Ineos Grenadier
New premium specification Black Edition joins Grenadier line-up
Words by Mark Slack
It began life as a sketch on a £5 note over a drink at the Grenadier pub in London, INEOS Founder and Chairman, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, miffed that Land Rover had decided to cease production of the original Defender decided to build his own version and the Grenadier was born. You can find that note stapled to the ceiling inside the very pub in which the Grenadier was conceived.
As it enters its third full year of production, INEOS has enhanced the Grenadier for the 2026 model year The company’s engineers have significantly upgraded the steering setup that results in a more positive on-road feel. A new steering box features a variable ratio for the first time and a lower ratio around the central steering position results in a tighter, firmer feel to deliver more precision and greater responsiveness.
These changes increase confidence in high-speed straight-line driving, lane changing and overtaking, as well as more assured handling on sweeping A and B-roads. The ratio at each end of the steering gear remains unchanged, ensuring the Grenadier – in both station wagon and Quartermaster pick-up guises – retains its off-road capability and performance.
Further steering improvements have resulted in a reduction in the turning circle by around five percent. Extending the steering stops means the 2026 vehicle is more manoeuvrable on- and off-road, and easier to use in town and on tight off-road trails.
The 2026 Grenadier also benefits from upgraded climate control components to improve the performance and predictability of heating and cooling within the cabin. A new homescreen shortcut enables one-touch deactivation of the audible alert for the now compulsory Intelligent Speed Assist, helping drivers to minimise unwanted distractions.
The Black Edition is a new addition to the Grenadier line-up for 2026 and is based on the Fieldmaster trim, and is available as both a station wagon and Quartermaster pick-up. It’s identifiable by new and exclusive all-black aesthetic body and trim finishes the sole Inky Black paint option. Gloss black 18-inch alloys, a dark exterior pack, privacy glass and lockable spare wheel storage box complete the look, while dark interior headlining and carpet set the interior scene.
Prices for the Black Edition start from £71,995 and while there is no limit to volume, it will have a limited production window. For all other 2026 models, pricing is unchanged, starting from £51,930 exVAT for the Grenadier Commercial, £62,495 for the Quartermaster pick-up and the base model Grenadier and £69,995 for the Trialmaster and Fieldmaster editions.
Words by Mark Slack
