The Ineos Grenadier, inspired by the original Land Rover Defender of the 1980s, is not a typical luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) because even the entry-level model, known as the TrialMaster, is about as no-frills as a modern SUV can be. Despite the no frills, this entry-level model still gives all competitors in the same class range a serious run for their money due to its superior build quality, impressive-on-road stance and amazing off-road capabilities. 

But should you prefer your SUV comes with more luxury, then Ineos offers you the Grenadier FieldMaster that can incorporate basically every luxury add-on under the sun. 

This week, Woema was fortunate to experience the pure exhilaration brought about by the TrialMaster’s top-notch 4×4 ability, spurred on by impressive torque produced by the turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine, sourced from BMW. 

Seated in the Grenadier brings both driver and passengers an overwhelming sense of ease, knowing that even the most demanding obstacles in the harsh Namibian wilderness are transformed from mountains to molehills.  

This ability to effortlessly traverse challenging terrain is in part thanks to the engine on this beast of a vehicle that produces 183 kW of power (at 3250 rpm) and 550 Nm of torque (at 1250 rpm) through its smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox. 

What is more is that the Grenadier does not even require a switch to 4×4 mode, where most other SUVs would struggle. That sense of ease and comfort in the harshest conditions is also in part due to it being a relatively heavy vehicle at over two tonnes. This weight adds a substantial stabilising effect that enables the Grenadier make easy work of the toughest terrains due to its permanent all-wheel drive. 

All versions of the increasingly popular Grenadier sport a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox, and a two-speed mechanical transfer case. 

The Grenadier Trial-master offers more off-road equipment, including reliable all-terrain tyres and a snorkel air intake. 

It also has a second battery, which allows it to power 110-volt appliances, drawing up to 400 watts – and is pre-wired to allow fitment of additional off-road lighting and other accessories. 

Unlike many more luxurious rivals, the Grenadier does not have selectable terrain response modes or a smart traction control system. This means actual skill is required to get the most out of this offroad specialist. 

Overall, the Grenadier is rugged and uncomplicated. The vehicle, assembled from the best individual parts on the market, is engineered in Austria, and assembled in France. 

The Grenadier’s legendary off-road capability emanates from an age when most SUVs sat on a separate ladder-frame chassis and with solid axles at each end. The Grenadier also uses recirculating ball steering, rather than rack-and-pinion. 

The only other SUV currently on sale featuring that suspension combination is the Jeep Wrangler. 

The Ineos car and brand originated from British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who identified a rare gap in the market for an old-school off-roader. This followed the departure of Land Rover’s classic Defender in 2016.

A chemical engineer by profession, he made his fortune by founding Ineos Chemicals, a privately-owned London-based global manufacturer of chemicals, gases and plastics. 

An ardent fan of the original Defender, Ratcliffe threw his weight (and money) behind the five-year development of a modern 4×4 with traditionalist sensibilities, and named it after his favourite London pub, The Grenadier.