by The recently established SUV manufacturer is introducing a new model even though the Ineos Grenadier and the nearly comparable Quartermaster truck are still not available to consumers in the United States. The Fusilier is scheduled to be on sale in 2027 and will be available as an EV and a plug-in hybrid with a range-extending drivetrain.
The design of the Fusilier is clearly based on the boxy Grenadier, a vehicle whose appearance was influenced by the first Land Rover Defender, as these initial pictures demonstrate. It now features a smoother front end and a shallower windscreen angle, giving it a more aerodynamic shape. Additionally, Ineos says that active radiator grille shutters will be a feature of the production version.
Ineos Fusilier design
With a length of 178 inches, the Fusilier will be 13 inches shorter than the Grenadier. Its chassis will no longer be ladder-framed. Rather, it will rest atop what is being called a “battery skateboard,” with an aluminium and steel structure above it. Magna, the contract manufacturer responsible for producing the Mercedes G-Class, Jaguar I-Pace, and Fisker Ocean, will construct the Fusilier in Austria. Magna was also the engineer behind the Grenadier, which was manufactured in France.
With an electric motor on each axle, the Fusilier functions essentially as an electric vehicle. However, the business will also sell a variant with increased range that recharges the battery while in motion using an onboard petrol engine that functions as a generator. The motor and wheels won’t be mechanically driven in tandem. Similar ideas were used by BMW with the range-extending i3 and GM with the long-dead Chevrolet Volt. This “series hybrid” design has been surpassed by the majority of the auto industry, but it will allow the Fusilier to be utilised in regions of the world without a steady source of electricity.
Ineos Fusilier Engine
Although Ineos has not disclosed any information regarding the gasoline engine for the range extender, we anticipate that it will be produced by a reputable carmaker, given the Grenadier is equipped with BMW six-cylinder engines. According to insiders, the Fusilier is aiming for a 248-mile range as an EV under Europe’s WLTP test cycle. The battery pack will be manufactured in Hungary. That will probably only result in EPA ratings of about 200 miles if delivered. The range-extender will still have a large electric-only range even though its battery is just around two thirds the size of the complete EV’s.
While Ineos claims that the Fusilier will retain its strong off-road capability, it also appears to be aimed for those who lead easier lives and are searching for a car that will be more manageable. The Grenadier’s recirculating ball steering is replaced with a more traditional rack and pinion system, which is one obvious difference.
Ineos Fusilier battery, range and powertrain
The EV is expected to have a 400 km range, according to the business, while the REx will have around 70% of the EV’s battery capacity, which will provide about 270 km of range when the engine is off. Samsung will supply the batteries, which will be built in Hungary; Ineos has not yet decided on a particular chemistry.
Both vehicles will have an electric motor at each end for four-wheel drive, and CEO Lynn Calder told our sister publication Autocar UK that they are designed to function well on difficult terrain. Calder went on to say that in order to achieve better on-road conduct, the Fusilier will give up the Grenadier’s recirculating-ball steering, which has drawn criticism for being too predictable and responsive.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the founder and chairman of the company, stated that “we’re beginning to understand the clear limitations of battery-electric in certain situations” is the reason Ineos is introducing the REx powertrain. The unidentified petrol engine of the REx will serve as a generator to run the electric motors. According to Ineos, this version will produce 20–30% less CO2 than an ICE model.
Ineos Fusilier production and rivals
The Fusilier’s scheduled debut date of 2026 has been pushed back to early 2027 by Ineos due to the recent decision to include a REx option.Magna will also design and engineer the Fusilier. Durability testing on the Shöckl Pass, a testing ground for all previous iterations and variations of the venerable G-Class, will be a part of the development plan.
The main competitors of the Grenadier, the Land Rover Defender, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Mercedes G-Class, will all likely release more affordable, electric versions in the upcoming years.
