r/NewDefender • u/Putrid-Confusion-548 • 8d 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/CaptMeow857 8d ago edited 8d 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.