would be even better without the hole in the snorkel, to let water into the engine. Other than that decent vehicle.

I dont mind not having pedestrian sensors ect however i would want air bags all round ..

You need a 'Car' swear box. It's Not a car ! It's an 'Off road vehicle'.

I think you dressed this review up very kindley peter

Looks cool but at 70k minimum it not one people will use down trails. Where as my tdv8 range rover with off road tyres cost me 3500 quid total will do the same and in more comfort. It's Definatly a good alternative to a defender tho.

They are good 4x4 but the Defender would have got up there as well. The Touareg you recently reviewed wouldn't have I suspect even with off-road tyres. Price is just to high for most to justify.

Very impressive and incredibly capable vehicle, Pete. Now THAT'S a Defender replacement but at £70K+ a tad pricey?

We have one one, and have given Ineos 3 chances at trying to address some glaringly obvious issues, to no avail. If you actually spend any time in it, it’s not a comfortable place to be. The exhaust in the left foot rest is ridiculous. Visibility is awful. We took it round the highlands and ended up getting bad backs from constantly having to lean forwards to see out and up at the beautiful scenery. You literally look at the top of the doors out the side windows. The doors are also incredibly low and difficult to get in and out of as a result. The push button opening looks cool and is a nice nod to the old Defender, but have you tried opening one with the wrong hand when you’ve got an armful of stuff?! Or with a sprained thumb?! There’s a reason most door handles now are the “full hand pull” style… On the rear seats visibility is even worse. Zero view out other than the hedges. Zero cabin storage. Glove box is a joke, as are door “bins” (more like matchboxes), only 2 cup holders, and one small cubby in the centre, and no armrest as standard. The bit by the gear lever is useless, as is the dash area. Not even a small area for loose change or a phone, or any easily accessible 12v charging ports. The “glove friendly” dials are crap, zero positivity to the clicks, they jiggle about all over the place unless you’re really careful, and the displays are too small to read. Aircon doesn’t keep windows clear on auto, so you have to run it on fan #2, which then causes the temperature to fluctuate for some reason. Temperature goes from 20°c, to 19°, then Low… they didn’t bother with 18°, 17° or 16° like almost every other car with aircon…. 🤷‍♂️what happens in summer when the dogs or children need it a bit cooler than 19?! It goes to Low, and the fan runs FULL WHACK, AND YOU CANT HEAR A BLOODY THING!!! Volume graduation is too great, ends up being either to quiet or too loud, as there are only around 12 volume settings. Windscreen wipers are noisey, and always leave an uncleaned bit, by the rear view mirror, and a large dirty area to the right of drivers view. Also no cabin storage in rear seats or boot which are easily accessible. Have had to put tow ropes and shackles, remote activated lights for towing trailers etc under the rear seat, where it only just fits. But as soon as you put child seats in, it’s inaccessible… absolutely no bins or side storage in boot. The split door for trailer clearance is a good idea in principle, but the small door has no dampening, so is not great to open or shut, and because is not a tailgate and up-and-over glass, like the Discovery 3/4 or all pickups, you don’t get the benefit of a bit of “bonus load space”. For example when taking food out to animals, but the boot is full, you can rest bags/buckets on a tailgate. Or to give someone a lift in a field. Not with the side openings. It also means if you fully load the boot, your packing has to be totally self supporting! No lower tailgate to hold stuff in, and then heap on top…it means the last few items have to be held in with one hand, whilst pulling the big door round with the other so it doesn’t all topple out! A smaller point, but each time you shut the bigger door, you have to pull on the weather strip seals as there’s no handle It’s fine now, but will certainly rip and degrade over time, especially if wearing dirty work gloves. Seatbelt warning bonger can’t be permanently hushed/disabled, so getting in and out when off road is blooming annoying. Plenty to report about the touch screen, MPG, transfer box, steering, and ability off road but I’ve probably said too much already. Disappointed doesn’t really cover it. It has definitely not been designed by anyone who had any intention of using it as a “practical” vehicle, and it baffles me that the “testing” team didn’t flag any of these issues…I can only presume job security isn’t the best, otherwise surely at least one of them would have sorted some of the above…given how nothing has been addressed, perhaps I might get paid for actually providing some honest and constructive feedback 🤷‍♂️😂 But I imagine it’ll look plenty cool enough driving down to the pub in London with a credit card in a Belstaff jacket neatly arranged in the boot, so one can show one’s pals the aircraft style switches while resting a pint on the flat front bumper.

Farmers around us all use Japanese pick ups. Nobody has a defender, old or new. They usually have another one or two cars, which tend to be a hatchback or a small van. My point is that up here in Scotland at least, I can't see them going for a 70k plus vehicle. The gentleman farmer types down south or people like Clarkson or harry Metcalf will no doubt get one.

I'm wondering if this will compete with the G wagon as a "cool" toy for the wealthy. Thanks for the video. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

They should have named it the Offender…😊

Off road.......this or a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon? I have not driven either, so would be keen hear everyones opinion.

£70k+ for this is insane! £50k would be more like it but still too expensive for the target customer it’s aimed at. I can see why Sir Jim is the second richest man in Britain with ridiculously inflated price models like this!

I'd just like to know how they got away with not breaching the copyright for the original Defender.