- Most extreme version of Ineos Grenadier Trialmaster 4x4.
- Created by Letech in Germeny, but officially approved by Ineos.
- More than double the ground clearance, more than double the price.
Ineos has added a portal-axle version of the Grenadier to its lineup in the UK and Europe, which more than doubles the ground clearance to 450mm and increases wading ability from 800mm to 1050mm. The new model will quickly "expand to other key markets", says Ineos chief executive Lynn Calder.
A what axle? Portal axles use gears and a housing ends/control arms next to the wheel to increase ground clearance under the axle. It's the sort of thing serious 4x4 people get very excited about.
This NZ$330,000 (more than double the price of a standard Grenadier) extreme 4x4 is actually the product of an outside company, Letech, which has been an Ineos dealer and service partner since 2021.
First seen as a prototype at last year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, the "X Letech" is based on the Trialmaster specification of Grenadier (the more off-roady one) and has been officially approved by Ineos, meaning you can order it through official channels.
There have been over 1000 registrations since the 2024 showing and, according to Ineos and Letech, "numerous enquiries" from rescue services, aid agencies and other commercial fleets operating vehicles in extreme environments.
The Trialmaster vehicles will go straight from the Ineos Hambach factory to Letech's facility near Stuttgart, Germany. They are fitted with a new heavy-duty five-link front and rear suspension layout, portal axles with wheel hubs offset from the main axle and larger 37-inch BF Goodrich Mud Terrain off-road tyres. The drivetrain remains unchanged.
Additionally, the conversion package includes 5x18in ET55 Hutchinson Industries forged beadlock alloy wheels, high performance braking system, extended wheel arches with running boards including jacking points, front winch, multi-function rear ladder with jerry-can mount, roof rack with planking and LED marker lights, lightbar with 6 LED spotlights including DRL function, spare wheel carrier and "Trialmaster X Letech" branding.
Options include a fully integrated tyre pressure control system, loadspace drawer box, LED rear working lamps and a sand ladder kit.
The Grenadier’s 3500kg braked tow rating is retained, payload capacities (up to 540kg for Station Wagon or 642kg for the Quartermaster ute) are enabled by uprating the GVM to 4.2 tonnes. The standard factory warranty remains, and a 2-year warranty is offered by Letech on the conversion parts.
Founded in 2009 by Andreas Lennartz, Letech made its name restoring and modifying classic off-road vehicles. Since then, it has established a reputation for developing one-off, custom off-roaders and low-volume production vehiles for global manufacturers.
