The Ineos Quartermaster pickup builds on the Grenadier 4x4's proven off-road capabilities by adding a practical rear load bed while keeping the twin-cab design. Now, the introduction of a dedicated two-seat commercial (N1) variant of the Quartermaster pickup brings welcome versatility, making it an attractive choice for business users and fleet operators. Ineos continues to offer both petrol and diesel engines sourced from BMW, with the diesels likely to hold broader appeal in Ireland.
How big is the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster N1?
Measuring in at an overall length of 5,440mm, the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster N1 is 545mm longer than a Grenadier 4x4. That stretch includes a bump in the wheelbase, with the Grenadier Quartermaster N1 having 3,227mm between its axle centrelines versus 2,922mm on the fully enclosed Grenadier.
There’s the choice of 17- or 18-inch wheels in either steel or alloy designs. Despite the added length to the rear due to the load bed, the Ineos maintains a respectable 22.6-degree departure angle, while the front gets a 35.5-degree approach angle with 26.2 degrees at breakover. One important dimension to note is the overall height, which at 2,019mm means it won’t fit into some multi-storey car parks.
What’s it like inside the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster N1?
If you want your pickup to have a proper Tonka Truck feel, then you’ll like what Ineos has done with the interior of the Grenadier Quartermaster N1. The layout is carried over unchanged from the Grenadier 4x4 and features an upright dashboard with a centre console festooned with physical buttons and rotary dials. Modelled on the look of an old aircraft cockpit, the aesthetic is unlike anything else on sale.
Sure, the numerous Allen bolts that appear to hold in each segment may only be for show, but they add to the image of the Grenadier Quartermaster. There’s still a touchscreen up top, though the menu system is on the basic side. At least it’s not all that distracting, though the screen isn’t as bright or sharp as others.
The menu system is clearly laid out, and as there are so many physical buttons for specific functions, you won’t have to delve into the touchscreen all that often. You can use the rotary controller between the front seats to navigate the native infotainment system. It also supports Android Auto with a wired connection and Apple CarPlay either wired or wirelessly. A reversing camera is included as standard.
The console between the front seats is a bit of a hodgepodge of shifters and physical handbrake - the latter we’re grateful for - a pair of cupholders and a rotary controller for navigating the menu system. Much like the dashboard and overhead buttons, this controller looks chunky and has a metallic finish but feels light and plasticky to the touch. Those overhead controls we mentioned are useful as Ineos pre-wires the Grenadier Quartermaster, making adding accessories such as light bars easier. Again, it leans into the aeronautical aesthetic, which many buyers will probably like, and in reality, there are few other places where Ineos could have fitted in so many additional buttons. We like the optional small ‘safari’ windows that can be popped open over both front seats.
In the Grenadier Quartermaster N1, a rigid mesh bulkhead separates the rear compartment behind the front seats. Both rear doors retain the window glass and switchgear, and a flat box section covers what would normally be the seat mounting points. Beneath this cover is access to the battery compartment. In total, the rear of the cabin holds 850 litres of cargo.
Driving the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster N1
One of the core attributes Ineos set out for the Grenadier, and subsequently the Quartermaster, was genuine off-road ability and toughness. After all, this model line was conceived as a continuation of the legacy left behind by the original Land Rover Defender. But being pragmatic, we must start with how it performs on the road, as that’s where most owners will conduct some or most of their driving. Surprisingly, and unlike many pickups, the Grenadier Quartermaster puts in a good account of itself.
More often than not, pickups can have a less than pleasant ride quality, especially when the load bed at the rear is empty. Pickups can feel overly stiff due to the suspension being set up to have the ability to shoulder a ton of weight (literally and figuratively) and they can feel fidgety at the rear when on the move. While the Ineos doesn’t manage to carry quite that weight over its rear axle, the ride comfort is far better than expected, so if ultimate load capacity isn’t critical, it’s an excellent trade-off. Granted, it’s not quite as supple as the Ford Ranger Raptor, but it doesn’t demonstrate the same busyness that other pickups can when travelling over uneven stretches of tarmac.
The engine is torquey with plenty of low-down grunt. The eight-speed automatic does add to the experience through its smooth shifts and number of ratios that tend to keep the engine operating in a window between performance and efficiency. The BMW engine can be a bit vocal at times, but generally, it’s civilised, and with 249hp, it will pull the Grenadier Quartermaster along at a decent pace if needed.
One aspect of the Ineos Grenadier that is often mentioned in reviews is the lack of self-centring steering, and while this is initially a strange feature, it’s something that is very quickly overcome as you become used to it. You’ll need to unwind the steering when you return to the straight ahead. Generally, it’s fine, but spending a lot of time on corner-filled routes could become a little tiring. Moreover, we wish it had a tighter turning circle as, at 14.5 metres, you’ll need more than a three-point turn in some spaces.
But these minor on-road foibles melt away when you take the Ineos into the off-road environment. Here, it gets into its groove, and even before you start using all of the transmission’s dexterity, it feels more than capable of whatever you plan on throwing at it. From the high ground clearance to the generous approach and departure angles, it’s easy to see why this vehicle is becoming a popular tool with specialists who must go to extreme and challenging locations.
Much of the design and build quality that may seem overkill for a road vehicle starts making more sense in the off-road world. It doesn’t have as many software-assisted features or camera systems that competitors such as Land Rover offer as Ineos prefers to opt for a simplified setup that uses fewer ECUs to reduce potential points of failure. So, while you’ll need to use some driver skill at times, the mechanical package that the Grenadier Quartermaster N1 is equipped with will be more than adequate in almost every use case for off-road driving.
How practical is the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster N1?
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster is a very capable vehicle in off-road conditions. It performs well on the road but falls behind its closest competitors when it comes to its load bed. Part of the problem is that the spare wheel carrier is located there rather than underneath. Its placement does make it easier to access when needed, but otherwise, it eats into load space and prevents the fitment of a retractable tonneau cover. Such a cover is available, but moving or removing the spare wheel is required. Without the spare wheel in place, it is possible to fit a standard Euro pallet into the load bed, and the carrying capacity is rated at 835kg. The tailgate is usefully wide at 1,280mm and can support up to 225kg when open.
The interior cargo area is useful and can hold up to 850 litres. Multiple tie-down points and a flat cover across what would normally be the rear seat mounting location are practical pluses. Up in the front of the cabin, there isn’t a whole lot of storage available.
The reasons you’d buy an Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster N1
You’d buy an Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster N1 for several reasons, most of which are sensible and practical. Let’s start with the off-road abilities. The pickup market is popular, but some vehicles are designed more for the lifestyle and image than out-and-out terrain-tackling ability. The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster N1 is firmly in the latter category regarding what it can do off-road, which is why it has already proven to be the choice for utility and search and rescue operators.
Ineos knows that its vehicles will have to perform a diverse range of applications, so it has designed the Grenadier Quartermaster N1 to be easily kitted out with specialist equipment and accessories. There are numerous pre-wired ports for adding light bars, two power sockets in the load bed, a second battery if required, and a winch that can be integrated into the bumper.
Suppose you require a vehicle to be able to reach particularly challenging and remote locations while still being able to carry heavy loads or specialist equipment. In that case, the Grenadier Quartermaster N1 will tick all the boxes. Being able to do all that while still falling under the 3,500kg limit, which enables it to be driven on a regular car licence, is also a plus, especially for fleet operators. For those with an eye on the cost implications of such a vehicle, as it is a two-seat commercial from the factory, it falls under the eight per cent BIK band.
How much does the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster N1 cost in Ireland?
Official pricing for the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster N1 in Ireland is still being finalised, but it is expected to cost“around €60,000 plus VAT. That would bring it in below the regular Quartermaster, which costs €68,995 plus VAT. It is likely to become the most affordable model in the range, as the two-seat Grenadier Utility Wagon also costs €68,995 plus VAT.
What are the running costs for the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster N1?
The official fuel consumption figure for the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster is 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres. Real-world economy will vary depending on how the vehicle is being used, how much load it is carrying or if it’s pulling a trailer.
Ineos quotes yearly service intervals for the Grenadier Quartermaster.
The Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster N1 has a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and five-year AA roadside assistance cover. Ineos also provides a 12-year anti-perforation warranty on the chassis and offers a five-year servicing pack, subject to additional costs.
Ask us anything about the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster N1
If there are any details relating to the Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster N1 that we’ve not covered, or you’d like advice in choosing between it and other vehicles, you can avail of our (completely free) expert advice service via the Ask Us Anything page.
