Grenadiers set sail for Australia

THE first Ineos Grenadiers have rolled off the assembly line in Hambach, France and will set sail this week for destinations globally, including Australia, for which production has been prioritised as it is a top-three sales volume market for the new four-wheel drive.

With initial deliveries due to commence Down Under in December, the news marks a significant milestone for the highly anticipated four-wheel drive, which like many others has been impacted by global supply chain issues affecting the automotive industry.

Speaking to GoAuto this week, Ineos Automotive APAC head of sales and marketing Justin Hocevar said Australian delivery numbers for the Grenadier are still under wraps, but that a wide mix of models is on its way to local buyers.

“We cannot comment on the specific numbers that will arrive in the initial shipment. We do expect demo vehicles to arrive in December, with customer vehicles to arrive soon after following the Christmas period,” he said.

“Australia has been an incredible success story in the Grenadier’s sales worldwide … The market remains the third-highest worldwide for confirmed orders, with customers in Australia remaining a key priority for the first global deliveries that will roll off the Hambach production line in Europe.”

Mr Hocevar said many buyers are opting for the base model and looking to personalise the vehicle themselves, a great number selecting options via the genuine accessories range.

“With only two models available, which includes a two-seat utility wagon and a five-seat wagon, the latter has been the predominant choice for consumers so far, with a rich mix towards 4x4 and utility focused specifications, he said.

“There’s been a broad mix of consumer preference here, with the Grenadier set to support a wide variety of customer needs.

“Anecdotally, we’re hearing many customers talk about their plans to tailor the product to their needs, with a desire to make use of third-party aftermarket suppliers.

“However, we have seen many opting to utilise our official range of Ineos accessories to begin that process and enjoy the benefits of a fully integrated, factory-fit option from delivery.”

The desire for a hard-working four-wheel drive that is suitable for rural areas appears to be paying off, as per the model’s design brief, with buyers in country areas leading the charge Down Under, Mr Hocevar said, with a prominent skew towards the turbo-diesel driveline.

“The Grenadier’s core customer base is based in the heartlands of Australia, and this has continued to ring true in the orders we’ve seen so far,” he said.

“The Grenadier is an incredibly utilitarian product and while it can serve a recreational purpose, we’re seeing many customers seek this product for the capability that it offers for their day-to-day work scenarios.

“At this stage, we are seeing a skew towards diesel orders here in Australia. However, we have also seen stronger than expected interest in petrol models too.”

The Grenadier will be priced from $84,500 plus on-road costs in entry-grade two-seat/five-door Utility Wagon form, while the five-seat/five-door wagon Station Wagon begins at $85,500

Ineos Automotive asks no premium whether buyers opt for its BMW-sourced turbocharged petrol or diesel engines.

Both the Grenadier Utility Wagon and Station Wagon will be further offered in variants including the off-road oriented Trialmaster Edition and practical Fieldmaster Edition. The well-equipped variants are priced from $95,494 in Utility Wagon format and $96,495 in Station Wagon guise.

No-nonsense Trialmaster Edition variants are equipped as standard with front- and rear differential locks and BF Goodrich KO2 All-Terrain T/A tyres. The same equipment is available optionally elsewhere across the range for $2875.

Meanwhile, the Fieldmaster Edition is aimed at outdoorsy types with adventure-based lifestyles. It includes additional technology items, Safari Windows and 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as leather upholstery and heated front seats.

All Ineos Grenadier variants are offered with a wide array of options and accessories. 

Many of these are bundled into logical packs, however there is the option to pick and choose those items required, building a vehicle that is suited to an individual’s specific needs.

Ineos Automotive says its open-source approach to customisation means buyers can affix existing kit and utilise pre-wired electrical points to ensure the Grenadier suits their requirements.

Option packs and accessories for the model include the Smooth Pack ($2875) with park assist, power heated wing mirrors, lockable central storage box, paddle lamps and ambient door lighting, auxiliary charging points and alarm; 17-inch alloy wheels ($1060); 18-inch steel wheels ($1430); 18-inch alloy wheels ($2835); locking wheel nuts ($100); and BF-Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tyres ($840).

An exterior utility belt in a $705 option, an access ladder is $350 and a lockable spare wheel storage box $440. Heat-reflective privacy glass is a $670 option while Safari Windows adds $2465 to the overall price.

For off-road enthusiasts the Grenadier offers factory-fitted accessories including an auxiliary battery for $1060, differential locks (front and rear) $2790, snorkel $1100, compass and altimeter $460, 5500kg winch $5430, rated recovery points $740, and front towing plate $620.

Inside, the Grenadier may be optioned with leather upholstery for $1850, front seat heaters for $650, a Saddle Leather steering wheel for $1060, carpeted flooring for $370, and carpet floor mats for $380. Interior utility rails add $370 to the list price, auxiliary charging points $220 and an overhead switch panel $1805… while a cigarette lighter and ashtray will set you back $75.

The final option available for the Grenadier is any paint colour bar white. Solid white is the only no-cost option with five other solid colours adding $900 to the build sheet. Metallic hues, of which there are four, add $1230, while a contrasting roof is a further $1690.

Customers may further choose to powder-coat the ladder frame in red or grey for an additional $1410, or contrast wrap the nose cone for $1400. The rear doors may also be contrast wrapped for $1060.

“We’ve come a long way since the project kicked off in 2017 and this is a landmark moment for Ineos Automotive as a vehicle manufacturer,” said Ineos Automotive commercial director, Mark Tennant.

“To get to this point is a testament to the resilience and hard work of the entire Ineos Automotive team, our development partners and our suppliers – for which we thank them all as we now look forward to making our first deliveries to customers.”