Ineos Will Beat Land Rover To An Electric Off-Roader In 2026

At a recent event with Australian media, Ineos executives gave further detail about thenew electric SUVthat would be the company's second model after the Grenadier - an off-roader that channels the spirit of the originalLand Rover Defender, replete with retro styling.

Speaking to Australia'sDrive, company executive Mark Tennant told the publication that Ineos is working closely with Magna-Steyr on a development program for the newcomer, which is expected to have genuine off-road abilities. "The exterior design is nearly done; we've got a bit more to do on the interior," said Tennant, while hinting at an introduction timeline of 2026.

He also spoke about the underpinnings of the newcomer and how it will deviate from the ladder-frame chassis of the Grenadier.

像许多国防部ern EVs, the as-yet-unnamed newcomer will use the skateboard-style platform favored by electric vehicles like the Rivian R1T andforthcoming Jeep Recon, the latter of which will likely be the new Ineos's primary rival in the electric off-road scene.

"We are obviously looking for some carry-over from Grenadier, in terms of some components, but it won't be a ladder frame [platform]. It will be a skateboard (platform) because, frankly, in order to get the range and capability, we need to go that route," said Tennant.

At this stage, the skateboard platform's source is unknown, but there are a few options open to Ineos. It already works closely with BMW, utilizing its gas- and diesel-powered inline-six engines in the Grenadier. Another option is that it could partner with Magna International to develop the chassis, which is what Jaguar has done for theupcoming Panthera EV platform, or it could buy EV skateboards from any number of suppliers like Canoo.