BMW's Secret Weapon Hits the Dirt: The Powerhouse Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster Unveiled!
For those who thought BMW's prowess was confined to luxury sedans and lightning-fast coupés, a revelation unfolds in the form of the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster. While BMW may not directly venture into the rough terrains with an off-roading SUV or a burly pickup truck, it has found a formidable ally in Ineos Automotive. This partnership, set in stone a few years back, bestowed upon the world vehicles that merge BMW's engineering excellence with Ineos's vision of resilience.
The Grenadier SUV first saw the daylight in 2022, equipped with 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engines from BMW, marking the onset of a partnership aimed at conquering untamed landscapes. Fast forward to 2023, the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster pickup truck rolls out of the production line, boasting the same heart but tailored for the rugged adventures that lie beyond the beaten path. The year 2024 promises more as Ineos Automotive is gearing up to launch a chassis cab version that will carry the same BMW-engineered B58 and B57 engines, embodying power and versatility.
Designed for the Unconventional
The upcoming chassis cab variant is a nod to those who seek a vehicle that is as adaptable as it is powerful. Targeting specialist conversion companies and commercial bodybuilders, Ineos Automotive is offering a platform that screams utility. Equipped with standard four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, and an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF, this Grenadier is built to face any challenge. The addition of up to three locking differentials amplifies its off-road capabilities, ensuring that no terrain is too daunting. And with a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms (7,716 pounds), it is ready to haul whatever you throw its way.
Under the hood lies the heart of the beast - the B58 gasoline and B57 diesel engines. The gasoline version punches out 286 horsepower and 450 Newton-meters of torque, while the diesel counterpart delivers 249 hp and 550 Nm. Though these trucks may not break any speed records, with a top speed capped at 99 mph, their strength lies in their ability to conquer the great outdoors. Performance figures reveal a 0 to 62 mph acceleration time of 8.8 seconds for the gasoline model and 9.8 seconds for the diesel, showcasing the balance between raw power and endurance.
A Colossal Presence
These BMW-powered mechanical giants stand as the heftiest offerings in their class, with the diesel version tipping the scales at 2,718 kilograms (5,992 pounds). Drawing a parallel with the BMW XM may seem unusual, yet it highlights the significant engineering prowess behind these vehicles. Sharing a 3227 millimeter (127 inch) wheelbase with the conventional pickup truck, the chassis cab version retains the heavy-duty solid beam axles and an option for a five-seat double cab, blending strength with creature comforts.
Ineos Automotive's decision to manufacture the chassis cab at the Hambach factory in France, a site previously known for producing Smart cars, marks a new chapter in the book of automotive ingenuity. Priced at £53,180 in the United Kingdom, this vehicle carves a niche for itself. While the U.S. market has yet to embrace the Grenadier Quartermaster chassis cab, the Grenadier SUV paves the way, starting at $73,100.
As the line between conventional and extraordinary vehicles blurs, the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster stands as a testament to what happens when two powerhouses of the automotive world join forces. This is not just a vehicle; it's a declaration of engineering prowess, a venture into the realms unexplored, powered by BMW and perfected by Ineos.