The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster, the pickup variant of the renowned Grenadier off-roader, presents itself as a workhorse built for extreme environments. Designed for adventurers and professionals in need of a rugged vehicle, it stands out for its exceptional off-road capabilities. However, its price and on-road behavior raise some concerns. After testing this vehicle, we share our insights on its strengths and limitations, especially considering our previous experience with the Ineos Grenadier Fieldmaster.
Dimensions and Exterior Design: An Imposing Stature
The Quartermaster measures 5.44 meters in length, 1.94 meters in width, and 2.01 meters in height—dimensions that are hard to miss. Compared to the Grenadier Station Wagon, it is 54.5 cm longer, mainly due to the added pickup bed at the rear. Its bold design, with rigid lines, round headlights, and a near-horizontal hood, evokes the classic Land Rover Defender style but with a modern, rugged twist. This “functional” look is appealing but not ideal for urban use: its 14.5-meter turning radius makes maneuvering and parking in the city particularly difficult.
Its large pickup bed, measuring 1.67 meters long and 1.94 meters wide, is designed to carry heavy loads—up to 835 kg—making it highly efficient for transport tasks. However, this imposing size limits its agility on narrow roads, a trade-off for those considering using this pickup for daily urban commuting.
Interior Design and Ergonomics: Practicality First
Inside, the Grenadier Quartermaster doesn’t hide its utilitarian DNA. The cabin is simple, with an abundance of buttons, each dedicated to a specific function, providing an ergonomically efficient design meant for use in harsh conditions. The button layout is practical, ideal for use with gloves. However, the sheer number of buttons, especially those on the roof, might seem excessive. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hinder usability, as each button is clearly labeled.
The hard plastic interior, although basic, is built to withstand extreme work conditions, and the overall build quality is impeccable. That said, while the craftsmanship is unquestionable, the aesthetic is basic and focused on durability rather than comfort or refinement.
The Recaro front seats provide good comfort, but rear passengers, despite a spacious bench, will suffer from the upright seatback position and the large transmission tunnel. This vehicle is not designed for long trips as a rear passenger but rather for occasional use or cargo transport.
Different Engine Options: Power and Torque for Tough Terrain
The Quartermaster offers two engine options, both developed by BMW: a B57 diesel engine producing 249 hp and a more powerful S58 petrol engine with 286 hp. The diesel engine, with a torque of 550 Nm, is particularly well-suited for off-road use, delivering exceptional performance on tough terrains. The petrol engine, while more powerful, reaches higher speeds but offers similar off-road capabilities.
Both engines are paired with an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, a smooth and efficient gearbox that makes tackling obstacles effortless. The vehicle’s high weight, 2.7 tons for the diesel version, impacts fuel consumption, which remains high, averaging around 12 l/100 km regardless of the chosen engine.
Driving Experience: Off-Road Is Where It Shines
The driving experience in the Grenadier Quartermaster is primarily geared toward off-road environments. On asphalt, the vehicle doesn’t excel in agility: its large turning radius and vague steering make maneuvering difficult. However, once off-road, it becomes a true workhorse, capable of crossing fords up to 800 mm deep and climbing steep slopes thanks to its 26.4 cm ground clearance and its approach and departure angles of 35.5° and 22.6°, respectively.
The vehicle offers great stability on rough terrain but can feel a bit stiff and cumbersome on regular roads. It is more comfortable at moderate speeds, where it can fully exploit its capabilities without being disrupted. The combination of permanent all-wheel drive, the well-calibrated transmission, and optional lockable differentials makes it perfectly equipped to tackle the harshest conditions.
Comparison with the Ineos Grenadier Fieldmaster
When compared to the Fieldmaster, the pickup version of the Grenadier stands out with its larger payload and pickup bed, which can carry more gear. The Fieldmaster, on the other hand, is more maneuverable on the road due to its smaller dimensions but doesn’t offer the same cargo or towing capacity. The Quartermaster is the go-to vehicle for those who need to transport heavy loads or embark on off-road expeditions, while the Fieldmaster is better suited for daily commutes or more versatile driving needs.
Price in Belgium
The starting price of the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster in Belgium is €78,272, but it can quickly rise for better-equipped versions, such as the Trailmaster or Fieldmaster, which start at €87,708.
Conclusion: The Pros and Cons
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster is a rugged vehicle designed for the harshest environments. Its main strengths lie in its exceptional off-road capabilities, cargo capacity, and unique design. It’s a vehicle that gets the job done without compromise in difficult conditions.
The pros:
- Exceptional off-road capability with 26.4 cm ground clearance and optional lockable differentials.
- Great cargo and towing capacity (up to 3.5 tons).
- Unique, solid design inspired by the Land Rover Defender.
- Rugged construction, ideal for professional use or adventurous types.
The cons:
- Difficult maneuvering in urban environments due to the high turning radius and vague steering.
- Limited comfort, especially in the rear, with seats not suited for long distances.
- High fuel consumption, especially with the diesel engine.
- Expensive price, making it less competitive against other more versatile pickups.
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