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Ineos founder Jim Ratcliffe, 71, came up with the idea for the rustic Grenadier off-roader at his eponymous Grenadier bar in London. The British multi-billionaire wanted to fill the gap in the market that emerged after the production of the Land Rover Defender was stopped in 2015. The Grenadier actually managed to maintain the reputation of its role model and at the same time showed in the Blick test that Ineos Automotive has put a real off-road vehicle on thick wheels.
The Grenadier Pub has now been renamed, at least for a day: last Friday it served as the venue for the announcement of the new Ineos model Fusilier. From one outdated military name to another – but there’s a lot more to Britain’s new off-road motorcycle than old technology. Unlike the Grenadier, the Fusilier is also available fully electric. Ratcliffe presented details of the next off-roader alongside Ineos design boss Toby Ecuyer at the now aptly named Fusilier Pub. Top Gear legend Richard Hammond (54) moderated the event. When asked why Ineos is now producing electric vehicles, the billionaire gave a clear answer: “If you want to survive in the current car market in Europe, you must offer electric options.”
G-Class is factory built
What’s interesting about the Fusilier’s appearance is that it bears a striking resemblance to the Mercedes G-Class. The off-road veteran will also be offered as a fully electric EQG this year. Jim Ratcliffe does not hide the connection between the two off-road riders and proudly announces that the Fusilier is produced by the automotive supplier Magna in Graz (A). At the factory where the G-Class rolls off the assembly line. Review: Even before the Grenadier was launched, Ineos was sued by Land Rover for its similarity to the Defender. At the time, the decision was in favor of Ineos; Is this why Mercedes decided not to open an open legal dispute?
Back to the Fusilier: The heavy off-road vehicle, approximately 4.50 meters long and 2.7 tonnes, will be based on a modular skateboard platform with a steel structure and underbody, as well as aluminum panels and doors. This could later form the basis for other Ineos models. Samsung’s batteries with a capacity of approximately 100 kilowatt hours will allow a range of approximately 400 kilometers. According to insiders, the two electric motors will have a system output of 517 hp (380 kW).
Also with range extender
However, the Fusilier will come not only as a pure electric car, but also in a range-extending version. This range extender is an internal combustion engine that kicks in to support the battery; however, the Fusilier is still powered solely by electric motors. With the internal combustion engine, the total range is expected to be up to 700 kilometers. Ratcliffe explains the reason for the range extender variant several times. The biggest problem with electric cars is “range anxiety”, that is, the fear of not being able to travel long distances. Additionally, charging stations are often difficult to find and have wait times, making connecting to an electric vehicle even more difficult. With the range extender, Ineos wants to solve these problems and offers an environmentally friendly option despite supporting the internal combustion engine.
Ratcliffe also criticizes current EU policy that forces consumers to switch to electric vehicles. From his perspective, it’s the wrong approach. Instead, Europe should take its cue from the US, where customers are given the choice of which driver to use. With the Stromer model, Ineos now reluctantly offers such an option: “We have to take this offer whether we like it or not.”
No hydrogen yet
Last year Ineos presented a hydrogen-powered prototype of the Grenadier at the Goodwood Festival in Great Britain. As we approach the launch of the Fusilier, rumors that the new model will also be based on hydrogen have been confirmed. There are reasons why this isn’t happening now. Ratcliffe explains that hydrogen drives will certainly be part of the solution to making mobility environmentally friendly, but the infrastructure is currently lacking and more research into the technology is needed.
It therefore remains unclear when vehicle manufacturer Ineos will take a closer look at hydrogen propulsion. Whether internal combustion engine, hydrogen drive or fully electric: Driving pleasure must be a top priority for models, says Ratcliffe. That’s why Ineos relies on fewer assistance systems and a classic interior design. As with the Grenadier, there should be plenty of actual buttons and switches that operate important functions. According to Ratcliffe, “navigating multiple menus to turn on the heated seats is tedious.”
It will be a while before we see the new Fusilier in action. Information about the range extender’s gasoline engine and market availability will come in the autumn. However, Ratcliffe has already revealed that Fusilier likely won’t be revealed until early or mid-2027. Prices? Of course it’s still wide open. But this shouldn’t be a bargain: the Grenadier with a conventional gasoline engine has a starting price of just over 80,000 francs.
Source: Blick
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
