First pictures of British billionaire’s version of original Land Rover Defender

INEOS Grenadier prototype testing now under way before going into production in 2021

First pictures of British billionaire’s version of original Land Rover Defender
The INEOS Grenadier.

INEOS Automotive has this week revealed the exterior design of the Grenadier, a no-nonsense 4×4 set to fill a gap in the market left by the original Land Rover Defender.

Built from the ground up on an all-new platform, the INEOS Grenadier has been designed to meet the demands of its future owners for a rugged, capable and comfortable go-anywhere working vehicle.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS, said: “The Grenadier project started by identifying a gap in the market, abandoned by a number of manufacturers, for a utilitarian off-road vehicle.

“This gave us our engineering blueprint for a capable, durable and reliable 4×4 built to handle the world’s harshest environments.

Created to fulfil the vision of adventurer and INEOS Group Chairman, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

“But it had to look the part as well.

“As you will see today, Toby and his team have done a great job in delivering a design that is both distinctive and purposeful.”

Toby Ecuyer, head of design at INEOS Automotive said: “The brief was simple.

“We set out to design a modern, functional and highly capable 4×4 vehicle with utility at its core.

The Grenadier promises to be a capable, durable and reliable 4×4 designed and built to handle the world’s harshest environments.

“A design that is easy-to-read, with no ambiguity about the Grenadier’s role in life.

“There to do everything you need, and nothing you don’t.

“Nothing is for show.

“Modern engineering and production techniques ensure the Grenadier is highly capable, but we have been able to stay true to the essence of creating a utilitarian vehicle that will stand the test of time”.

Related: Commercial Defender 90 and 110 to be launched later this year

In 2017, INEOS Chairman, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a car enthusiast and experienced adventurer, identified a gap in the market for a stripped back, utilitarian, hard-working 4×4.

Dirk Heilmann, INEOS Automotive’s CEO, said: “We are delighted to be able to share the design of the Grenadier so early in the process.

“Most manufacturers would hold back, but we are a new business, building a new brand, and we want to take people with us on this exciting journey.

“Showing the design now allows us to focus on the critical next phase of the vehicle’s development, testing its capability and durability.

“Form follows function” in an engineering-led design process focused on delivering a vehicle to do a job.

“We have a very challenging programme ahead, as we put prototypes through their paces in all conditions, on the way to accumulating some 1.8 million test kilometres over the coming year.

“From today the covers are off.”

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