2022 Ineos Grenadier interior revealed: Hard-working but hi-tech design for Land Rover Defender, Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, Toyota LandCruiser challenger

Modern conveniences and a timeless design.

Those are the hallmarks of the just unveiled interior of the all-new Ineos Grenadier. The brainchild of British billionaire, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Grenadier is being designed as a hardcore off-roader to go head-to-head with the likes of the Land Rover Defender, Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen and new Toyota LandCruiser 300. 

Having already revealed the Defender-inspired exterior design and confirmed it will use BMW-sourced petrol and diesel engines, the interior was the last major design element still shrouded in mystery.

“When we started thinking about the Grenadier’s interior, we looked carefully at modern aircraft, boats and even tractors for inspiration, where switches are sited for optimal function, regular controls are close to hand, auxiliary ones are further away,” explained Toby Ecuyer, Head of Design for Ineos Automotive. “You can see the same approach in the Grenadier: the layout is functional and logical, designed with ease of use in mind. It has everything you need and nothing you don’t.”

As with the rest of what we know about the Grenadier, the interior combines the latest in luxuries with the practical demands. The two-spoke steering wheel features buttons for key functions that appears to include a ‘Toot’ button for cyclists but there’s no instrument panel to allow for a clearer forward view.
Instead the key driving information is included in the 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen that sits proudly atop the centre console. The multimedia system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for both entertainment and navigation. But there’s also a ‘pathfinder off-road’ system that allows the driver to mark their route with waypoints on unmapped roads.

While this is cutting edge, the rest of the centre facisa appears to be inspired by aircrafts, with large switches and dials that can be operated with gloves on. In keeping with the plane theme, the switchgear continues onto the roof between the front occupants, with more key functions controlled from that upper panel, as well as pre-wired slots for accessories, such as winches and auxiliary lights if needed.

One other small nod to current-day cars is the gear selector, which appears to have been taken directly from BMW’s parts bin. Alongside it is an old-school low-range shifter, with Ineos not following the more recent trend of its rivals by making that function a switch or dial.

While it may have some modern conveniences, the Grenadier has been built for people who really want to get it dirty. That’s why the interior includes a ‘hose-out’ rubber floor with drain plugs and switchgear and a dashboard that are “splash-proof” and can be wiped down for cleaning.

Ineos has confirmed there will be at least three seating layout options for the Grenadier. The first is a private customer version with five Recaro seats, then a commercial variant with the choice of either two- or five-seat layouts. According to the company, the two-seater will be capable of fitting a standard Euro-sized pallet (which is longer but narrower than an Australian pallet) behind them.

All seats are trimmed in what the company calls “hard-wearing, anti-pile, stain- and water-resistant fabric” that requires no aftermarket treatment or covers.

Storage has been a key part of the design process, with a large centre console box that’s lockable, a dry storage box under the rear seats and large bottle holders in each door.

Another practical feature is an optional ‘Power Pack’ that includes a 2000-watt AC converter that can power tools and other small electronics such as camping equipment. Also available as an option are glass roof panels that can run either side of the roof-mounted console. They are able to both tilt or be completely removed depending on the operator's needs.

Ineos says the Grenadier is on track to hit the market in July 2022 - at least in Europe - with 130 prototypes already halfway through the company’s goal of 1.8m kilometres of testing. Currently the Grenadier is being put through its paces in the dunes of Morocco, according to the company’s statement.

With Ineos’ British heritage the Grenadier is confirmed for right-hand drive production and will be sold in Australia, likely a short period after its overseas on-sale date.