First Drive: Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster.
New brands have been showing up lately, with most being of Chinese origin. But from a European brand that has an English lead, a German heart, and production on the French and German borders comes a rugged and purpose-built brand, which we have grown rather fond of. The brand, known as Ineos, has recently introduced a new bakkie to our shores that is just as rugged and nearly as capable as the Grenadier.
We drove the Grenadier last year, and now its bigger brother, the Quartermaster, has arrived in SA. It's the double-cab addition to the Ineos lineup, and it looks rather familiar. From the front bumper up to the back seats, it's all Grenadier, with the same 3.0-litre petrol or diesel BMW-powered units and an identical utilitarian and adventurous, hose-out interior. From the back seats, the Quartermaster takes centre stage.
Only the petrol version of the Quartermaster is currently offered; the diesel model will follow soon, depending on stock availability. With that being said, I spent some time with the petrol and it’s a charming engine. Known by its code name, the B58, this engine is a tried, tested, and loved power unit found in BMW's performance series cars. It generates 210kW and 450Nm, which are delivered via an 8-speed ZF gearbox, allowing the Quartermaster to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 8.8 seconds. This is an impressive feat for such a massive vehicle. The gears have been shortened to allow for more torque at a moment's notice too, hence its top speed of only 160km/h. It sounds the part too, with a performance-inspired cold start and subtle exhaust burbles once you lift off the throttle.
The one element that gives Ineos an advantage is variety when it comes to creating its cars, and to ensure the Quartermaster has the gear off the showroom floor, this bakkie comes equipped with 5-link Eibach coil suspension, Brembo brakes, Carraro solid beam axles, a Gestamp ladder chassis, and a hydraulic recirculating ball steering system. This ensures the Quartermaster is ready to handle almost any off-road challenge.
Despite the rugged and utilitarian nature of the Quartermaster, it offers a decent ride quality on and off the road, but its weight does become noticeable in the corners. On tar, the steering lacks sharpness, but it provides a direct and light feel on gravel, effectively absorbing bumps. Also, due to its longer wheelbase of 3,227mm and full length of 5,440mm compared to the Grenadier's 2,922mm wheelbase and 4,856mm length, it's more stable on the highway, but this translates to a gargantuan turning circle of 14.5m.
The bed is the Quartermaster's main talking point and has a payload capacity of 857kg. Despite the slight stiffening of the rear suspension to accommodate the increased loading capacity, this double cab still offers a comfortable ride. Unfortunately, due to the now longer chassis, the approach angle remains the same as the Grenadier at 36.2 degrees, but the break-over and departure angles have been compromised and now offer 26.2 degrees under the car and 22.6 degrees at the rear.
It remains a seriously capable off-roader, with a wading depth of 800mm and the option to add front and rear locking differentials. The base model costs R1,717,100, while the Fieldmaster and Trialmaster editions cost R1,862,100. The Quartermaster also comes with a 5-year/100,000km warranty, as well as a 5-year/75,000km service and maintenance plan.
The Fieldmaster adds some class with 17” alloy wheels, safari windows, an access ladder, and a variety of adventurous extras to travel in style. The Trialmaster is the off-road-ready option with a raised air intake, 17” steel wheels, an exterior utility belt, interior utility rails, an access ladder, and an auxiliary battery. You can also add the Rough Pack to your vehicle, and it's here where you add the front and rear locking diffs and all-terrain tyres.
You can also opt for a Smooth Pack, which helps make city driving that much more manageable and offers a rear-view camera, power-heated exterior mirrors, auxiliary charge points, park assist in the front, heated windscreen washer jets, a central stowage box that is lockable, puddle lamps and ambient door lighting, and an advanced anti-theft alarm and immobiliser.
The price may seem high for a bakkie, but Ineos assures its customers that there is little to no modification or upgrade required on the Quartermaster off the showroom floor, hence the higher price tag. Ineos also offers an extensive selection of aftermarket additions from the dealership.
The Quartermaster is a car you learn to love: it's big, it looks ruggedly stunning, and it offers impressive capability with little to no desire for more. It is on the pricey side and will likely not be used as a farm truck, but you will rule the 4x4 trail and game parks in this monster of an off-roader.
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