In South Africa, where the roads are as rugged as its people, and there is an unrelenting and not-so-subtle need for adventure, there is always room for another 4×4. But not all 4x4s will survive here. Not just because the braai brigade will personally pick each feature apart but because this is a market that demands that their 4x4s are as hardhitting as a Springbok scrum, able to navigate, chew up, and spit out the most challenging of terrains, yet at the same time make its driver feel important. Enter the INEOS Grenadier. We were in an incredibly fortunate position to get a fully immersive experience with the Grenadier, courtesy of its South African custodian, the SMH Group, and we have a verdict. Wow. Born from the vision of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, chairman of the multinational chemical conglomerate INEOS, the Grenadier might remind you of another once-favorite 4×4 and reportedly has the aerodynamics of a barn door, but it’s not designed for the Kyalami racetrack. It’s designed for the outdoors, and it is a job it takes exceptionally seriously and delivers on extremely well.

A Journey from Concept to Reality, Every vehicle has a story. Born from an idea and transitioning into the four wheels we see today. Jaguar, for one, was developed by two motorcycling enthusiasts who originally built sidecars. The Land Rover was built with aluminium, the only metal available after WWII, to replace two brothers’ trusty (but broken) Willy’s Jeep. The INEOS Grenadier also has its own story. Its inception traces back to a simple yet ambitious idea of Sir Jim Ratcliffe: to create a vehicle that could fill the void left by his beloved and iconic Land Rover Defender, which ceased production in 2016. Ratcliffe’s vision was clear – to engineer a vehicle that combines the robustness of a workhorse with the finesse of a luxury SUV. Named after Ratcliffe’s favourite pub in London, The Grenadier, where the initial concept was discussed, the INEOS Grenadier has evolved from a dream shared over a few pints into a tangible emblem of resilience and innovation.

It was born for the South African spirit. But we digress; this is an equestrian magazine, and we need to explain why this vehicle is an excellent companion to the equestrian family. However, if you are a long-suffering equestrian widow, usually, but not always, a husband or a long-suffering mother or father hauling horseboxes into dusty side roads to get to a show. Let’s take this time to give you the ultimate excuse as to why you should be spending your hard-earned money on this vehicle and not just stash it away for (insert fancy name) stud’s auction. (That wasn’t a typo)

Engineering Excellence Unleashed, The Grenadier is a masterpiece of design and engineering, blending traditional 4×4 attributes with contemporary advancements. Its ladder-frame chassis, permanent four-wheel drive, and triplelocking differentials set a new standard in off-road capability. At the same time, the partnership with BMW ensures a driving experience that is both thrilling and refined. The vehicle’s solid beam axles and exceptional towing capacity exemplify its readiness to confront any challenge. As an equestrian (or equestrian by affiliation), you will understand the importance of towing. Buy two fancy warmbloods and a sturdy horsebox, and you will start to look at towing at least three tons, which is why it is an ideal companion for the equestrian enthusiast.

Uncompromised Durability, At the heart of the Grenadier’s resilience is its foundational architecture—the aforementioned ladder-frame chassis. This chassis, in collaboration with the solid beam axles, is the backbone of the Grenadier and allows it to tackle challenging terrains (and potholes) with unmatched stability and strength. Understanding the toll South Africa’s extreme elements can exact on a vehicle, the Grenadier has been engineered with exceptional corrosion protection. Its chassis and key structural components have undergone an e-coating process, a technique that ensures every crevice and corner is sealed against corrosion. A bit like the grooming prep for a show pony entering a showing class, this meticulous approach to preventing rust extends the Grenadier’s lifespan and maintains its aesthetic appeal, giving it the perfect turnout.

Looking Under the Hood, The INEOS Grenadier’s power comes from its sophisticated engine options, both sourced from BMW. The choices include a 3.0-litre turbo petrol engine, delivering 283 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, offering 248 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. These BMW engines are paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, like a Holsteiner, it’s renowned for its smooth shifting and reliability. The Grenadier’s powertrains are not just about raw power; much like the eventing horses they may be towing, they represent a harmonious balance between fuel efficiency, emissions control, and the capability to power through the most daunting of adventures. Its aesthetics are a nod to functionality meshed with a modern, no-nonsense design ethos. From its boxy silhouette that maximises interior space to the flat front wings that can support a mug of tea or a laptop, every element has been carefully considered with practicality and functionality in mind. Exterior wiring with exit points for auxiliary lighting, a utility rail with a universal fixing system (great for teff nets), and a split rear door for easy loading exemplify the vehicle’s practical elegance. The colour palette is very Braveheart, with hues like Scottish White, Donny Grey, and the whimsical Magic Mushroom. In fact, you’d be forgiven if you thought they were named after racehorses.

The Equestrian’s Choice, Right now, let’s get back to the horsepower. And by this, we mean the actual horse and the Grenadier as equestrian family companions. We recently put the vehicle through its paces at Inanda Country Base (ICB), and it did not disappoint. It effortlessly towed a horsebox, ate up dongas and rough terrain, challenged a galloping eventer, and acted as a storage facility. Our verdict? For those in the equestrian community, the Grenadier is more than just a vehicle; it’s a partner in an adventurous lifestyle. Its adaptability makes it perfect for transporting horses, equipment, and feed with ease. The ample space, robust design, and thoughtful features like trailer stability assistance and easy-to-clean interiors reflect a deep understanding of the needs of horse owners and riders. It’s a vehicle that bridges the gap between functionality and luxury, proving that in the world of equestrianism, the Grenadier is not just an option; it’s the ultimate choice for those who seek the thrill of adventure without compromising on comfort and style.