British start-up off-road brand boosts wheelbase and promises decent payload and tub dimensions for Grenadier pick-up
A 300mm wheelbase stretch allowing its tray to accommodate a full-size adventure motorcycle will be the highlight of the upcoming 2024 INEOS Grenadier dual-cab 4×4 ute, which was spied testing for the first time earlier this week.
And local management is hopeful the second model from the start-up British off-road brand could arrive in Australia before the end of 2023.
The INEOS pick-up will feature the same mechanicals, running gear and interior treatments of the Grenadier five-door wagon, which after several production delays launches globally next month and arrives in Australia in March, available in 12 variants now priced from $97,000.
INEOS confirmed to carsales in mid-2021 that it was targeting a lower price tag but the same 3500kg towing capacity and one-tonne payload for the four-door crew-cab version.
However, importantly, the wheelbase has been stretched by around 300mm. This, coupled with a modest increase in rear overhang, will ensure that the utility version of the dual-cab will come with a proper tub.
The second model from INEOS Automotive, the dual-cab will also be offered in a cab-chassis variant to cater for specialist industrial and commercial customers, as well as off-roaders and adventurers who wish to add custom-built payload units.
INEOS Automotive head of engineering Oliver Schlipf told carsales the production version of the dual-cab would feature a longer tray than initial prototypes (officially rendered here). He promises the dimensions were such that “it fits a BMW 1200 GS” motorcycle.
That points to a substantially longer bed than conventional dual-cab 4×4 utes. The full-size BMW adventure bike is one of the larger in its class.
But Schlipf was at pains to point out the extended rear overhang would not significantly affect the vehicle’s departure angle, retaining the ladder-frame platform’s excellent off-road potential.
The tub will also accommodate a euro pallet between the wheel-arches. And drawing attention to one unfavourable characteristic of Toyota’s 70 Series off-roaders, the ute’s front and rear wheel tracks are identical to the Grenadier wagon’s.
The Grenadier wagon and dual-cab are identical from the B-pillar forward, Schlipf confirmed.
Rear seat dimensions match the European ‘N1’ commercial vehicle-spec of Grenadier. This means a slight reduction in rear legroom and a more upright rear seat backrest.
Schlipf also confirmed production of late-stage Grenadier dual-cab pre-production prototypes had begun, with the vehicles about to start winter testing.
INEOS local boss Justin Hocevar is bullish about the prospects for the Grenadier dual-cab and is pushing to have the vehicle on Australian roads and tracks before the end of this year.
“There are many Australian buyers both commercial and recreational that favour this type of vehicle. We think there will be good demand for both ute and cab-chassis versions,” he stated.
No Australia spec or pricing details have yet been shared for the new Grenadier dual-cab.
“Those discussions are going on at the moment,” Hocevar stated.
Stand by for our first drive of the INEOS Grenadier on February 8.
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Keyword: INEOS Grenadier dual-cab ute could arrive here this year