The new Ineos Quartermaster pick-up has gone into production and the first sturdy trucks are rolling off the line at the Hambach factory in France. European sales are due to begin in December 2023.
It was first unveiled at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed – and it’s the next step in the company’s plan to create a credible off-road alternative for the Land Rover Defender.
Ineos has fast-tracked production of this pick-up variant to satisfy a screaming demand from markets in need of workhorse trucks, such as Australia. Ineos is making some bold claims about it, too. The brand says the Quartermaster has the ‘best off-road credentials of any mass-produced pick-up.’
Sales for Asia, Africa and the Middle East are slated for early 2024, while North American sales are next in line. Ineos says the Quartermaster is named after the British army officer responsible for the supply and distribution of provisions. An apt name for this tough workhorse…
It’s based on an extended version of the Ineos Grenadier’s ladder chassis. The truck’s cabin is about the same size as the standard 4×4, but the vehicle’s overall length has increased from 4895mm to 5440mm thanks to a longer wheelbase and the load bed’s larger rear overhang. Despite this, the Quartermaster has the same ground clearance and wading capability as the Grenadier, although its breakover and departure angles are shallower.
What the Ineos Quartermaster gives away in rock-crawling ability, it claws back in practicality. Like the Grenadier, it can tow up to 3500kg. Its load bed can also carry up to 760kg – and there’s enough space in the back to hold a standard Euro pallet. Space inside hasn’t altered much, either. The only sacrifice you make is a 6mm reduction in rear-seat legroom.
What’s powering the Ineos Quartermaster?
Like the Ineos Grenadier, the Quartermaster is available with a choice of two 3.0-litre six-cylinder BMW engines – one petrol and one diesel. The petrol produces 282bhp and 332lb ft of torque, which Ineos says is enough for a 0–62mph time of 8.8 seconds.
The diesel serves up 246bhp and 406lb ft of torque, allowing the truck to complete same 0–62mph sprint in 9.8 seconds. Both options have a top speed of 99mph and both share the same eight-speed automatic gearbox and permanent four-wheel drive system.
Ineos is also experimenting with a hydrogen fuel cell version of the Grenadier, although whether the technology will be available on the Quartermaster is yet to be confirmed. There’s also a seven-seat version of the Grenadier in the works, based on the same extended chassis as this new pick-up.
Are there any fancy optional extras I can add?
Naturally. Ineos needs to rise to the challenge of the almost infinitely customisable Defender, so it’ll sell you a waterproof canvas canopy (for £1829), a roll-top tonneau cover (at £2268) and a roof rack (for £1417). You can also choose from either 17- or 18-inch wheels in either steel or alloy.
If you’re feeling flush with cash, you can also specify the Quartermaster in Ineos’s generously equipped Belstaff trims, called Trialmaster and Fieldmaster. The former is an adventure ready specification with a snorkel intake, front and rear differential locks, knobbly BFGoodrich tyres and features such as heated washer jets, heated door mirrors and a lockable interior storage box.
The Fieldmaster is a little more biased towards style and comfort. It gets 17-inch alloy wheels, pop-out safari windows on the roof, heated leather seats and carpet floor mats. Both Belstaff variants of the Quartermaster pick-up are priced at £73,715.
