INEOS Automotive, the recently established SUV manufacturer, is introducing its third model dubbed, the Fusilier. The Fusilier is scheduled to be on sale in 2027 and will be available as an EV and a plug-in hybrid with a range-extending drivetrain. According to the firm, this move aims to serve the aspirations of car buyers around the world for environmentally friendly driving options without compromising functionality. Thanks to a partnership with Magna, the INEOS Fusilier—a little bit smaller than its predecessor, the Grenadier—is engineered to provide impressive on- and off-road capabilities. The car's dual powertrain strategy was cited by INEOS Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe as a critical step in lowering carbon emissions. Notably, the Grenadier and the Quartermaster pickup from the brand are still not available to consumers in the United States.
Ineos Fusilier Electric SUV: Appearance
The design of the Fusilier is based on the boxy Grenadier, a vehicle whose appearance was influenced by the first Land Rover Defender, as these initial pictures demonstrate. It now features a smoother front end and a narrower windshield angle, giving it a more aerodynamic shape. Additionally, Ineos says that active radiator grille shutters will be a feature of the production version. With a length of 4,521mm, the Fusilier will be 330mm shorter than the Grenadier. Its chassis will no longer be ladder-framed. Rather, it will rest atop what is being called a "battery skateboard," with an aluminum and steel structure above it.
Ineos Fusilier Electric SUV: Powertrain Options
Essentially, the Fusilier is an EV. It will have an underbody battery, a motor for each axle, and an electrical propulsion system. The vehicle will be housed on a platform akin to that of a skateboard. There won't be any mechanical connection between the petrol engine and the wheels; it will be purchased from an unconfirmed automaker. BMW is the source of the Grenadier's purchased powerplants. As per Ineos, the EV version is intended to have a range close to 400-kilometre under European WLTP testing standards; this will probably equate to less than 322-kilometre on EPA ratings. Despite having a smaller battery than the complete EV, the range-extender will nonetheless provide a remarkable electric-only range. Ineos is expected to provide more information on the Fusilier's powertrain and launch specifics by the fall of this year.
Ineos Fusilier Electric SUV: Production Details and Rivals
Early 2027 is now the anticipated launch date for the model instead of 2026 due to the inclusion of the REx option. The contract manufacturer that develops the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the Jaguar I-Pace, and the Fisker Ocean, Magna, is going to build the Fusilier in Austria. It will be tested for durability on the Shöckl Pass. Although these are still combustion engines, Magna has already contributed to the development of the company's first two models: the Quartermaster pickup and the Grenadier, which sits above the Fusilier.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the Land Rover Defender, and the Toyota Land Cruiser's forthcoming compact electric variants will rival the EV. Pricing has not yet been announced, although given the expense of batteries, it is unlikely to be significantly less expensive than the Grenadier.
What the Company Has to Say?
Speaking on the occasion, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman, INEOS said, “The Fusilier is a great looking vehicle, and the two powertrain options provide a real-world reduction in carbon emissions without compromising to the off-road capability or the on-road performance. We’re excited to bring our electric 4X4 to market but we are beginning to understand the clear limitations of battery electric in certain situations. We believe the addition of a range extender electric to our line-up will offer our customers a very low emission drive without the range anxiety drivers of electric vehicles experience today.”
“As we developed this vehicle, we quickly concluded that in order to move towards decarbonisation but continue making cars that consumers want to drive, we need a mix of powertrain technologies. BEVs are perfect for certain uses: shorter trips and urban deliveries, but industry and governments need to have realistic expectations around other technologies that can help accelerate the necessary pace of change. That is the reason we are offering an additional powertrain for the Fusilier, one that dramatically reduces emissions but has the range and refuelling capabilities needed,” he added.
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