So where are all the first impressions? (right here)

[Coullabus]

Our car was off the road from December until April with climate control issues - it did not cool in summer or warm in winter. The whole system was inop.

We waited until March for a fix but Ineos have tried pretty much everything (including an entirely new HVAC unit, dash out and the lot), still no joy.

We have now been refunded as they can’t fix the car. I wouldn’t criticise an individuals choice, but driving to work all winter in thermals, a woolly hat and gloves is not acceptable to me in a brand new vehicle!

N.B. I believe the issue affects only diesel models.

Ordering a replacement?

 

[LKC TX Grenadier]

I am sitting @ ~1500 miles now and at this point it's been a mix of city & highway driving only. When asked about my opinion, I tell folks I have had to re-calibrate my mind. This is due to my last three vehicles being TRX, Jeep Gladiator Mohave & Raptor. The Jeep was the closest to IG when it comes to ride & general comforts but still had better tech. I fully understand the IG is very utilitarian......Those of us that live in the US have come accustomed to larger vehicles w/ amenities. My general complaints in no particular order & shooting from the hip would be: (1) No One touch up/down windows (2) No built-in garage door opener (Home Link) in visor or mirror (3) Infotainment Center is weak (4) Annoyance of speed & lane assistant (5) Stereo sound is poor even with amp (6) Steering box play, always feel like I am sawing at wheel (realize this box is ideal for offroad) (7) Door seals installed with weak tape & having to realign after each wash but considering use of some new high end glue to alleviate (8) Unusual transmission whine at easy throttle load but goes away when lifting off throttle (9) No visor mirror (10) Love the Recaro side bolsters but there is something that pushes into my lower back that remains bothersome (11) Footwell is tight & have gotten used to it but still feel like my hip angle has changed & curious about long road trips. (12) Driver side passenger door button sticking so multiple open/closing of door (13) No active cruise control (14) No vented seats (15) Cup holders are weak at best (16) Lack of lower arm rest on front doors (17) General storage is very weak (18) Rear view mirror visibility, they probably should have used camera type (19) Visibility out of side view mirrors (20) Driver side needs A-pillar grab handle. As you can tell these are all preferences besides door seal & transmission whine. I have not experienced any major issues like others have mentioned. I am curious how AC will handle gulf coast weather in coming months. I am roughly 1.25hrs from dealer and had to get software update 100 miles in due to airbag indicator but so far error free since then. I took delivery early March 2024 . I suspect in another 60-90 days my affinity for some of those luxuries will subside.

 

[Cheshire cat]

I am sitting @ ~1500 miles now and at this point it's been a mix of city & highway driving only. When asked about my opinion, I tell folks I have had to re-calibrate my mind. This is due to my last three vehicles being TRX, Jeep Gladiator Mohave & Raptor. The Jeep was the closest to IG when it comes to ride & general comforts but still had better tech. I fully understand the IG is very utilitarian......Those of us that live in the US have come accustomed to larger vehicles w/ amenities. My general complaints in no particular order & shooting from the hip would be: (1) No One touch up/down windows (2) No built-in garage door opener (Home Link) in visor or mirror (3) Infotainment Center is weak (4) Annoyance of speed & lane assistant (5) Stereo sound is poor even with amp (6) Steering box play, always feel like I am sawing at wheel (realize this box is ideal for offroad) (7) Door seals installed with weak tape & having to realign after each wash but considering use of some new high end glue to alleviate (8) Unusual transmission whine at easy throttle load but goes away when lifting off throttle (9) No visor mirror (10) Love the Recaro side bolsters but there is something that pushes into my lower back that remains bothersome (11) Footwell is tight & have gotten used to it but still feel like my hip angle has changed & curious about long road trips. (12) Driver side passenger door button sticking so multiple open/closing of door (13) No active cruise control (14) No vented seats (15) Cup holders are weak at best (16) Lack of lower arm rest on front doors (17) General storage is very weak (18) Rear view mirror visibility, they probably should have used camera type (19) Visibility out of side view mirrors (20) Driver side needs A-pillar grab handle. As you can tell these are all preferences besides door seal & transmission whine. I have not experienced any major issues like others have mentioned. I am curious how AC will handle gulf coast weather in coming months. I am roughly 1.25hrs from dealer and had to get software update 100 miles in due to airbag indicator but so far error free since then. I took delivery early March 2024 . I suspect in another 60-90 days my affinity for some of those luxuries will subside.

Hi LKC
Can’t really take issue with any of your observations other than to say the steering on my vehicle feels spot on. As I read through your list I was able to acknowledge what you alluded to.
That said, absolutely none of those criticisms would deter me from buying this vehicle again. 10,000 miles in and still extremely happy.

 

[Javasipper]

Hi LKC
Can’t really take issue with any of your observations other than to say the steering on my vehicle feels spot on. As I read through your list I was able to acknowledge what you alluded to.
That said, absolutely none of those criticisms would deter me from buying this vehicle again. 10,000 miles in and still extremely happy.

"...(12) Driver side passenger door button sticking so multiple open/closing of door..." My dealer here in Oregon already has a fix for this issue, so I'm assumming your dealer should also have a fix. Set an apoinment and they should be able to replace the faulty parts for you.

 

[DaBull]

I am sitting @ ~1500 miles now and at this point it's been a mix of city & highway driving only. When asked about my opinion, I tell folks I have had to re-calibrate my mind. This is due to my last three vehicles being TRX, Jeep Gladiator Mohave & Raptor. The Jeep was the closest to IG when it comes to ride & general comforts but still had better tech. I fully understand the IG is very utilitarian......Those of us that live in the US have come accustomed to larger vehicles w/ amenities. My general complaints in no particular order & shooting from the hip would be: (1) No One touch up/down windows (2) No built-in garage door opener (Home Link) in visor or mirror (3) Infotainment Center is weak (4) Annoyance of speed & lane assistant (5) Stereo sound is poor even with amp (6) Steering box play, always feel like I am sawing at wheel (realize this box is ideal for offroad) (7) Door seals installed with weak tape & having to realign after each wash but considering use of some new high end glue to alleviate (8) Unusual transmission whine at easy throttle load but goes away when lifting off throttle (9) No visor mirror (10) Love the Recaro side bolsters but there is something that pushes into my lower back that remains bothersome (11) Footwell is tight & have gotten used to it but still feel like my hip angle has changed & curious about long road trips. (12) Driver side passenger door button sticking so multiple open/closing of door (13) No active cruise control (14) No vented seats (15) Cup holders are weak at best (16) Lack of lower arm rest on front doors (17) General storage is very weak (18) Rear view mirror visibility, they probably should have used camera type (19) Visibility out of side view mirrors (20) Driver side needs A-pillar grab handle. As you can tell these are all preferences besides door seal & transmission whine. I have not experienced any major issues like others have mentioned. I am curious how AC will handle gulf coast weather in coming months. I am roughly 1.25hrs from dealer and had to get software update 100 miles in due to airbag indicator but so far error free since then. I took delivery early March 2024 . I suspect in another 60-90 days my affinity for some of those luxuries will subside.

Yep, and I absolutely love it. DaBull

 

[JOB]

Ordering a replacement?

Not at the moment. Ineos offered a replacement vehicle but nothing remotely like my spec, so I declined. Prices have now risen significantly for a re-order and to be honest I’m pretty despondent about the dealer servicing and repairs and with no good motivated independents, any problems and you’re firmly tied to Ineos for the time being.

I would like to revisit in a few years but for now I’m sticking to the old L322.

 

[Coullabus]

Not at the moment. Ineos offered a replacement vehicle but nothing remotely like my spec, so I declined. Prices have now risen significantly for a re-order and to be honest I’m pretty despondent about the dealer servicing and repairs and with no good motivated independents, any problems and you’re firmly tied to Ineos for the time being.

I would like to revisit in a few years but for now I’m sticking to the old L322.

have you thought about looking at the secondhand market? I bought mine last November - 1500 miles on the clock , all the extras i would have selected had I ordered a new one, considerably cheaper than ordering a new one. Worth a look around?

PS found mine through auto-trader, quality used car place rather than a main dealer.

 

[crashnburn]

"...(12) Driver side passenger door button sticking so multiple open/closing of door..." My dealer here in Oregon already has a fix for this issue, so I'm assumming your dealer should also have a fix. Set an apoinment and they should be able to replace the faulty parts for you.

The dry graphite lube works pretty well too for sticky doors.

 

[C64_forever]

I am already at 800 miles after two weeks. I have two warning lights on, a brake wear and the yellow engine gremlin that happens sometimes after filling up the tank. Neither lights are critical, or relevant for that matter. My dealer is 5.5 hours away, however I have a work trip next week literally 20 minutes away from them.
Those two warning lights while mildly surprising, have done nothing to dampen my enthusiasm and satisfaction. I have done about 50 miles of light offroading and the car handles like a dream. Even a morning coffee errand puts a smile on my face like no other car has.
To quote a Cadillac commercial from the 2000s.... "when you turn on your car, does it return the favor?" My Grenadier certainly does.

 

[Jcmcinoz]

Will try to keep this short. New member. First post. 5 months planning a trip. My orignal vehicle (not an Ineos) failed a week before the trip. On Saturday of the failure I walked from the workshop into a dealer and purchased a demo. Delivered on the Wednesday and left the Saturday as planned. Travelled over 8500km in three weeks including sealed roads, dirt roads, tracks, 500km through a desert (1200 dunes), corrugations, potholes, up through the Great Dividing Range (desert elevation of 24m in the center of Australia to a road pass of 1503m in the GDR).

Having owned 53 cars before this including numerous four wheel drives (Toyota, Jeep, Nissan Patrol) this is hands down the most versatile vehicle I have owned. We lived out of the Ineos for three weeks, camping in a Swag and not once did we regret our spur of the moment purchase.

Yes it has faults. Constant issues with the rear parking sensors going off whilst driving forward, that awful foot rest and that flat windscreen that loves stones just as much as it loves bugs. All told. No regrets. Just got home and planning the next trip.

 

[gregcraybas]

I am already at 800 miles after two weeks. I have two warning lights on, a brake wear and the yellow engine gremlin that happens sometimes after filling up the tank. Neither lights are critical, or relevant for that matter. My dealer is 5.5 hours away, however I have a work trip next week literally 20 minutes away from them.
Those two warning lights while mildly surprising, have done nothing to dampen my enthusiasm and satisfaction. I have done about 50 miles of light offroading and the car handles like a dream. Even a morning coffee errand puts a smile on my face like no other car has.
To quote a Cadillac commercial from the 2000s.... "when you turn on your car, does it return the favor?" My Grenadier certainly does.

What was the reason for yellow engine coming on? I have 1300 miles and it came on after filling tank up. Did it clear on its own?

 

[RobP]

What was the reason for yellow engine coming on? I have 1300 miles and it came on after filling tank up. Did it clear on its own?

You need to visit the dealer for the latest software update that addresses this. I had mine done recently after having it cleared by the dealer the first time but it came back soon after another fill up.

 

[Max]

What was the reason for yellow engine coming on? I have 1300 miles and it came on after filling tank up. Did it clear on its own?

It has been posted on the forum before but an ex BMW tech now working at my vehicles service agent said not to double or multi click the petrol pump nossle when filling up...one click and stop

 

[Jiman01]

I took delivery of a MM TM a few days ago and my initial impressions are that it’s a great vehicle. I came from a Defender X, so the IG is definitely a step down in luxury and tech but I’m OK with that because of, in my mind, all of the hard parts and stuff you can’t see that make it a better long term vehicle for me.

View attachment IMG_3967.jpeg

I found an interesting phenomenon today when I was playing around with H/L and R/F lockers. With the truck in Low and all locked up (Center, rear, front) the steering returns to center with authority. I don’t think I’ve heard anyone mention this before. It’s literally the steering feel most people want for road use, but that’s only available during off-road driving

Mine has the engine “whine” as well, but I kinda like it. It definitely doesn’t bother me. I do not like the green corner light & automatic headlight indicators that are always on the telltail screen…especially at night. I’d prefer they go out after start up.

Now that I’ve had to deal with the ADAS, I still think it’s stupid for the US market, but the shortcut isn’t as much of a PIA as I thought it was going to be. Maybe the ADAS mega-thread broke me in before I even took delivery

In the short time I’ve had the truck, the heat at least seems to be working correctly. I’ve tried it in auto and manual. Build date on the door says 06/2024. And unlike another Grenadier I test drove, this one doesn’t whistle at fan settings 2,3, or 4…thank gawd.

I found a nifty spot for a Liftmaster garage door opener in the small cubby ahead of the shifter. It fits perfectly for normal road use and IMO blends in with all of the switches and dials, like it’s supposed to be there. I may add some velcro if it pops out on the trail.

View attachment IMG_3984.jpeg

View attachment IMG_3982.jpeg

My initial two priorities is finding a clean way to add interior mounting points and power for cell phones. I think I’m going to go with Owl and their accessory rail. The second priority is to find a slider with step. I think I have it narrowed down between the Dirtbox, Buzz, and Owl. Definitely need it for trail protection as a slider and so my wife/daughter can get in the truck without so much struggle and thereby avoiding them eventually trashing my seats

 

[Cheshire cat]

Congratulations on your purchase. Most of us are over the moon with ours too.
I opted for the Buzz slider and am extremely happy with them. Of course, the other makes you mention will no doubt be very good too.
Have a great time with your Grenadier.

 

[Cheshire cat]

I took delivery of a MM TM a few days ago and my initial impressions are that it’s a great vehicle. I came from a Defender X, so the IG is definitely a step down in luxury and tech but I’m OK with that because of, in my mind, all of the hard parts and stuff you can’t see that make it a better long term vehicle for me.

View attachment 7879221

I found an interesting phenomenon today when I was playing around with H/L and R/F lockers. With the truck in Low and all locked up (Center, rear, front) the steering returns to center with authority. I don’t think I’ve heard anyone mention this before. It’s literally the steering feel most people want for road use, but that’s only available during off-road driving

Mine has the engine “whine” as well, but I kinda like it. It definitely doesn’t bother me. I do not like the green corner light & automatic headlight indicators that are always on the telltail screen…especially at night. I’d prefer they go out after start up.

Now that I’ve had to deal with the ADAS, I still think it’s stupid for the US market, but the shortcut isn’t as much of a PIA as I thought it was going to be. Maybe the ADAS mega-thread broke me in before I even took delivery

In the short time I’ve had the truck, the heat at least seems to be working correctly. I’ve tried it in auto and manual. Build date on the door says 06/2024. And unlike another Grenadier I test drove, this one doesn’t whistle at fan settings 2,3, or 4…thank gawd.

I found a nifty spot for a Liftmaster garage door opener in the small cubby ahead of the shifter. It fits perfectly for normal road use and IMO blends in with all of the switches and dials, like it’s supposed to be there. I may add some velcro if it pops out on the trail.
View attachment 7879215
View attachment 7879216

View attachment 7879217

My initial two priorities is finding a clean way to add interior mounting points and power for cell phones. I think I’m going to go with Owl and their accessory rail. The second priority is to find a slider with step. I think I have it narrowed down between the Dirtbox, Buzz, and Owl. Definitely need it for trail protection as a slider and so my wife/daughter can get in the truck without so much struggle and thereby avoiding them eventually trashing my seats

 

[Jiman01]

That looks super clean!!…I like it. I’ve been wondering how I could snake a charging cord behind the plastics.

Do you have it wired into EXT1 or EXT2?

 

[Cheshire cat]

That looks super clean!!…I like it. I’ve been wondering how I could snake a charging cord behind the plastics.

Do you have it wired into EXT1 or EXT2?

Hi Jiman01

My current solution involves routing the cable behind the plastics and into a USB outlet, the wiring of which I tapped into the wiring of the cigarette lighter type power outlet. This is not my permanent solution as I like the inside of my vehicle to look very clean. Don't want a wire in sight.

On a different subject. Currently, my biggest challenge is finding a way to make the storage trays in front of the steering wheel and gear stick less slippy. I have no idea what IA were thinking of when they chose the current matt material. These two handy storage places are good for nothing at present.

 

[rovie]

After receiving a friendly hint that I had posted my review in the Americas section, I have now moved it to the general thread first impressions, even though it is no longer the first.

Almost exactly 2 years ago, in December 2022, our Trialmaster was assembled in Hambach. A good time for me to do a review. I now have around 25,000 km on the clock. Half of it on the road, the rest on unpaved roads. A quarter of it on difficult terrain. Rutted, muddy forest tracks, wet, boggy meadows. Forest paths with stones and logs in the ground.
I use the Grenadier exclusively as a means of transportation to get to places where I wouldn't be able to go without an off-road vehicle. It is often used to tow heavy trailers. I have pulled agricultural trailers myself. However, this is too risky for me, as I have decided not to install a hydraulic braking system for trailers, as I once had on the Defender many years ago. I don't use it as a camping vehicle. That's why I deliberately didn't carry out any installations or conversions.
As I travel long distances on roads between my agricultural areas, I enjoy the comfort compared to my former Defender, which I don't regret. Comparable to my two Discos (2 and 4), which I have also sold in the meantime.
I am happy with my Grenadier. Even though it's still not perfect. Let's start with the positives:
The engine (diesel) is powerful and smooth-running. The gearbox shifts smoothly and, in my opinion, in good time. Fuel consumption is now around 11.5 liters in predominantly road traffic. Off-road it's around 13-14 liters, depending on whether you're towing a trailer or not. The gear reduction is easy to engage due to frequent use. The same applies to the center differential lock. The front and rear locks must be engaged in good time. Don't wait until you get stuck. But I've got that down pretty well by now.

Switching the lock on and off works without any problems. The steering is absolutely fine for me. Over a long straight stretch of road, it pulls slightly to the left. Then I have to correct slightly. I've been doing this automatically for a long time and don't even think about it any more.
The BF tires are absolutely fine for me. They are excellent, especially in wet terrain with reduced air pressure. The seat heating is powerful enough to transport enough heat despite the good, robust Melvill&Moon seat covers. Despite the seats being fully reclined, there is sufficient legroom in the rear seat and long journeys are no problem. The floor in the interior is easy to clean. I often get in with muddy rubber boots.

What am I still not satisfied with?
What bothers me is that the heating and air conditioning controls are constantly being adjusted. I can get it to be cold and warm, but my expectation is something else.

I'm also bothered by vibrations inside the dashboard at certain engine speeds. Alan Jackson then makes sure that I no longer hear them. Overall, the build quality is not good. For me, this is clearly sloppiness in production in France. I used to drive a Peugeot when I was young. I find parallels there.
I have one of the first production vehicles (VIN in the mid 3-digit range). My expectation would have been a very detailed quality inspection, especially for the first vehicles. The fact that after removing the interior trim (to connect the INT power connections) I find torn-off taps, screws lying around on the floor or forcibly bent plastic clips does not inspire confidence in me.
But I'm good at differentiating and weighing things up. I can deal with these issues and live with them, always against the background of the intended purpose. All in all, I'm always happy to get back into the Grenadier and enjoy driving such a robust car.
I am still convinced that it is a good vehicle that meets most of my requirements. And I'm not currently thinking about selling it. Incidentally, I could have done this already, for a loss of only around 5000 euros in just under 2 years.
However, I have also spent a lot of time with the new G-Wagon and tested it extensively. Off-road, it meets my requirements just as well. And that is the decisive factor for me. It would not serve as a show or lifestyle car, but would work like my previous off-road vehicles. At the same time, I would have a pleasant, reliable vehicle in which nothing rattles, whistles, gets hot or cold. But it's smaller than the Grenadier. The trunk in particular is not really suitable for my applications.

I would recommend the Grenadier, but would point out the weak points. For me, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. That may be different for some people. Nevertheless, such problems should not occur in a vehicle for which I have paid 70000 euros. New company or not.
My Grenadier, I like him!

 

[gregcraybas]

Engine light error code P0461 from over top off fuel was cleared easily with OBD scanner from Amazon($111). Model OBDLinkMX+ requested firmware update. Cleared code by turning engine off and back to on.