Key Takeaways
- Ineos CEO announces plan to introduce two new models in the coming years.
- A smaller SUV and a larger off-roader are among the planned future vehicles.
- Ineos is considering production in the United States and is exploring hydrogen fuel-cell technology.
Ineos Automotive, the automaker behind the Grenadier and Grenadier Quartermaster, has plans to introduce two new models alongside the electrified Fusilier. Speaking at the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit, CEO Lynn Calder said new SUVs will arrive after 2027. While only a few details were shared, she said one would be positioned below the Grenadier while another would be larger.
The smaller model may be positioned as a rival to the upcoming Rivian R2, a midsized off-roader that will be priced around $45,000. If Ineos can price its entry-level offering around this point, it will put the brand within reach of more customers, thereby increasing potential sales. The larger version will likely offer three-row seating and more luxuries. This version could go up against the Mercedes G-Class and Defender 130.
2024 Ineos Grenadier
- Base MSRP
-
$71,500
- Engine
-
3.0-liter Turbo Inline 6
- Horsepower
-
282 hp
- Torque
-
332 lb-ft @ 1,750 rpm
- Transmission
-
8-Speed Automatic
- Drivetrain
-
Four-Wheel Drive
- Towing Capacity
-
7,716 lbs
- Curb Weight
-
5,875 lbs
Two New Models Coming Soon
According to MotorTrend, neither of these new SUVs will be as capable (off-road, at least) as the Grenadier and its Quartermaster sibling. With the arrival of the Fusilier, Ineos will soon have a comprehensive lineup of off-roaders that cater to most needs. As a reminder, it will be offered in battery-electric and range-extender forms, providing greater flexibility for consumers. Calder has said the EV, underpinned by a skateboard platform, will have a range of 249 miles.
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Unlike conventional PHEVs, the range extender’s combustion engine won’t power the wheels but send energy to the battery, allowing the Fusilier to function as an electric vehicle. “We think it is a very important transition vehicle,” added Calder, who noted that the electrified SUV would produce 20-30% fewer C02 emissions than a traditional combustion engine. Ineos hasn’t made a powertrain decision regarding the new models, but the CEO suggested they will be available with varying powertrains, such as electric, PHEV, and ICE.
Ineos Eyeing US Production
Aside from new models, Ineos also has plans to expand its production footprint. Currently, the automaker has just one factory in Hambach, France, at the site of the old Smart facility. Calder said that a plant in the United States could improve sales in America, which is already the most lucrative market for the Grenadier. Originally, Ineos had plans to build the Quartermaster in China, but import duties on pickups made this an impractical solution. “Are we interested in the US? Absolutely,” said the CEO.
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While the Quartermaster is sold in the United States, it has been slapped with the Chicken Tax, which makes it even more expensive than its SUV sibling. But if it were built in the United States, it would be much cheaper, giving the Jeep Gladiator something to worry about. With any luck, Ineos will be able to set up Quartermaster production in the United States. If you’re not sure what the Chicken Tax is, CarBuzz has a very detailed guide that you can read here.
Hydrogen Yes, But No Synthetic Fuels For Now
Aside from range-extender and battery-electric drivetrains, Ineos is also looking into hydrogen fuel-cell technology. In theory, this would allow for long-distance driving with zero emissions. Toyota is also looking into fuel cell technology for the same reason, which would enable the Land Cruiser to cover great distances in remote locations like the Australian Outback or the Sahara desert. For now, Ineos is trialing Grenadier EUVs with BMW fuel-cell systems.
Related
Ineos Grenadier SUV Already Sold Out For 2024
The automaker has delivered 1,000 off-roaders in its first few months of selling to Americans.
The automaker isn’t ready for e-fuels right now. “At the moment, there’s just not enough e-fuel to go around, and it’s going to be extremely expensive,” said Calder. Based on current estimates, a gallon of synthetic fuel would cost around $38 a liter, which is out of reach for most consumers. “It feels like it’s a long way off in terms of having sufficient fuel to imagine keeping a combustion engine fleet alive at a total cost of ownership for customers that would be acceptable. We’re not discounting it, we’re interested. We’re a bit more invested in hydrogen, but we think it’s also a long way off because of infrastructure.”
News Summary:
- Ineos CEO Says Two New SUVs Are Coming After 2027
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