Ineos Quartermaster review: There's a new premium pick-up truck in town - but you'll need deep pockets

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Few car brands come from absolutely nowhere to generating huge headlines in just a handful of years. But then again, few new vehicle makers are owned by a football club owning, British petrochemical billionaire.

Ineos Automotive, spearheaded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has already launched the Grenadier 4x4 and now has launched a pick-up version.

We've been among the first people to drive the new Quartermaster Trailmaster diesel both on and off-road in Italy to see if it is the relentless workhorse Ineos bills it to be...

We drove the new diesel Grenadier Quartermaster in Italy to see if the load-lugging workhorse is a pick-up that premium lifestyle buyers will want

As the real difference between the Grenadier Station Wagon and the Grenadier Quartermaster is the load-bay which increases the Grenadier's load-carrying ability 

The load bay is larger than a Toyota Hilux's 1,450mm by 1,525mm bed, and the Ford Ranger's 1,564mm wide, by 1,224mm long tub

Ineos Automotive burst onto the market in 2019 when it announced Grenadier as a spiritual successor to the discontinued Land Rover Defender - much to the displeasure of Jaguar Land Rover bosses, swiftly followed by legal action.

A combination of an intriguing nameplate (named after Ratcliffe's favourite pub, The Grenadier, in Belgravia), a no-holds-barred attitude to going up against lifestyle-oriented SUV brands with a utilitarian off-roader, and the trademark court case dispute - which JLR eventually lost - all generated a whirlwind of interest in the emergent manufacturer.

Ineos is also handily the principal partner of Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team and one third equal shareholder.

And Sir Jim has been very busy of late on non-automotive projects.

He recently purchased a 27.7 per cent stake in Manchester United worth £1.25billion, which has been generating non-stop media coverage for both the billionaire and his four-wheeled brand.

Same, same, different – it's all about the load bay

Named after the senior military officer responsible for the management of barracks and the supply and distribution of provisions, the Quartermaster is an extended wheelbase version of the Station Wagon and is the largest model Ineos offer. 

As the obvious difference between the conventional Grenadier SUV and Quartermaster is the open load bay, there's little point starting anywhere else.

The Quartermaster is a double cab pick-up with a flatbed that's 1619mm wide by 1564mm long, which is big enough to fit a standard European pallet.

That's more than a Toyota Hilux's 1,450mm by 1,525mm bed, and the Ford Ranger's tub is also smaller at 1,564mm wide and 1,224mm long.

However, there's a small design flaw with the Quartermaster's bay: you can't fit a standard Euro pallet (or something with similar dimensions) in the back if the spare wheel is also in there. Instead, you'll have to move the side-mounted spare wheel to the roof – while not the end of the world, it's a faff.

The tailgate can support 225kg - a nice perch for a couple of people - and like the Station Wagon can also tow 3,500kg. 

Lugging capacity depends on whether you buy the diesel or petrol engine.

The Quartermaster is a double cab pick-up with a load bay that's 1619mm wide by 1564mm long, which is big enough to fit a standard European pallet - but only if you remove the spare wheel

The tailgate can support 225kg - a nice perch for a couple of people - and like the Station Wagon can also tow 3,500kg. The petrol can lug 835kg, while the heavier diesel engine can only carry 760kg

The petrol can lug 835kg, while the heavier diesel engine can only carry 760kg. 

With my farming upbringing, I know that a pick-up's lugging ability is measured by the amount of escaped sheep it can transport back to their quarters.

But Ineos confirmed this expensive off-roader won't be aimed at agricultural use.

Instead it's for 'premium lifestyle' activities such as surfing or snow sports. The Grenadier Station Wagon remains for agricultural use.

While the farming community have reviewed the sister Station Wagon favourably, and love a pick-up, write-ups have stated Ineos' prices are just too high. Our Quartermaster Trailmaster costs a heft £81,266.

The base Quartermaster is actually cheaper than the Station Wagon coming in at £66,215 (including VAT and OTR), versus £76,000. For comparison the Toyota Hilus (excluding VAT) starts from just over £36,000 and the Ford Raptor from £47,800 (excluding VAT). 

Because the Quartermaster load capacity is sub-one tonne it fails to qualify for VAT exemption like these two rivals.

Ineos has just announced it's new Grenadier Commercial to replace the Utility Wagon which will qualify owners to reclaim VAT and receive lower Benefit in Kind tax rates

It's worth noting that Ineos has just announced a Grenadier Commercial to replace the Utility Wagon which will qualify owners to reclaim VAT and receive lower Benefit in Kind tax rates.

The Commercial will start from £51,931 (excluding VAT and OTR), so Ineos are likely expecting agricultural and industrial to go Commercial.

So... how does it drive?

As mentioned, we took the B57 diesel out which has 245bhp, a top speed of 99mph and covers 0 to 62 in 9.8 seconds.

Our model also had optional front and rear differential locks (these lock the axles together to keep the wheels rotating at the same speed which improves traction on challenging surfaces) as well as the standard centre locking differential.

Combine this with the low range gears – which make the gears more usable for low-speed all-terrain work – and you've got the kind of get-the-job-done, serious off-roader that the old Defender was known for.

We drove across Tuscany and the Quartermaster handled everything the Tuscan landscape could throw at it - dirt roads, boggy tracks, sharp rocky roads, crevasses, steep roman 'road' passes – with aplomb

It is a brilliant off-roader and it will look after you if you're less experienced thanks to the low gears and the many assists like Downhill Assist that will cruise you down the steepest of slopes

Off-roading is all the right kinds of thrilling in this car. It handled everything the Tuscan landscape could throw at it - dirt roads, boggy tracks, sharp rocky roads, crevasses, steep roman 'road' passes – with aplomb. You can manhandle it as much as you like – there's just no need to be precious because it's built like an ox.

You can rely on the car in trickier moments by using assists such as Downhill Assist on steep downward gradients (you don't have to put your feet anywhere near the pedals). But if you're a more experienced off-roader then the low range gear control means you can go manual and approach sheer drops with great confidence.

The fact that the cabin adds refinement and comfort to hard core off-roading is a modern benefit even the most old-school green-laner will appreciate.

The on-road experience is a bugbear for many people about the Station Wagon and that's likely to carry over to the Quartermaster because the steering is wayward, especially at junctions

The mpg figures aren't for the faint-hearted, with the diesel covering 23.3 to 25.9mpg, while the petrol manages 18.9 to 19.6mpg

I didn't take the petrol Quartermaster out this time, but having driven the petrol Station Wagon several times I'd advise potential buyers wanting optimal off-roading to go for the diesel because it offers more torque at lower revs. 

For those wanting better on-road driving, opt for the petrol.

The on-road experience is a bugbear for many people about the Station Wagon and that's likely to carry over to the Quartermaster because the steering is wayward, especially at junctions. 

You have to get the hang of swinging it right over, and threading the wheel through your hands lightly before it goes where it's supposed to. 

There are apparently over 130 options on the configurator, which makes it much more hard working than the lifestyle SUVs Ineos set out to counteract

Ineos are improving this, and it smooths out at high speeds, but it seems part and parcel of the car's set up which will never fully be overcome at low speeds. 

The issue evaporates off-road, but the on-road experience might not be for everyone. It's a case of horses for courses, and will likely divide the premium lifestyle drivers who really like to drive their car with those who prefer less effort.

If you've got money to splurge and want a 4x4 that can tackle anything, then you'll be very hard pressed to find anything to beat a Grenadier.

Extra carrying hacks and options galore

Handy load increasing design features that make the Quartermaster very useful and versatile include the 400kW power take off for hooking up outboard implements, the four tie down rings and the integrated mounting bar.  

Like the other Grenadier models, you can customise the Quartermaster shines within every inch of its life. There are apparently over 130 options on the configurator, which makes it much more hard working than the lifestyle SUVs Ineos set out to counteract.

Roof racks, waterproof canvas canopies, removable rear winches, side awnings Hi-Lift jacks – you name it, its there for the adding.

They add to the expense, but likely if you've got the budget for a Quartermaster you'll splurge on making it more best for you. 

Exterior 

Aside from the rear end, it's identical to the Grenadier - it's boxy, there's no superficial styling, lines are simple, and there's a big bumper lip with a bit of G-Wagen in the rear.

The Quartermaster has an extended wheelbase of 3227mm - it's 305mm longer than the Station Wagon. But, in front on looks it's identical to the Station Wagon, only the rear is different. 

If you aren't familiar with the Grenadier look, then take the aforementioned JLR lawsuit as a clear sign of how reminiscent of the Defender it is. 

It's boxy, there's no superficial styling, lines are simple, and there's a big bumper lip with a bit of G-Wagen in the rear.

The Quartermaster is more aggressive than the typical pick-up look - when driving together there was a Mafia or Bond baddie air to the convoy.

You can choose from 10 colours, with names like Donny Grey or Britannia Blue.

Interior

The interior is exactly the same as the Grenadier station wagon – utilitarian yet comfortable, made to get muddy. It's hose-down with drain values, and the critical cabin components are all dust and water protected

Materials are rubber, tough cloth and vinyl (leather seats are optional) - easy to clean and stain-resistant

The interior is exactly the same as the Grenadier station wagon – utilitarian yet comfortable, made to get muddy. It's hose-down with drain valves, and the critical cabin components are all dust and water protected.

Materials are rubber, tough cloth and vinyl (leather seats are optional) - easy to clean and stain-resistant.

You can plush-up with options like heated seats and Safari Windows, but if you're after a minimalist or luxurious German-style interior (unlikely honestly if you're in the market for a pick-up) then this is not the one for you.

This doesn't mean it's not comfortable: it provides the modern refinement and comfort expected these days, and the front seats are particularly supportive for off-roading, but for relaxation the back seats are more comfortable for passengers I found.

Overall the interior is less cabin and more cockpit: This is a serious off-roader interior and for that I personally love it. And if you hate infotainment screens and are pro buttons, you'll likely agree.

The overhead panel switch makes you feel like you're in a cockpit - with the many off-roading options all buttons that you can use if you're wearing gloves

This is a serious off-roader interior and for that I personally love it. And if you hate infotainment screens and are pro buttons, you'll likely agree

The overhead panel switch might initially make you feel like you've signed up to pilot BA flight 0524, but there's no need to be daunted because every button is clearly labelled and it's very easy to navigate your way around – be that selecting Off-Road Mode, or Downhill Assist.

There is a 12.3-inch touchscreen which shows maps, media, steering angles, vehicle altitude etc, but wherever possible the Quartermaster (like the Station Wagon) remains analogue and mechanical.

There's no instrument cluster for the driver either, just a small display that shows off-roading icons as you select different modes. Nothing distracts from the driver's line of sight.

Safety features and Driver Assists

As standard you get Intelligent Speed Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking and Driver Drowsiness Detection. 

The Trailmaster we drove also had comes with Park Assist Front and a rear view camera.

Other much cheaper 4x4s will offer many more assists and tech extras, but you're parting with your money for different reasons when it comes to Grenadiers.

Verdict 

If you need double cab pick-up with tax benefits and an affordable price tag, the Quartermaster isn't the answer.

But, if you've got the money to spend on a pick-up that can take you anywhere no matter how remote, and extensive funds for re-fuelling (the mpg for the diesel is 23.3 to 25.9, while the petrol manages 18.9 to 19.6mpg) then life will be much more fun with a Quartermaster. 

Don't just buy it for vanity reasons. Defenders might be Chelsea tractors these days, but the Quartermaster is a car that belongs in the open country, and it's not to be underestimated.