The INEOS Grenadier Station Wagon is nothing short of formidable. Standing over two metres tall and stretching nearly five metres in length, its rugged and angular design commands a certain level of respect. Climbing into the Grenadier is quite the athletic affair, requiring a bit of a hoist due to its generous ground clearance, which of course, hints at its extraordinary off-road prowess. But once you’ve surmounted this initial hurdle, you’re greeted with yet another surprise! My first reaction upon settling into the driver’s seat was: Wow, am I in the cockpit of an small aeroplane? The interior is refreshingly uncluttered, with a layout that’s far from overwhelming. The controls placed on the roof reinforce that aeroplane-like sensation, making the experience all the more thrilling. I absolutely adore it! And the little touches, like the Toot Button, really stand out: it offers a polite, softer alternative to the regular horn, perfect for alerting cyclists, pedestrians, or any other road users in a considerate manner.

Once you’re on the move, the steering immediately grabs your attention. It’s rather smooth, yet demands an active hand on the wheel. Regrettably, the turning circle leaves something to be desired, particularly on narrow Swiss mountain roads. On tighter bends, you might find yourself needing more than one attempt to navigate. This is largely due to the recirculating ball steering system. However, despite this minor inconvenience, the Grenadier truly earns its title as the “King of the Off-Road” in my book. With its differential locks and gear reduction, it’s capable of taking its occupants just about anywhere... It’s evident that the Grenadier was purpose-built for offroad adventures. This is its natural habitat, where you, as a driver, can fully explore its potential.

For our test, we had the pleasure of driving the INEOS Grenadier with the 3-litre petrol engine (286 hp/450 Nm). While it performs admirably, I’d argue that the diesel engine (249 hp/550 Nm) might be the superior choice for this beast of a vehicle. The petrol engine operates smoothly and manages the hefty 3-tonne weight competently, but its acceleration doesn’t exactly dazzle. The extra Newton metres from the diesel would certainly be welcome, particularly off-road or when towing, as the Grenadier is capable of pulling up to 3.5 tonnes. In terms of fuel efficiency, the diesel variant would likely be more economical as well: during our test, we averaged a rather hefty 16.3 l/100 km, and that wasn’t just from clambering up mountains – we also spent time on motorways and country roads. It’s especially on the tarmac that you notice the Grenadier’s off-roadoriented design: the suspension is quite firm, and you’ll be acutely aware of every bump. While the comfortable seats do provide some relief, the Grenadier wouldn’t be my go-to for long motorway drives, despite its generous interior space. The vehicle’s size is well-utilised – unlike with many modern cars, which seem to grow larger on the outside yet shrink on the inside, the Grenadier offers ample room. The boot’s height is also noteworthy, easily accommodating bulkier items.

So, if you’re in the market for a vehicle that can take you just about anywhere and you don’t primarily need it for long motorway hauls, the INEOS Grenadier could well be your ideal choice. Plus, with the Grenadier, you’ll certainly stand out from the crowd, avoiding the automotive monotony that’s so prevalent today.

BY MARCO KELLENBERGER
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+ POSITIVE
Exceptional off-road capabilities;
Thoughtfully detailed interior;
Spacious with excellent loading capacity

– NEGATIVE
Heavy build;
Stiff chassis;
High fuel consumption

= VERDICT
The Grenadier is ideal for those who need or love to drive off-road, making it a perfect match for the rugged terrain of Gstaad/ Saanenland. However, if long-distance travel is your priority, there are likely more suitable options available.