Ineos Automotive has confirmed it will launch its first all-electric off-road SUV in 2026 and Canadian auto parts supplier Magna-Steyr will build it at its facility in Graz, Austria. Major details surrounding the new SUV have not been announced just yet but Ineos did state the unnamed vehicle will be smaller than the Grenadier "and will deliver world-class off-road capability, without compromising on-road comfort or performance."
We've known for several months about Ineos's intentions to launch an electrified SUV so today's announcement does not come as a huge surprise. Chances are, like the Grenadier, the new vehicle will boast classic Land Rover Defender-inspired rugged styling but will lack the Grenadier's ladder-frame chassis. A skateboard-style setup used by the likes of the Rivian R1T will be used instead.
The selection of Magna also makes perfect sense because Ineos has already worked with the company on engineering and development for the Grenadier. The new SUV will be Ineos's third model, the first two being the Grenadier SUV and pickup truck.
The agreement between the two firms further includes a "rigorous testing program" at Austria's Schockl mountain, located not far from Magna's production plant.
"Having worked together on the engineering of the Grenadier, we've seen first-hand the value of applying Magna's agility, knowledge, and experience to a complete vehicle development program," said Ineos CEO Lynn Calder. "Deepening our collaboration is a natural next step as we use the Grenadier as a springboard for our continued growth as a global automotive brand with this third model."
A ladder-frame chassis is often used for pickup trucks but is not the typical choice for electrification though such a setup is not impossible. Previous patent filings from Volkswagen indicate the German automaker is developing such a chassis for its long-rumored EV truck. The Ram 1500 EV Revolution Concept also makes use of a ladder-frame chassis, which Stellantis internally calls the STLA Ladder platform.
The Ineos Grenadier began series production last October in France and deliveries got underway in December. Two BMW-sourced engines are offered: a gasoline or diesel-powered 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six. Only the gas engine is available in the US and both are paired to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.
Ineos did not say where the new SUV's electrified powertrain will be coming from but we wouldn't be surprised if BMW is somehow involved. Magna is quickly becoming the go-to destination for smaller auto brands that lack major production and engineering facilities. The supplier has also been tasked with building the Fisker Ocean in Austria.
Pure battery-powered SUVs and trucks are quickly becoming the next big thing. The recently revived and VW-owned Scout Motors will begin construction of a $2 billion plant in South Carolina where its all-electric SUV and truck are expected to start rolling off the assembly line by the end of 2026. A fuel-cell version of the Grenadier was being developed but has since been delayed due to a lack of a hydrogen infrastructure.