Expedition 1.0:The global media drive
An expedition like no other
Our uncompromising 4X4 has been on some trips. But nothing like this. The INEOS Grenadier’s Global Media Drive was different. On it, we handed the world’s media the keys. Took them on an epic off- and on-road journey from Scotland to the London pub where our story began. Then asked them for their first impressions.
We split this epic 32-day drive into four stages. With different motoring journalists behind the wheel for each stage. Challenging terrain of every kind, to showcase the Grenadier’s off-road credentials. Tarmac, to demonstrate its on-road performance. 20 series production Grenadiers in the wild. Captured in words and images.
Stage one
John O’ Groats to Inverness
The call of the wild
West from John O’Groats along the North Coast 500 to the Eriboll Estate. South past Europe’s largest blanket bog. The Reay Forest Estate for some off-roading on private land. Crossing the Kylesku Bridge then inland to the Alladale Wilderness Reserve. From here, down to Ross-shire and 17 miles off-road across the Fairburn and Erchless estates. Then across the Orrin Dam, and on to Inverness.
January the 11th, 2023. Grenadier headlights illuminate The King’s Piper. His rousing bagpipe tunes mark the departure of our convoy of adventurers, at the start of its epic cross-country journey.
A centuries-old early morning tradition started by Queen Victoria, to wake the Sovereign. And continued by King Charles III at his London residence, every morning at 9am.
No such lie-in for our off-road- and road-going royalty. The time of their wake up call fit for a King? 6:45am.
Where else to start our ultimate road trip than Scotland’s ultimate road - the North Coast 500? Heading west, it’s a beautiful, dare we say, gentle, start.
A chance for our drivers and passengers to assess the Grenadier’s on-road performance. The feel of the off-road-focussed recirculating ball steering. The quiet cabin. The smooth ride. And the comfortable, supportive Recaro seats. A relaxing environment to prepare for off-road challenges ahead, perhaps.
Our first taste of what we were here for. A steep, rocky descent to Loch Laggan’s beach. Instructions from our expert guides: Off-Road Mode, Low Range with the centre diff locked. Manual mode in first gear, Downhill Assist most definitely switched on.
All diffs locked for the tricky beach run, picking our way across deep shale and slippery seaweed. Before turning round and gunning it back up steep slopes turned to mud by the wet weather. Diffs still locked to help preserve the land.
The 96,000-acre-Raey Forest Estate is home to lochs, peaks and projects aimed at boosting populations of Atlantic salmon, eagles and river trout.
Important conservation work that needs a hard-working 4X4 to reach remote areas.
Our drivers got a taste of estate management, and the Grenadier’s capabilities, as they navigated the rough tracks. And a Grenadier has been requested, to perform duties over the coming year.
Inspired by South Africa’s game reserves, Alladale provided the opportunity to get up close to herds of iconic Highland cows (or ‘coos’, as they’re known as around here).
With their thick coats and long horns, they’re perfectly adapted for harsh conditions. Just like the Grenadier.
Orrin Dam. Easy to cross (when you have special permission). Not so easy to reach. Our press drivers had to take on a gnarly rock climb, before tackling muddy bogs and gravel tracks.
January the 11th, 2023. Grenadier headlights illuminate The King’s Piper. His rousing bagpipe tunes mark the departure of our convoy of adventurers, at the start of its epic cross-country journey.
A centuries-old early morning tradition started by Queen Victoria, to wake the Sovereign. And continued by King Charles III at his London residence, every morning at 9am.
No such lie-in for our off-road- and road-going royalty. The time of their wake up call fit for a King? 6:45am.
Where else to start our ultimate road trip than Scotland’s ultimate road - the North Coast 500? Heading west, it’s a beautiful, dare we say, gentle, start.
A chance for our drivers and passengers to assess the Grenadier’s on-road performance. The feel of the off-road-focussed recirculating ball steering. The quiet cabin. The smooth ride. And the comfortable, supportive Recaro seats. A relaxing environment to prepare for off-road challenges ahead, perhaps.
Our first taste of what we were here for. A steep, rocky descent to Loch Laggan’s beach. Instructions from our expert guides: Off-Road Mode, Low Range with the centre diff locked. Manual mode in first gear, Downhill Assist most definitely switched on.
All diffs locked for the tricky beach run, picking our way across deep shale and slippery seaweed. Before turning round and gunning it back up steep slopes turned to mud by the wet weather. Diffs still locked to help preserve the land.
The 96,000-acre-Raey Forest Estate is home to lochs, peaks and projects aimed at boosting populations of Atlantic salmon, eagles and river trout.
Important conservation work that needs a hard-working 4X4 to reach remote areas.
Our drivers got a taste of estate management, and the Grenadier’s capabilities, as they navigated the rough tracks. And a Grenadier has been requested, to perform duties over the coming year.
Inspired by South Africa’s game reserves, Alladale provided the opportunity to get up close to herds of iconic Highland cows (or ‘coos’, as they’re known as around here).
With their thick coats and long horns, they’re perfectly adapted for harsh conditions. Just like the Grenadier.
Orrin Dam. Easy to cross (when you have special permission). Not so easy to reach. Our press drivers had to take on a gnarly rock climb, before tackling muddy bogs and gravel tracks.
Stage two
Inverness to Loch Lomond
The heart of the Highlands
Leaving Inverness, on to the uplands of Drummossie Muir. South, skirting around Dava Moor, and on to the Cairngorms National Park. Down the A9 and alongside the River Spey. The 45,000-acre Ardverikie Estate for more off-roading. On to Fort William and up the A82 through Glencoe. Emerging onto the high Rannoch Moor and nearby Glen Etive. Finally, south on fast, sweeping roads around Loch Fyne, to the village of Luss, on the shores of Loch Lomond.
Nestled on the shores of Loch Laggan, this traditional sporting estate provided the perfect arena for a tough workout (after a campfire lunch, naturally).
First, a few laps in the water. With Wading Mode activated, 11 of the Grenadier’s systems were optimised for depths up to 800mm. Allowing us to wade in convoy for 250m. Before driving back along the beach to repeat four times.
Despite the amount of time spent in the loch, no teams reported water in the cabin. Only icebergs outside.
And... action. Glen Etive: location for movies, Skyfall and Braveheart. And, with a vehicle as capable as the Grenadier, there’s time, and expanse of glass, to take in the stunning scenery.
Safari Windows on the Fieldmaster Station Wagons also enabled forward-looking drivers and passengers to see further up the track on steep descents. As well as the snow-capped peaks and Donny Grey skies above.
Setting out from the Loch Lomond Arms, two teams tackled two mountain tracks in the Luss Estate.
The Pipeline: Steep, narrow, with a 1,000ft drop to the loch below. The fog might have spoiled the view, but it possibly helped keep drivers focused on getting to the top.
Coming back, a long steep descent on sheet ice. The Grenadier’s Downhill Assist allowed for a controlled descent, without drivers having to worry about braking.
The second track above Loch Lomond. Steep approach angles. Sheet ice climbs. Rocks and stumps.
Off-Road Mode silenced parking sensors, and diff locks improved traction. Progressive coil springs kept occupants happy. Whilst underbody protection and rock sliders protected the Grenadiers’ bodies.
Then, a descent of up to 30 degrees down ‘The Ski Slope’. Downhill Assist engaged the brakes automatically to take us back down slowly and under control. No skis necessary.
Nestled on the shores of Loch Laggan, this traditional sporting estate provided the perfect arena for a tough workout (after a campfire lunch, naturally).
First, a few laps in the water. With Wading Mode activated, 11 of the Grenadier’s systems were optimised for depths up to 800mm. Allowing us to wade in convoy for 250m. Before driving back along the beach to repeat four times.
Despite the amount of time spent in the loch, no teams reported water in the cabin. Only icebergs outside.
And... action. Glen Etive: location for movies, Skyfall and Braveheart. And, with a vehicle as capable as the Grenadier, there’s time, and expanse of glass, to take in the stunning scenery.
Safari Windows on the Fieldmaster Station Wagons also enabled forward-looking drivers and passengers to see further up the track on steep descents. As well as the snow-capped peaks and Donny Grey skies above.
Setting out from the Loch Lomond Arms, two teams tackled two mountain tracks in the Luss Estate.
The Pipeline: Steep, narrow, with a 1,000ft drop to the loch below. The fog might have spoiled the view, but it possibly helped keep drivers focused on getting to the top.
Coming back, a long steep descent on sheet ice. The Grenadier’s Downhill Assist allowed for a controlled descent, without drivers having to worry about braking.
The second track above Loch Lomond. Steep approach angles. Sheet ice climbs. Rocks and stumps.
Off-Road Mode silenced parking sensors, and diff locks improved traction. Progressive coil springs kept occupants happy. Whilst underbody protection and rock sliders protected the Grenadiers’ bodies.
Then, a descent of up to 30 degrees down ‘The Ski Slope’. Downhill Assist engaged the brakes automatically to take us back down slowly and under control. No skis necessary.
Stage three
Roxburghe estate to Silverdale
The Borders, Badlands and the Bay
This stage drives across the legendary Marches, Debatable Lands, and the vast peat mires of Kielder Forest. Crossing the border into England it’s on to the shores of Ullswater in the Lake District. Then south through England’s largest national park, over the top of Kirkstone Pass and across to Wrynose and Hardknott Passes (some of the wildest and steepest roads in the UK). Driving parallel to Coniston Water, we take a short run to Burlington Slate Mine. Continuing south, across the Cavendish lands, we arrive in Morecambe to drive across the bay.
Scotland’s largest inhabited castle. But we were here to explore outside. Tight, steep tracks with axle-deep mud. Wooded grounds. Slippery grass descents.
The castle’s estate was inhabited by dozy pheasants. Luckily, the Grenadier’s Toot Button isn’t just good for politely warning cyclists. So our convoy was able to pass safely.
Extreme mud. Extreme ruts. And extreme water holes. If Dere Street doesn’t look, or drive, like your average street, that’s because it isn’t.
Built by the occupying Romans in AD79, we think it’s fair to say its surface doesn’t meet modern safety standards.
With epic views of both Scotland and the Yorkshire Dales, It’s hard to think of a more picturesque, and suitable, place to let our reviewers experience the Grenadier’s go-anywhere capability for themselves.
Iconic Kielder stages have been famous in rallying circles for years. Our drivers weren’t here to race, though they were able to test the Grenadier’s grip at a relatively rapid pace, on the loose gravel and slippery mud.
Co-driver notes: Engage centre diff lock, to keep the vehicle on track, but in high range, to maintain speed.
Burlington Slate Mine. A working quarry and site of some of the most extreme off-roading on the trip.
‘Elephant’s footprints’ enabled our drivers to demonstrate the Grenadier axles’ articulation, as they tackled the dramatically uneven terrain.
Whilst high speed runs on steep slopes with loose slate tested grip, power delivery, and control.
We got special permission to cross Morecambe Bay at low tide. In fact, this was the first time any vehicle manufacturer had done this en masse.
This was wading, but with a difference. Our drivers were actually instructed to not engage Wading Mode. That would have meant low range, and too much torque, which may have caused vehicles to dig in. Instead, after a slow entry, high range, centre diff locked, and keeping a good speed meant our convoy reached the other side in safety, where a crowd had gathered to watch and cheer.
Scotland’s largest inhabited castle. But we were here to explore outside. Tight, steep tracks with axle-deep mud. Wooded grounds. Slippery grass descents.
The castle’s estate was inhabited by dozy pheasants. Luckily, the Grenadier’s Toot Button isn’t just good for politely warning cyclists. So our convoy was able to pass safely.
Extreme mud. Extreme ruts. And extreme water holes. If Dere Street doesn’t look, or drive, like your average street, that’s because it isn’t.
Built by the occupying Romans in AD79, we think it’s fair to say its surface doesn’t meet modern safety standards.
With epic views of both Scotland and the Yorkshire Dales, It’s hard to think of a more picturesque, and suitable, place to let our reviewers experience the Grenadier’s go-anywhere capability for themselves.
Iconic Kielder stages have been famous in rallying circles for years. Our drivers weren’t here to race, though they were able to test the Grenadier’s grip at a relatively rapid pace, on the loose gravel and slippery mud.
Co-driver notes: Engage centre diff lock, to keep the vehicle on track, but in high range, to maintain speed.
Burlington Slate Mine. A working quarry and site of some of the most extreme off-roading on the trip.
‘Elephant’s footprints’ enabled our drivers to demonstrate the Grenadier axles’ articulation, as they tackled the dramatically uneven terrain.
Whilst high speed runs on steep slopes with loose slate tested grip, power delivery, and control.
We got special permission to cross Morecambe Bay at low tide. In fact, this was the first time any vehicle manufacturer had done this en masse.
This was wading, but with a difference. Our drivers were actually instructed to not engage Wading Mode. That would have meant low range, and too much torque, which may have caused vehicles to dig in. Instead, after a slow entry, high range, centre diff locked, and keeping a good speed meant our convoy reached the other side in safety, where a crowd had gathered to watch and cheer.
Stage four
Marlow to West Wycombe via Wormsley
Stately escapes - The home stretch
Starting in Marlow, we head just up the road to Stonor Park, a challenging route across a deer park. From there, a short drive on narrow lanes to the Wormsley Estate for an exclusive drive. Then we cross the land over in West Wycombe, finding our way out onto the M40. A quick drive down the motorway takes us into the centre of London and our final destination: The Grenadier pub.
Stonor Park, Wormsley, and West Wycombe Estate. Three stunning locations. Three different settings. Each offering different terrain and weather conditions. So our final rotation of motoring journalists could experience first-hand the Grenadier’s off road capabilities.
Woodland tracks in blazing sunshine. Field trails in fog so thick, drivers couldn’t see the vehicle in front. And streams and water holes that required all diffs locked, as well as the nerve to drive faster than you’d like on the exits.
Our epic journey ends where it all began - the London pub where Sir Jim Ratcliffe discussed with friends his idea to build a purposeful off-roader, over a pint.
With production models now driven and reviewed by the world’s press, there are over 386 pieces of coverage online. Read them to see how they assess Sir Jim’s idea. Drive the Grenadier yourself, so you can make up your own mind. And join us for a pint at the Grenadier sometime.
Stonor Park, Wormsley, and West Wycombe Estate. Three stunning locations. Three different settings. Each offering different terrain and weather conditions. So our final rotation of motoring journalists could experience first-hand the Grenadier’s off road capabilities.
Woodland tracks in blazing sunshine. Field trails in fog so thick, drivers couldn’t see the vehicle in front. And streams and water holes that required all diffs locked, as well as the nerve to drive faster than you’d like on the exits.
Our epic journey ends where it all began - the London pub where Sir Jim Ratcliffe discussed with friends his idea to build a purposeful off-roader, over a pint.
With production models now driven and reviewed by the world’s press, there are over 386 pieces of coverage online. Read them to see how they assess Sir Jim’s idea. Drive the Grenadier yourself, so you can make up your own mind. And join us for a pint at the Grenadier sometime.
Ending where it all began
The cobbled backstreets of Belgravia
Some of the best ideas happen over a beer. And it was on this very spot – at the bar of the Grenadier pub – where the idea for our off-roader was born. When INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe decided to create a proper 4X4, built on purpose, he would name it after the pub.