Powerful, rugged off-road pickup
When you glance at the ever-crowded, rumbling landscape of 4x4s, it's hard not to get lost in the crowd. Yet, something new and loud has roared into the scene – INEOS' Grenadier Quartermaster pick-up truck. It's a brute of a machine, born and bred in the land of foggy days and double-decker buses, making a grand debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex.
Imagine the stalwart character of the Grenadier Station Wagon, but enhanced with the multipurpose dynamism of a double-cab pick-up. A fusion of power and versatility, the Quartermaster isn't shy about aiming for that coveted ‘best-in-class off-road capability' title. It's a bullish stance in a market chock-full with fierce competition, but hey, who doesn't love an underdog story?
Now, let's talk about what's under the hood. In an era where many car manufacturers are flirting with electric motors, the Quartermaster holds steadfast to tradition. It's a combustion enthusiast's dream, humming to the tune of a BMW-sourced 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine and an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. It delivers a respectable 282hp and 331lb.ft of torque, so it's more than ready to tackle any challenge you might throw its way.
Take one look at its larger-than-life, 305mm longer, ladder frame chassis and you'll realize, this thing means business. It's got a load bay that measures a generous 1,564mm x 1,619mm. And when it comes to suspension, it's rigged out with a heavy-duty five-link front and rear setup, Carraro solid beam axles, a recirculating ball steering system, and Brembo brakes. The Quartermaster doesn't just roll along the road, it owns it.
For those intrepid voyagers who view a map as a mere suggestion, the Quartermaster doesn’t disappoint. Its impressive ground clearance of 264mm and a wading depth of 800mm make it the perfect companion for your off-road escapades. No numbers? No problem. INEOS is confident enough in the Quartermaster's approach, breakover, and departure angles to boldly state that they're unmatched by any other production pick-up. Quite the claim, indeed.
Inside, there's room for five and a payload of 1,676lbs. Planning to hitch something hefty to the back? Well, the Quartermaster can handle that too, with its 7,716-pound towing capacity.
As with its Station Wagon sibling, the Quartermaster comes in standard, Trialmaster, and Fieldmaster trims. And for those who enjoy personalizing their ride, the custom options list is there for your perusal. The price tag reads £66,215, or roughly $86,738 for my friends across the pond.
So, there you have it – the new Grenadier Quartermaster. It's rugged, it's versatile, and it's ready to earn its place in the bustling 4×4 world. Whether you're a die-hard off-road aficionado or simply appreciate a vehicle that doesn't shy away from its old-school roots, this British brute might just be the pick-up truck you've been waiting for.
Pros:
- Performance and Power: With its BMW-sourced 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine and eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, the Grenadier Quartermaster offers a robust 282hp and 331lb.ft of torque. This makes it a potent contender in its class, capable of handling demanding off-road conditions with aplomb.
- Off-road Capability: It’s hard not to be impressed by the vehicle's substantial 264mm ground clearance, 800mm wading depth, and its unrivaled approach, breakover, and departure angles, according to INEOS. These features cement the Quartermaster’s status as a top-notch off-road vehicle.
- Versatility: The double-cab pick-up configuration coupled with a spacious load bay adds to its functionality, making it ideal for both work and play.
- Towing Capacity: A hefty towing capacity of 7,716 pounds ensures that the Grenadier Quartermaster is up to the task, whether it's hauling camping equipment for a weekend getaway or heavy machinery for a work project.
- Traditional Combustion Engine: For those not quite ready to make the leap to electric vehicles, the Quartermaster's combustion engine might be seen as a pro. It's a nod to tradition in a rapidly evolving market.
Cons:
- Price: Starting at £66,215 (~$86,716), the Grenadier Quartermaster might be out of reach for some potential buyers. Its high cost could be a deterrent compared to other models in the same category.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Quartermaster runs solely on combustion. With many manufacturers moving toward hybrid or electric power, this choice may result in lower fuel efficiency and potentially higher running costs.
- Environmental Impact: Again, as a vehicle relying entirely on combustion, it has a higher environmental footprint compared to its electric or hybrid counterparts. This could be a concern for eco-conscious consumers.
- Size and Maneuverability: While its size contributes to its rugged charm and load-carrying capability, it may also make the vehicle more challenging to maneuver in tight urban spaces.
- Unproven Brand: Given that INEOS is a relative newcomer to the automotive scene, some buyers might be hesitant to invest in a vehicle from an unproven brand.
£66,215 (~$86,716)
