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With INEOS Automotive taking on the world of 4×4 with their Grenadier as a worthy replacement for the much-loved Defender, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn they’ve been busy behind the scenes developing a brand new member of the Grenadier family which is about to take the world by storm.
With more than five thousand Grenadiers having left the Hambach factory since production began last year, INEOS Automotive chose the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed to introduce the Quartermaster, a double cab pickup which, at first glance fills yet another gap in the market – and the order books are already open for customers in the UK, Germany, Australia and the UAE. Orders will be taken for all other markets from August 1st except the US and Canada, which will commence in 2024.
The Quartermaster’s key facts and figures certainly whet the appetite: “264 mm of ground clearance, 800 mm wading depth and approach, breakover and departure angles unrivalled by any other series production pick-up.” The drive remains unchanged with the BMW 3.0 litre turbocharged six cylinder petrol and diesel engines mated to the 8-speed ZF gearbox, Tremec transfer box, central diff lock and Carraro axles.
The Quartermaster’s ladder frame chassis is 305 mm longer which translates to a load bay measuring 1,564 mm long and 1.619 mm wide, capable of swallowing a euro pallet with room to spare. With a payload of 760 kg and the familiar 3,500 kg towing capacity, there is plenty of room for five people and all kinds of equipment.
The load bay sports four tie-down rings (utility rails are optional), a 400 W power point, an integrated (good looking) roll bar and a 1,280 mm wide tailgate that can support 225 kg when opened flat.
The list of accessories includes a sturdy frame and canvas canopy, lockable tonneau cover and a roof rack capable of carrying expedition essentials.
Seated behind the Quartermaster’s steering wheel, all round visibility is excellent. However, without taking the car for a drive, it’s impossible to say how well balanced the car feels and whether or not the back axle will be skittish without a payload. Having said that, I think it is fair to assume that the engineers will have taken everything into account, just as they did when developing the Grenadier.
The second row seats are what you would expect from a double cab and offer space for kids and adults who probably don’t play basket ball. At 1,98 metres, I struggled to squeeze myself in behind the front seats.
As much as the Quartermaster looks good with and without the canvas cover, I could certainly foresee a bridge over the load bay to support a rooftop tent and a drawer system beneath to keep all my gear sorted.
I certainly look forward to combining some outdoor activities with a proper test drive as soon as vehicles are made available to the press.
