Ineos intends to develop its range with three new models in addition to the Grenadier. One of them would be a small electric 4×4 facing the Jeep Avenger.
This week, we offered you a complete test of the new Ineos Grenadier, after a first quick start last year. My colleague Romain Vannier expressed his joy at finding a pure and hard 4×4, “more charming than a Toyota Land Cruiser and less showy than the current Land Rover Defender” thanks to an idea from the English businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe. One would have thought that the latter, a big fan of Land Rover, would stop at this Grenadier (named after the English pub where it was imagined). But it is without counting on the spirit of conquest of the man, who intends to launch a complete range of vehicles.
Three additional models for the young brand
The boss reconfirmed that Ineos was indeed working on creating a small electric off-roader, a luxury SUV similar in size to the Grenadier and a more urban model. It is the small electric off-roader which would be the first to arrive on the market. According to our Autocar colleagues who were able to talk to Ratcliffe, the vehicle is quite advanced and it could be that the design and development of the platform is about to be frozen.
This small 4×4 will use a new platform developed by Ineos specifically for electric vehicles and modular according to need. Ratcliffe has confirmed that it will be smaller than the Grenadier but look like its franchising big brother. The technical characteristics of the model are not yet known, of course, but the sounds of the corridor evoke a potential autonomy of around 400 km. The boss of petrochemical group Ineos says the vehicle will not feature torque vectoring systems or complex on-board motors. It could be produced in the same French factory in Hambach (ex-Smart) as the Grenadier.
A strong rival for the Avenger
In addition to this small electric 4×4, another small model will complete the range, and give voice to a newcomer to the segment that is already making noise: the Jeep Avenger. This one has just been crowned Car of the Year 2023, and relies above all on its 100% electric motorization in Europe (except in Spain and Italy where it also has a 100 hp petrol engine) to seduce the crowds. . Ineos will respond with a more urban vehicle, but not necessarily without the pretensions of franchisor. The battle promises to be tough with the future 4×4 version of the electric Avenger!
Finally, the brand should also offer a more luxurious SUV, a sort of “road” version of the rustic Grenadier. The model should focus on comfort more than on off-road capabilities, in order to attract another clientele.
Photos : DR.
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
Ineos is preparing a small electric 4×4 and a hydrogen Grenadier
Ineos Grenadier: visit to the Hambach factory, ready for the launch of the 4×4
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