In addition to exotics and supercars, which are popular due to their popularity, we also regularly list an extensive selection of high-lift trucks and SUVs for sale here on Daily Sparkz. Think everything from portal-axle G-Wagens and 6×6 endurance Broncos to old-school Defenders and more.
Yes, the boxy off-roaders are on the rise again, and the restomod wave has proven that the old-school off-road icons have never lost their relevance. Enthusiasts just wanted them updated. When the INEOS Grenadier launched in 2022, it landed perfectly in this space, picking up where the original Defender left off.
But to really understand why it exists, here’s a quick look back at the genesis of the INEOS Grenadier. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is a British billionaire, founder and chairman of INEOS, one of the world’s largest petrochemical companies. The man is also a lifelong adventurer, known for exploring remote regions, climbing, sailing and driving across continents.
When production of the old Defender ended in 2016, Sir Ratcliff looked for a way to keep the 70-plus year legacy of one of Britain’s most popular off-roaders alive. However, when that no longer seemed feasible, he decided to develop his very own, durable four-wheel drive vehicle.
Combining a quintessentially British spirit with robust German engineering (you’ll even find a half/half badge with the Union Jack and German flag on the fender), the INEOS Grenadier was developed with key technical input from Magna Steyr in Austria.
They supported important series developments, durability work and chassis refinements. Series production now takes place in France at INEOS Automotive’s Hambach production plant, the former Smart factory.
The INEOS Grenadier may look old-fashioned and utilitarian, but behind the boxy silhouette lies a well-thought-out product, designed from the ground up with modern hardware, ergonomics and an extensive range of factory accessories.
A robust ladder frame construction, solid axles, the refined BMW B58 3.0 Turbo inline-six with 282 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, a proven 8-speed ZF automatic transmission, Brembo brakes, Recaro seats, mechanical low-range function and physical switchgear.
The United Arab Emirates, a country known for its rich off-road culture, is now playing a crucial role in the brand’s expansion. Albatha Automotive Group: The parent company of AGMC, one of the UAE’s oldest premium automotive dealers representing prestigious brands such as Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, BMW, Mini and more, is now the official dealer for INEOS Automotive in the country.
Their partnership will be supported by a new regional headquarters in Dubai and a pop-up showroom in Dubai Design District (D3) from December 1-14, 2025.
Aside from getting a first look ahead of launch, I was recently on site at D3 to see the curtains being drawn on the Trialmaster X LETECH portal axle. Built in collaboration with AGMC and German off-road specialist LETECH (Lennartz Technik), this is the very first example in the Middle East.
You start with a Trialmaster trim (station wagon/pickup), which comes with limited-slip differentials, Safari windows, heated leather, privacy glass and premium audio. The portal hubs provide an axle offset of 150 millimeters (5.9 inches) and increase ground clearance by approximately 186 millimeters (7.3 inches), resulting in a final clearance of 450 millimeters (17.7 inches).
Compared to the standard INEOS Grenadier, we also see stronger fender flares to accommodate the larger tires. The wading depth is up to 1050 millimeters (41.3 inches). That’s more than three and a half feet of water. The approach angle increases to 45.5 degrees, the breakover angle on the car to 43 degrees and the departure angle to 46 degrees.
Add LETECH hardware and the vehicle becomes an expedition vehicle: an aluminum roof rack, winch mount, running boards, 20 liter fuel can holders, a rear ladder and six roof-mounted work lights with 9,600 lumens each.
I also spoke to Dan Balmer, INEOS Automotive’s regional director for the Middle East and Africa. When asked if INEOS plans to participate in endurance-style rally competitions in the future to prove the platform in real-world events. Balmer mentioned that although motorsport is not active today, there have been discussions internally and the idea remains on the table, pointing out that there is potential. He added that the ideal combination is that of customer involvement and a factory team. A few rally-focused opportunities could make sense in the future, but nothing is currently active.
Our discussion also centered on a question many enthusiasts ask: Will we ever see a two-door or short-wheelbase variant? Balmer pointed out that this has been asked before, but that it is still a niche part of the market, only accounting for about five percent of the volume. A two-door variant would require considerable technical effort.
He mentioned that in 2024 they introduced the Shortermaster, a shorter version of their Quartermaster pickup with a smaller bed, which also received a positive response. When asked about the possibility of an open version, he replied that this is also not in development, although the modularity of the platform leaves room for interesting aftermarket directions.
Next I asked how INEOS plans to position itself in the future, whether as a niche or large-scale company. Balmer was open. “Right now we are a niche market and I think LETECH also supports this niche positioning because it is important for us to gain that credibility. But we need to expand the audience because early adopters only buy their cars for a certain period of time and beyond that we need to increase that volume.” The expansion will include a second model range and new market editions, including more road-friendly variants.
Dan spoke specifically about the LETECH portal axle kit and added, “The portal axles completely change the vehicle architecture. You can’t just bolt on a lift kit. The geometry, software and differential behavior must be recalibrated. The kit installed is a complete overhaul and not just a cosmetic lift. There are aftermarket lifts, but they change the geometry. We retain the factory engineering values.”
Another important question was whether the LETECH portal axle configuration shown in Dubai could eventually make its way to the United States. Balmer explained that the kit is currently being developed for European specifications and that U.S. adoption would depend on regulatory pathways and aftermarket compliance, but noted that customer-installed kits could also be feasible for North America in the future if homologation allows.
For a more down-to-earth perspective, said Mo Elarishy, Brand Manager for INEOS Grenadier UAE. “The INEOS Grenadier with LETECH portal axles offers the freedom to explore the UAE’s natural beauty unplugged.” He also noted that demand for adventure vehicles is growing rapidly here and that performance remains a top priority for the customer base.
In addition to the launch of the portal, the UAE will also receive the entire INEOS Grenadier portfolio: the Fieldmaster for comfort, the Trialmaster for performance, the Quartermaster Pickup for usability and the Arcane Works Detour Edition. Limited to just 200 examples, this special edition was seen on site and features fine-grain leather, 18-inch Arcane alloys and a cashmere headliner.
Dr. Andreas Schaaf from AlBatha Automotive said: “The Ineos Grenadier is a perfect fit for AGMC and the UAE market. We serve discerning drivers who seek the performance, comfort and robust style of the Grenadier.”
The standard INEOS Grenadier was already very capable, but the LETECH portal axle version takes the capability up to eleven. A familiar shape, modern technology and now portal capabilities make it a highly capable overlanding-style vehicle ready to take on the great outdoors.
Images: AGMC Group (UAE), Khris Bharath
