Ineos has trotted out a very cool “prototype” Quartermaster pickup with portal axles. It’s one of six prototypes the company recently unveiled. Ineos says all the vehicles give a glimpse of potential future Grenadier variants. Here’s a look at the portal-shod Quartermaster and Station Wagon, as well as the shortbed Quartermaster pickup, a V8-powered Station Wagon, an eight-seat Safari conversion, and the first FIA-compliant, rally-modified Grenadier.
The Quartermaster’s portal axles contribute to a total ground clearance of 20.2 inches.
Portal Axle-Equipped Quartermaster Pickup And Station Wagon
Ineos showed a Quartermaster pickup (pictured) and a Grenadier Station Wagon fitted with portal axles. Why portal axles? Well, quite simply, portal axles increase ground clearance under the axle, thus improving the vehicle’s off-road capability. German vehicle modifiers LeTech GmbH & Co KG fitted the portals. The company’s website notes that it sells Grenadiers and offers a wide range of accessories for said vehicles. Portal axles are well known to the company. In fact, the company’s website shows a portal axle option for the Mercedes G-Class. The company not only fit the portals for the Ineos vehicles, but it also performed other mods including a raised chassis, offset wheel hubs, and larger BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A tires.
The results of adding the portals are impressive. Consequently, they increased ground clearance by 9.8 inches to a whopping 20.2 inches. Wading depth went from 31.5 inches to a remarkable 41.3 inches.
Interestingly, Ineos says that this is not the first time a Grenadier has been fitted with portals. It says that similarly modified vehicles have been delivered to the fire brigade in Mühlheim an der Ruhr, Germany.
The Shortermaster pickup is 12 inches shorter than a Quartermaster pickup.
Shortermaster Shortbed Quartermaster Pickup
The “Shortermaster” shortbed double-cab pickup has a 115-inch wheelbase, which is 12 inches shorter than the Quartermaster pickup. You’ll notice that the bed of the vehicle integrates with the cab, unlike the Quartermaster. This is because Shortermaster is based on a standard Grenadier Station Wagon SUV and not the Quartermaster pickup. Nonetheless, Ineos describes it as a “short-bed Quartermaster Pick-Up.” Ineos engineers created the vehicle at the Hambach production plant in France. Fun fact: The rear seats have been pushed forward to maximize the capacity of the cargo bed.
A 425 horsepower GM 6.2-liter V8 is swapped in place of the 281-horsepower BMW I6 engine in this Grenadier Station Wagon prototype.
Ineos Grenadier V8
In standard form, the Grenadier features a turbocharged BMW 3.0-liter straight-six gas engine. It produces 281 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. The Grenadier V8 prototype replaces the BMW mill with a GM 6.2-liter V8 that produces 425 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The swap was a one-off project for Ineos partner Magna’s engineering apprentices. It gave them hands-on experience with the Grenadier.
Ineos says the swap required a complete re-engineering of the Grenadier’s engine mounts, engine electronics, and water and oil cooling. Additionally, re-engineering of the exhaust manifold and rear muffler, transmission bearings, and heat shields. Furthermore, the center console of the vehicle was revised.
The Safari Game-Viewer has tiered seating among several other features.
Safari Game-Viewer
Ineos Kavango is a Botswana-based company, and it converted a Quartermaster pickup to the Safari game-viewer prototype you see here. Ineos says the company creates extensive modifications for the conservation, safari, anti-poaching, veterinary, primary healthcare, and film production sectors. The Safari has three tiered rows of eight seats to allow clear visibility for passengers. Additionally, the vehicle has custom exterior protection bars, bespoke 17-inch alloy wheels, and 315/70R17 (34.57-inch-diameter) Cooper STT Pro tires.
This is the first FIA-compliant, rally-modified Grenadier and it’ll race in the 2025 World Rally-Raid Championship
FIA-Compliant, Rally-Modified Grenadier
This Grenadier is the first FIA-compliant vehicle, and engineers have extensively modified it to compete in the 2025 World Rally-Raid Championship. It’s designed to show how compatible the Grenadier is with high-speed, off-road motorsports. The vehicle is prepped by UK-based Buzz Special Vehicles, and it’s loaded with modifications. For example, it has an “uprated” version of the Grenadier’s BMW 3.0-liter I6 engine that punches out 349 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, it has a race suspension, sports exhaust system, uprated brakes, and bespoke alloy wheels. As you would expect from a race vehicle, the cabin has been “stripped out” and has a full rollcage and racing seats. Finally, mods include carbon fiber door panels and roof vents.
The Ineos Grenadier Station wagon was the first model produced by the company.
About Ineos
If you’re not familiar with Ineos and its 4x4s, here’s the lowdown. In 2017, Jim Ratcliffe, a car buff and adventurer, saw a need for a 4×4 that combines reliability with modern day compliance. Thus, Ratcliffe formed Ineos Automotive Limited and assembled a senior team of automotive experts to produce what would become the Ineos Grenadier. The Grenadier launched in 2022 as a global 4×4 designed from the ground up. Ineos followed the Grenadier SUV with the Quartermaster double-cab pickup variant of the Grenadier in 2023. And in February of 2024, the company unveiled a third vehicle line called the Fusilier. The Fusilier will offer all-electric and range extender electric powertrains.
The Grenadier Quartermaster was the second model produced by Ineos.
Designed With A Nod To Off-Road Enthusiasts
For us four-wheel-drive fans, the current Grenadier Station Wagon and Quartermaster model lineup is an attention grabber. Why? Well, both models use a full box-sectioned ladder frame, solid axles front and rear, Brembo disc brakes, and a five-link suspension with progressive coil springs. Other off-road-centric standard features include a center diff lock; a pair of “Towing Eyes” front and rear; and front, rear, and fuel tank skidplates. Additionally, 17-inch wheels, 32-inch all-terrain tires, a water-resistant interior, and heavy-duty flooring with drain valves. Furthermore, Wading Mode allows you to switch off the engine cooling fans in deep water. Options (depending on model) include front and rear diff lockers, a 40-inch lightbar, and raised air intake. Additionally, rock sliders, an integrated front-mounted winch, and removable rear winch.
The standard Grenadier 3.0-liter engine is paired with a ZF8HP eight-speed automatic transmission that engineers have recalibrated and equipped with a heavy-duty torque converter. Power flows to an Ineos-designed, Tremec-built, two-speed transfer case that has an external oil cooler and a 2.5:1 low range gear ratio. Both models have a respectable 36.2-degree approach angle. The Station Wagon has a 36.1-degree departure angle, while the Quartermaster’s is 22.6 degrees.
Both the Ineos Grenadier Station Wagon and Quartermaster pickup are full frame vehicles with solid axles front and rear.
Want More Info?
If you want a Grenadier of your own, you’re in luck. At the time of this writing there are 23 Ineos dealers in the continental U.S. For more information visit ineosgrenadier.com. Will some of these Ineos prototypes find their way to production and showrooms? Time will tell.
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