Ineos Automotive has announced plans that it will develop an all-new fully electric 4×4 with automotive supplier Magna.
The four-wheel drive will be smaller than the internal combustion engine-powered Grenadier but is said to pack the same punch when it comes to driving off-road, without any compromise to its on-road comfort or performance. It will also be smaller than its Defender-looking sibling.
Technical specifications and the design of the EV have yet to be revealed but we do know where it will be made, that being at the Magna facility in Graz, Austria.
Ineos has worked with Magna before on a series of engineering and development projects for the Grenadier, making it well appointed to handle what will be the carmaker’s third model line. Magna will begin production of the new electric 4×4 in 2026.
Testing of the vehicle will also take place in Austria, but on the rugged terrain of Schöckl mountain, not far from where it will be made.
“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 programme,” said Lynn Calder, CEO of Ineos Automotive.
“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 line.”
For now, Ineos plans to launch the Grenadier station wagon and pick-up in New Zealand soon, according to Armstrong’s website. The models will be sold at a newly-built showroom in Greenlane, Auckland.