What’s the key to selling off-roaders? If you’re going to take a lesson from Jeep or Land Rover, it’s special editions. Ineos is jumping on that bandwagon with a new nautically inspired Grenadier called the Helmsman.
It’s the first in a series of new specials the brand has planned to help give it a well-needed boost.
Ocean Theme In A Land-Locked SUV
Ineos Grenadier HelmsmanIneos
The Ineos Grenadier Helmsman isn’t designed for comedian and actor Ed Helms. It’s inspired by the sea, not The Hangover. The nautical (not Nautica) theme brings the Grenadier SUV and Quartermaster pickup ocean-like touches, including a new deep blue paint option and, well, nothing else that’s directly related to water.
Like any good special edition, the Ineos Helmsman models start out with exclusive badges. A tiny emblem on the windshield frame lets you know which model you’re looking at. The model also gets the Dark Exterior Pack, which adds a black grille and skid plates, and new matte-black roof rails. The wheels, side protection bumpers, and even the windows are black, with privacy glass for all the rear panes.
Other features include an uprated audio system and heated leather seats with new oyster-colored inserts. There are carpeted floor mats over the wash-down rubber floors, perfect for cleaning out the barnacles, brine, and seaweed you might track in from your time on the sea. Or what your dog drags back from the water. Ineos also throws in the Smooth Pack, which includes ambient lighting and front parking sensors.
Why The Ocean Theme?
The standard colors include Eldoret Blue and Scottish White. The one in the photos is painted Whiteout Blue, a color that was created by and previously exclusive to Ineos’ bespoke Arcane Works department.
Ineos calls this “the ideal 4X4 for watersports enthusiasts and seafarers.” Though most of that credit goes to the basic Grenadier wagon and Quartermaster pickup. The British-designed and French-manufactured off-roader uses a BMW I6 engine and transmission with locking differentials available for the front, rear, and center. It’s like a modern interpretation of the classic Land Rover Defender, without going fully modern like the real thing and becoming soft.
Unlike most special edition models, the Grenadier Helmsman is a bit of a bargain. The Station Wagon starts from $78,995, but to option a model with similar equipment, you need to start with the $80,900 Fieldmaster then add a few grand more in option packs. Even then, you can’t get Whiteout Blue or the oyster seats.
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
Jeep just wrapped up a 12-month run of new Wrangler special editions. Land Rover has a handful of Defenders, and Toyota gives the 4Runner a special color every year. It’s abundantly clear buyers of these vehicles like things that feel special, so it’s natural that Grenadier does the same.
This isn’t its first, and it won’t be the last. Helping to make it a true special edition, the Helmsman will have a short production window at which point Ineos will move on to the next elements-inspired model. Order books are open now.
