The new 2020 Land Rover Defender marks the first time the iconic off-roader has been redesigned in nearly 40 years. But there are some purists who prefer the original Defender's old-school styling. For several years, Ineos Automotive, the automotive division of the Ineos chemical company, has been working to resurrect the classic Land Rover Defender for the modern age. Originally, the company's CEO, Jim Ratcliffe, wanted to acquire the rights and tooling for the original Land Rover Defender to continue production but Land Rover declined his request.

Instead, Ineos is building a new rugged off-roader from the ground up on a new platform with a utilitarian design that's heavily inspired by the original Land Rover Defender. It's called the Grenadier, named after Ratcliffe's favorite pub. Now after numerous teasers, Ineos has finally revealed the Grenadier's exterior in all its rugged glory for the first time.

Its boxy design, round headlights, small rear door, and horizontal bar grille certainly bear more than a passing resemblance to the original Defender. "The brief was simple. We set out to design a modern, functional and highly capable 4x4 vehicle with utility at its core", said Toby Ecuyer, Head of Design.

"A design that is 'easy-to-read', with no ambiguity about the Grenadier's role in life. There to do everything you need, and nothing you don't. Nothing is for show. Modern engineering and production techniques ensure the Grenadier is highly capable, but we have been able to stay true to the essence of creating a utilitarian vehicle that will stand the test of time."

Like the original Defender, the Grenadier will be a highly capable off-roader designed to "handle the world's harshest environments." Ineos also claims the Grenadier will boast "best-in-class off-road capability, durability and reliability to those who depend on a vehicle as a working tool."

Prototypes will be put through their paces in a variety of conditions, as Ineos intends to test the Grenadier across 1.8 million kilometers in the next year before production begins. Despite its rugged looks, the Grenadier will be comfortable and feature equipment and safety systems you would expect to find in a modern SUV. Customers will also be able to extensively customize their Grenadier with a wide range of accessories.

For extra practicality, an optional utility belt can be added to the doors and rear body to attach loads or accessories such as a jerry can. Smaller items can be loaded through the rear door, or a rear ladder can be fitted for easier access to the roof. Exterior wiring, with exit points to the front and the rear of the roof, are also included as standard for powering auxiliary lamps, work lamps, or beacons. A roof rack can be added, but roof bars and roof strips are fitted as standard.

No powertrain details have been revealed, but Ineos has signed a deal with BMW to supply the engines. Production of the Ineos Grenadier will begin in late 2021.