The first INEOS Grenadier prototype 4×4 was on display at the Concours of Elegance classic vehicle event held at Hampton Court Palace, London, over the weekend.
The vehicle played a supporting role to INEOS Automotive’s collection of legendary off-road vehicles which also included the first ever production Land-Rover as well as a fully restored Toyota FJ40 (1980), a US Navy Willys Jeep (1944) and a classic Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen (1988).
“At the outset of the Grenadier project, we brought some of the great 4x4s of the past into the studio to look closely at what made them so enduring,” said Toby Ecuyer, head of design, INEOS Automotive. “And now, it’s fantastic to see Grenadier in the company of these legends. You can see common design traits and proportions, and certainly the same clarity of purpose. I think the Grenadier sits very naturally among these 4×4 icons, and if others agree, then we’ve achieved our design objective.”
Prototype testing of the Grenadier is now fully underway, with the aim of accumulating 1.8 million kilometres on- and off-road over the coming year. Sales are planned to start in markets worldwide from the end of 2021, said INEOS
“We received some great feedback following our recent reveal of the new Grenadier, and this is now the first time we’re showing the vehicle at a public event in the UK,” said Dirk Heilmann, CEO at INEOS Automotive. “It’s very fitting that the vehicle is being showcased alongside a collection of off-road icons. They have served as the inspiration for the Grenadier project and represent the uncompromising go-anywhere spirit that the new vehicle will deliver for customers around the world. We look forward to assessing the reaction of the show’s many visitors.”
