Top end dual cab ute

INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster marries modern tech with old-school engineering. 

Story Bruce McMahon  Photo INEOS

The INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster is a quick, comfortable and competent 4WD ute, well-suited to a number of applications, and customers, across Australia. With a factory tub or cab chassis, the British-designed, French-built vehicle arrives with a full suite of off-road gear in a robust design in which old-school engineering marries modern technologies and materials.

This is the load-carrying brother to the INEOS Grenadier 5-seat wagon and shares that machine’s ethos and basics. Both off-roaders were conceived and designed as 21st-century vehicles to carry on the traditions of Land Rover’s original Defender. The idea, says INEOS Automotive founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, was to develop uncompromising, no frills, no fuss 4WDs with “best-in-class off-road capability, durability and utility” while supporting those who depend on vehicles as working tools. Of the handful of INEOS models – there’s also a 2-seater wagon – it’s the dual-cab Quartermaster cab-chassis model that should find the most work in Australia.

The ute is expensive, with prices starting around $102,000, and there are a couple of quibbles such as a 14.5m turning circle. However, a couple of days rolling through SA’s rough Flinders Ranges showcases the Quartermaster’s ability to tackle all manner of roads and tracks – from fast bitumen to rugged uphill climbs – in more comfort and style than most showroom rivals.

One reason for the price is that stock Quartermasters arrive with most of the gear ready to tackle any country. There are those smooth BMW-sourced diesel or petrol powerplants mated to fluent 8-speed ZF auto transmissions, permanent 4WD, 3 differential locks on Trailmaster models, a well-insulated, well-sealed cabin and coil springs all round. Ground clearance is 264mm, with most mechanicals tucked well up in the chassis frame. LED headlights and a pair of integrated driving lights are among the standard fittings.

Aided by big window sills for resting arms and Recaro seats, comfort is great up front, but the rear seat is a tad cramped and upright. The instrument and infotainment binnacle sits in the middle of the dashboard, which mightn’t suit all drivers: positioning isn’t as much an issue as the smallish graphics to read engine speeds, fuel levels and the like. Vehicle information available here includes tyre pressures and temperature, engine and transmission temperatures and slope angles. An overhead console houses switches for aids such as differential locks and a clever off-road mode for switching off annoyances such as parking sensors and a stop-start facility.

The 5.4m long Quartermaster runs with beam axles on a 3227mm chassis (305mm longer than the Grenadier wagon) and 17- or 18-inch wheels with the choice of an all-terrain tyre or more aggressive off-road rubber. The standard tub is 1.5m long by 1.6m wide, and cab chassis versions carry a 1.8m x 1.8m tray – similar to a LandCruiser 70 Series. The spare wheel and tyre sit in the tub or tray.

Rated to tow 3500kg and carry 832kg, these are not light machines, the diesel weighing in around 2.7 tonnes, the petrol a touch lighter, but the 3L BMW powerplants and ZF transmission are rarely found wanting, whether that be highway overtaking or slow crawling up shale-littered slopes. The 210kW petrol Quartermaster is claimed to run around 13L/100km and the 183kW and 550Nm diesel’s fuel consumption at 10.5L/100km. Working those with some off-roading and track work will add at least another 2L/100km. Fuel tanks are 90L and the diesel needs a drop of AdBlue at times. Service costs average just under $5,000 over 5 years.

Diesel-engined Quartermasters are likely to be the more popular, with extra torque and extra economy, although the petrol engine is a boon on the open road and fast bush tracks. Both are quiet and responsive throughout the rev range.

As with the Grenadier wagons, the INEOS utes run with recirculating ball steering. It is a system that, while best with the Quartermaster’s live axles, takes a day with which to become familiar. There’s not a deal of weight to the feel, leading to some oversteering at first, and it’s lazy returning to dead centre.

This is a premium work or touring ute backed by a 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty. Owners, qualified mechanics and Bosch service centres have access to online service manuals, plus there’s a team of Flying Spanners for any remote problem.