If you follow the chemical industry, chances are you might know the name Ineos. It is, after all, the Ineos Group is the world’s third-largest chemical company. If your focus is automotive, it’s probably off your radar. But not for long — at least, not if the privately held firm has its way. In 2017, Ineos launched a new car company, the brainchild of CEO Jim Ratcliffe.
Earlier this year, colleague Larry Printz had the opportunity to spend a few days in the north of Scotland test driving the Ineos Grenadier SUV. At first glance, it resembles the prior-generation Land Rover Defender, albeit with a more modern drivetrain and some very modern technology onboard.
The company’s ambitions don’t end there, however. And a second product, the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster pickup this week is making its debut at Britain’s annual Goodwood Festival of Speed. To make things even more intriguing, the automotive startup is showing off a prototype version of the Grenadier SUV using a hydrogen-powered drivetrain.
Plenty of cargo and interior space
Developed and built alongside one another, the Quartermaster pickup is virtually identical to the Grenadier SUV through its B-pillar. It uses a virtually identical rigid box-section ladder-frame chassis that’s been stretched by 305 millimeters, or 12 inches. That provides the added space for a 1,564 mm cargo bed — 61.6 inches for the metrically challenged. At 1,619 mm, or 63.7 inches, in width, the bed is wide enough to readily handle a 4×8 sheet of plywood or plasterboard with the tailgate down. And when it is, it can easily handle the demands of a tailgate party, with a capacity of 225 kilograms, or 495 pounds.
Like the Grenadier SUV, the Quartermaster bears a striking resemblance to the old Land Rover Defender, or at least the pickup the more familiar British marque once considered building. But while the exterior design may be a bit retro, the rest of the truck is decidedly more modern.
Powertrain options
That starts with the powertrain line-up which is, again, shared with the utility vehicle and provided to Ineos by BMW. That includes both 6-cylinder diesel and gas — or, if you prefer, petrol — options. The gas package pumps out 282 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque through an 8-speed automatic gearbox, sending it to all four wheels. That’s enough to handle a 1,672-pound payload, or tow 7,700 lbs.
As for performance, the Grenadier is rated at just over 8 seconds 0-to-60, so we’ll likely see something in that range for the Quartermaster. Top speed is an electronically limited 99 mph on Grenadier, and should be similar for the pickup.
Two zero-emissions alternatives in development
Along with the two internal combustion options, Ineos is working up a pair of zero-emission alternatives. It has confirmed plans to bring out an all-electric drivetrain in 2026, but it will not be used in the Grenadier. The EV will be a separate vehicle, smaller than the Grenadier or Quartermaster, and ride on a skateboard, officials told TheDetroitBureau.com.
Meanwhile, another option is making its debut at Goodwood. Few details have been released about the hydrogen fuel-cell system but it is expected to provide current that will power the same electric motors used in the EV package. Ineos did note that the ladder frame underpinning the trucks will be slightly modified. In the process, it added, that would actually deliver an improved turning radius.
“The hydrogen powered Grenadier Demonstrator along with our all-electric model due in 2026, shows Ineos’ commitment to net zero,” CEO Lynn Calder said. “BEVs are perfect for certain uses, shorter trips, most private car journeys and urban deliveries, whilst Hydrogen FCEVs are more suited for longer trips, heavy duty cycles where batteries impact too much on payload and where long range between stops is necessary.”
There’s yet another reason why Ineos sees opportunity in going with hydrogen. Its parent company produces 400,000 metric tons of the lightweight gas annually, “and is committed to hydrogen as a key fuel of the future,” said Calder, adding, “Now we need the UK Government to provide the infrastructure to support the growth of the hydrogen economy as part of its move to a zero emissions future.”
Plenty of options
To enhance the off-road chops of the gas and diesel models, Quartermaster comes standard with a locking center differential and a two-speed transfer case. Front and rear diff-locks are optional.
Indeed, Ineos notes that buyers will have access to a “wide range of tailored accessories,” including a roof rack, utility rails, a lockable and a retractable tonneau cover, as well as “expedition essentials such as jerry cans, sand ladders and shovels.”
A serious off-roader
The numbers suggest that — as TheDetroitBureau.com discovered with the Grenadier in Scotland — the Quartermaster really delivers for serious off-roaders. It boasts a ride height of 264 mm, and a water fording depth of 800 mm, or 10.4 and 31.4 inches, respectively.
Ineos has yet to reveal some of the other key numbers but Quartermaster is likely to come close to the 35.5-degree approach angle, 36.1-degree departure angle of the Grenadier. The longer wheelbase could compromise the pickup’s breakover angle a bit, however.
Tech features, such as hill descent control, made driving the SUV a real confidence builder. At one point, Ineos demonstrated it by sending our team down a 25-degree slope and a 300-foot descent.
The roof, meanwhile, is expected to mirror the SUV, with a capacity to hold 750 pounds when parked, enough to carry a tent and two to three campers. On the go, it can hold up to 300 pounds.
Classic cabin with a modern touch
Inside, SUV and pickup are virtually identical. The added length of the Quartermaster helps the truck maintain the rear seat roominess of the SUV — or, as Ineos prefers to call it, the Station Wagon.
There’s a classic feel to the design, with switch gear large enough to be handled wearing gloves. But there are some modern touches, including the large screen atop the center stack. It serves double duty, handling infotainment duties while also carving out space for the gauge cluster. Between the wheel, a driver will see a much smaller display primarily focused on warning lights.
Pricing and availability
Ineos launched production of the Grenadier SUV late last year. It’s made its debut in Europe but won’t reach the U.S. market until later this year.
The automaker plans to get things in order at the factory before bringing the Quartermaster to market, with an order bank only set to open sometime in 2024.
Pricing hasn’t been announced for the pickup, but the SUV starts at $73,100.