A Hardcore 4×4, at a Premium Price
The Ineos Grenadier has the off-road credentials to rival U.S. favorites such as the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, but its pricing positions it as a niche option for well-heeled buyers. Part of that stems from its French-based production, which subjects the off-roader to higher import tariffs introduced last year.
The British marque has already considered adding a production line in the U.S.—a move that could prove important given Americans’ strong appetite for large, ladder-frame vehicles like the Ford F-150. However, CEO Lynn Calder has noted that there is little incentive to move forward while the Hambach plant, which supplies vehicles to roughly 50 global markets, has yet to reach full utilization. In the meantime, FRAME offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the off-roader is manufactured in France.
Inside the Factory Walls
The approximately 2.26-million-square-foot facility relies on a mix of modern manufacturing techniques, including a fully-automated body shop, a semi-automated paint shop, advanced robotics, and computer-aided design (CAD) tools to streamline prototyping. A workforce of about 1,300 people remains essential for tasks such as surface sanding during paint preparation and the installation of components like wiring harnesses.
The Grenadier’s boxy body construction combines high-strength steel for durability with aluminum components used in select areas to reduce weight. It rides on beam axles supplied by Carraro Group and uses a suspension system developed by Magna International. Coil springs and heavy-duty dampers underpin the setup, enabling the Grenadier’s hardcore off-road capability.
Power comes from BMW-sourced engines. The U.S. market receives the 3.0-liter turbocharged B58 gasoline inline-six, producing 282 horsepower, while other markets also offer the 3.0-liter B57 turbocharged diesel. Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission from ZF.
What Buyers Pay, and What’s on Hold
In the U.S., the five-seat Grenadier Station Wagon starts at around $71,000 before destination charges, nearly double the price of an entry-level Ford Bronco. Meanwhile, the Quartermaster pickup carries a base price of roughly $84,000.
Ineos had also planned to expand its production lineup with the Fusilier, a model intended to offer both range-extender and fully electric variants. It was expected to be assembled by Magna Steyr in Austria, where models like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the outgoing Toyota GR Supra are made. However, the program is currently on hold as the company reassesses manufacturing priorities amid shifting market conditions, higher EV costs in the U.S., and evolving emissions regulations in Europe.
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