INEOS ute takes on Australia's High Country
INEOS might be new to the car game but they've already nailed something most brands spend decades trying to achieve: identity.
What started as pub banter, a pint-fuelled chat about the modern Land Rover Defender going soft, has turned into an automotive company.
Its latest creation is the Grenadier Quartermaster, a no-nonsense dual-cab 4WD designed to fill the gap between the hardcore off-roaders like the Toyota 70 Series LandCruiser and oversize American pick-ups like the RAM 1500.
But this vehicle has quickly become more than just an off-roader. It has become a trusted support and survival vehicle for people who genuinely need it. You'll find Grenadiers working ski fields at Mount Buller, deployed by Search and Rescue Avalanche Dogs (SARDA) in New Zealand and supporting ultra-marathon teams across some of the world's harshest terrain.
Our test drive took place in alpine territory. Thanks to INEOS' partnership with Mt Buller, we trekked through private trails, rivers, snow and steep inclines.
The Quartermaster did not disappoint. At 5.4 metres long and over 2 metres tall, the Quartermaster looks like it belongs in a military convoy.
Built on a ladder-frame chassis with Carraro solid beam axles front and rear, heavy-duty coil-over suspension, a galvanised steel body and front and rear skid plates, this thing is engineered for extreme conditions.
Power comes from a BMW-sourced 3.0-litre straight six diesel (183kW/550Nm), paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission.
It runs a two-speed transfer case with an old school manual low-range shifter and centre diff lock, giving the driver real mechanical control.
The Quartermaster also includes off-road and wading modes, the latter allowing it to plunge through 800mm of water. It rides comfortably, steers predictably and offers great visibility.
Fuel use is claimed at 10.5L/100km which seems fair for a vehicle of this size. It carries a 90-litre fuel tank and 17L AdBlue capacity for long-range trips.
My test vehicle was painted in 'Magic Mushroom', one of the several cheeky colour names created by the founders, alongside, 'Scottish White', named after one founder's pale legs and 'Donny Grey', after another's hometown.
That humour carries through to the cabin, where you'll find a dual horn set-up, including a thumb-activated 'polite horn' to give a gentle nudge in traffic, derived from INEOS' cycling culture. Climb inside and you're met with an upright seating, incredible visibility and an interior that feels more like a jet fighter cockpit than a cabin. The centre and overhead are lined with tactile, IP-rated switches and dials that can be operated with gloves or wet hands, it can even be hosed down.
It might feel overwhelming at first but this layout is highly practical.
Everyday functions like airconditioning, heated seats, audio are in the middle console, while the overhead buttons control hill descent, front and rear diff locks, off-road, wading mode, and even integrated spotlights in the grille.
Metal hoops help separate controls so you can feel your way through them, especially helpful when off-roading. You also get rubber floors with drain valves, so you can rinse out the car after a long weekend of bush bashing.
There's no digital dashboard in front of the driver or heads up display, instead the speedometer lives in the centre infotainment system, which felt a little unnatural at first but was easy to adapt to.
The tub is built for function, measuring 1564mm long and 1619mm wide and there's a spare mounted in the tray rather than underneath.
But the Quartermaster isn't without its quirks, the footwell on the drivers side is cramped thanks to some awkward component packaging beneath the floor. In the rear, foot space is tighter than expected but you get a big tray in exchange.
The rear payload is also lighter than rivals at 832kg, making it less of a workhorse than a HiLux or Ranger but feels more capable off-road.
Starting at approximately $118,000 (plus on-road-costs), the number will climb when you start to configure your own build or you can opt for a preset version like the Trialmaster or Fieldmaster that come with all the trimmings – heated seats, ambient puddle lighting, a lockable centre stowage box, compass with altimeter and premium leather.
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There's something truly special about the Quartermaster. It doesn't feel like a vehicle that's been built by a mass corporation, it feels like a passion project. A serious off-roader built by people who live and breathe the outdoors. It isn't for everyone but that's its key selling point. Yes, it's expensive and
comes with some quirks, but if you're after a ute with a whole lot of character and serious off-road potential, this is it.
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