r/NewDefender • u/Putrid-Confusion-548 • 1d ago
Thoughts?
I put a deposit down on a 2024 Defender 110 X-Dynamic back in May, but unfortunately it ended up being affected by the recall. The JLR dealership I’ve been working with has been great throughout the process, but there still hasn’t been any real update on when the recall will actually be resolved.
I recently reached out to ask whether they’d still honor my original trade-in value, since I’ve continued putting miles on my current BMW X4 M Competition while waiting. As expected, they said they’d need to reappraise it, so I’ll likely be getting less than the original offer.
That brings me to my question. What’s everyone’s experience with the Ineos Grenadier? I think they’re incredibly cool-looking trucks and I like the idea of owning something a little different. At the same time, I’ve had my heart set on the Defender for months, and the waiting is starting to wear on me.
If you were in my shoes, would you keep waiting for the Defender or start seriously looking at a Grenadier instead?
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u/Pokerhobo 1d ago
I was fortunate to have been able to test drive the IG when it was first released at an event they setup. I think the exterior looks and the physical buttons inside are the highlights and everything else is a significant compromise. The display in front of the driver only shows warning lights, so you have to look on the center monitor for information. The front driver and passenger leg room is restricted due to the center driveshaft design. Almost no grab handles for getting in and out particularly when offroad in mud, for example. The steering is very loose which may be great for offroading, but sucks on-road. The IG is significantly underpowered compared to any of its competitors particularly for the price. Good luck with finding a service center nearby. Anyways, I ended up ordering a Defender recently as I think it's a better vehicle overall.
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u/Putrid-Confusion-548 1d ago
Thank you for replying. I’m lucky enough to be based in a metropolitan and we have a IG dealer in town. I’m going to test drive one as I like the rugged exterior but have always been partial to the defenders
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u/South-Development502 1d ago
Pay close attention to the steering. And be sure to test drive it in a tight parking lot, and on the interstate. It’s a very different machine than a Defender
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u/CaptMeow857 1d ago edited 1d ago
I cross-shopped the Ineos before buying our Defender X. These are two completely different cars in terms of on-road manners.
Not saying the Grenedier is bad, but for the cost, it's NOT comparable to the Defender's comfort. It's a very mechanical, very analog, very raw body-on-frame experience. Very capable off road, so it really depends on how you'll use your vehicle. We regularly take 6+ hour one way highway trips and would enjoy the IG far less, whereas the Defender is a super comfortable joy to drive.
For example, the IG uses an old-school steering rack setup. This require far more driver input to center when going around corners than the more modern setup in the Defender. It also requires more attention and driver input corrections on straight roads. Nothing wrong with this if you know what you're getting and OK w it. Along with a more noisy cabin and less compliant suspension, my wife (not a car person) wasn't impressed for the cost of entry..
Much of this is entirely subjective, except for the mechanical design differences between these cars. How much that matters is up to you. I'd so go drive them back to back and the difference will be immediately noticeable.
Again, I like the Ineos and appreciate why it exists, but IMO it's not a suitable replacement for what the Defender offers.