2022 Ineos Grenadier interior revealed: industrious but high-tech design for Land Rover Defender, Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, Toyota LandCruiser contender

The grenadier was designed to be hard wearing.

Modern amenities and timeless design.

These are the hallmarks of the newly unveiled interior of the all-new Ineos Grenadier. The brainchild of British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Grenadier is being developed as a hardcore SUV to compete with the likes of the Land Rover Defender, Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen and the new Toyota LandCruiser 300. 

With the Defender-inspired exterior design already revealed and confirmed to use BMW petrol and diesel engines, the interior is the latest major design element still shrouded in mystery.

“When we started thinking about the interior of the Grenadier, we looked closely at modern aircraft, boats, and even tractors for inspiration, where switches are positioned for optimal performance, conventional controls are at hand, and auxiliary controls are farther away,” explained Toby Ecuyer. Head of Design at Ineos Automotive. “The same approach can be seen in Grenadier: the circuit is functional and logical, designed with ease of use in mind. It has everything you need and nothing you don't."

Like everything else we know about the Grenadier, the interior combines the latest in luxury with practical demands. The two-spoke steering wheel has buttons for basic functions, including a "Toot" button for cyclists, but no instrument panel to provide a clearer view ahead.

Instead, key driving information is displayed on a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen that sits proudly on the center console. The multimedia system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for both entertainment and navigation. But there's also an "off-road pathfinder" system that allows the driver to mark their route with waypoints on uncharted roads.

While it's cutting edge, the rest of the center console appears to be inspired by airplanes, with large switches and dials that can be operated while wearing gloves. In keeping with the theme of the aircraft, the switchgear continues on the roof between the front passengers, with a large number of key functions controlled from this top panel, as well as pre-mounted slots for accessories such as winches and extra lights if required.

Another little nod to modern cars is the gear selector, which seems to have been taken straight from the BMW parts bin. Along with that is an old-school low-range switch, and Ineos doesn't follow the more recent trends of its competitors by making this feature a switch or dial.

While it may have some modern conveniences, the Grenadier was built for people who really want to get dirty. That's why the interior includes a rubber floor with drain plugs and switchgear, and a dashboard that's "splash-proof" and can be wiped down for cleaning.

Ineos has confirmed that there will be at least three seating arrangements for the Grenadier. The first is a private customer version with five Recaro seats, then a commercial variant with a choice of two or five seater layouts. The two-seater will be able to fit a standard European-sized pallet (which is longer but narrower than an Australian pallet) behind it, the company said.

All seats are finished in what the company calls "abrasion-resistant, lint-resistant, dirt- and water-resistant fabric" that requires no aftermarket treatments or covers.

Storage was a key part of the design process, with a large lockable box in the center console, a dry storage box under the rear seats, and large bottle holders in each door.

Another practical feature is an optional "power box" that includes a 2000W AC converter that can power tools and other small electronics such as camping equipment. Glass roof panels are also available as an option and can be positioned on either side of the overhead console. They can be tilted or completely removed depending on the needs of the operator.

Ineos says Grenadier will hit the market in July 2022 - at least in Europe - with 130 prototypes already halfway to the company's goal of 1.8 million test kilometers. According to the company, the Grenadier is currently being tested in the dunes of Morocco.

Due to Ineos' British origins, the Grenadier will be built in right hand drive and will be sold in Australia, most likely shortly after the overseas sales start date.