My 2B experience in Seattle. A lot of my questions are duplicated elsewhere, but some are new. We all have questions based on our intended use of the Grenadier.
Grenadier 2B Tour - Seattle Personal observation first :If you receive an invitation, clear your calendar and go. You will not be disappointed seeing the Grenadier and having the opportunity to ask questions. Greg and his 2 assistants were very open with the information, answered tons of questions and when the traditional Defender owners are impressed you know Ineos Automotive [Grenadier] is on the right track.I thought I would be disappointed looking at a static display, but not at all. Lucky I left my check book at home with ‘she who must be obeyed’ because I’m ready to sign up.Following are the questions I have answers to… I hope this helpsExterior questions:17" v. 18" wheels – 31” or 33” tires on 18" wheels? Larger brakes w. 18" wheels?Max. diameter that will fit inside the wheel well?33 inch without any wheel well modification.Greg has seen 35 inch in photos, but that was static so he’s not sure.17” or 18” wheel size doesn’t change the size of the brake calipers or rotors.How much does 18" wheels & tires change the approach & departure angles? No, because the tire sidewall height changes between onroad & offroad tires.What's the standard ground clearance? I didn’t ask because it’s on the website so I’ll look it up.Rear door strength for larger wheels or an equipment box? They didn’t have a number but Greg said a 35” tire will fit on the door. This sort of detail will be included in the website update, closer to production.Overall height on 18” wheels? 68 inches. FYI – It’s a big step up to get inside, so rockslides or sidesteps aren’t really optional.Diff lock options – Front, Rear, All wheels? Hi-Lo range?3 electronic diff locks. Yes, Hi-Lo range. Traction options – Are onroad / offroad traction options selectable? Hill descent control?Yes – There’s a rotary dial similar to LR Terrain Response.Heated windshield an option?Rain sensing wipers an option?No to both in the initial product launch, but Grenadier has had a lot of requests.Are mudflaps included or are they an option?Included as standard.Reversing camera & reversing lights? [The last 4 are important in cold, snowy conditions.]Yes. Camera is positioned under the spare tire.There were no parking sensors on the 2B prototype, but they weren’t the production bumpers.Swap alpine windows in place of grab rails? [TBH I don’t see the utility of the grab rails.]Not an option according to Grenadier. Greg sort of commented they have had a lot of pro’s & con’s regarding the grab rails.Is a 2” receiver hitch standard?Wired receiver hitch will be an option. Tow bar height can be adjusted by 2 Inches? Interior questions:Carpet or rubber mats - Can the carpet be removed for easy cleaning?No – If you choose carpets, you’re stuck with them. On the plus side, they’re warmer and cut down some road noise.Max. L x W x H dimensions of the rear load space with seats folded flat?L = 64 inches, W = 42 – 58 inches, H - 42 inchesInterior dimensions are to be finalized so they could change prior to production.60:40 split R/seat? Does it fold completely flat to the floor?Yes. Left side is 60, right side is 40.Folds flat but not quite flush with the floor.Grenadier might produce an option to raise the level of the loadspace to make it flush.Install 2-way radio & external antenna?I didn’t ask.Screen for GPS & reversing camera?Yes. Center console screen.Accessories & options:Is diesel a future option for Nth. America?Is the technical issue that Nth. America doesn’t produce low-sulpher diesel?TBD in the future and it depends on BMW getting the engine re-certified by the EPA.The diesel option is a ‘victim’ of BMW’s role in the ‘diesel-gate’ scandal.Dual battery option? Where is 2nd battery located? Is it pre-wired?Yes – Located under the rear passenger seat along with fuses.Is Grenadier working with ARB and / or Safety Devices? Any 3rd parties in the US or Canada?Yes – ARB & Safety Devices. Still working with 3rd parties to see who builds what accessories.What does pre-wired for accessories mean? Wired from the switch to the fuse, and to the accessory? Yes - Plug-and-play from the switch, to the fuse, to front or rear as needed. My powered accessories will be offroad lights & work lights at the rear so that’s pre-wired.USB outlets? 120V outlet? [I have electric tools it would be useful to power off the vehicle.]Yes – Several options depending on single battery v. dual battery installation.Misc:Ballpark pricing for US? Range of prices?When I asked, Greg turned the question around and asked what I would expect to pay.My response, “Somewhat less than a new Defender with a few options, something more than a Jeep JL with a few options. He said pricing will be firm by the end-of-year before Grenadier starts taking orders.How are pre-orders going? Nth. America & RotW?Letters of expression are well into 6-figures worldwide, into 5-figures in the US with minimal marketing.Grenadier will attend the major offroad expos in the summer to get broader exposure.At the end of 2022, they will have pre-prod versions available for offroad driving tests. What’s a comfortable highway cruising speed? Not known, but they’re aiming for BMW NVH standards for onroad.What’s the fuel tank size and approx. range for petrol / diesel engine?Forgot to ask.Can you manually hold it in a gear?Yes – Can be driven as a semi-automatic.Is Grenadier speaking to service partners in western US and Canada?Yes – Moving to a dealership sales model because of legal requirements with direct sales.Is European delivery an option? [Ship later to the US or Canada]Yes – Pick up at the factory.Any update on Hydrogen fuel cell power?At least 5 years out. Working with Hyundai & BMWAny other options 'in the works' between now and delivery?Yes – Based on customer feedback but Greg wouldn’t commit to anything. Interior is still being finalized. Interior dimensions could still change marginally. Additional notes:Greg said the current website and configurator is a ‘marketing teaser’. In the summer there will be a major update to the website and the configurator upgraded to where potential owners will be able to build vehicles with close to production specifications. Don’t remember if this version of the website will include pricing.Sales & Service model is a work in progress. Will probably include full-service auto dealerships in large population centers, but Grenadier doesn’t want huge dealerships where the brand gets lost in the volume. Tier 2 sales & support in smaller cities provided by Bosch and equipment suppliers. Greg said, more on this prior to the first North American sales.Greg was a bit vague about when they would be in the major Canadian cities. I can’t speak to Mexico and South America.Finally, your invoice number does not reflect your position in the production builds. Build sequence will be determined by the vehicles ordered with typical options, and the more ‘unique’ vehicles will be later in the build cycle.
