Ineos Fusilier Debuts As An Electric Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon Fighter

Ineos has unveiled the Fusilier as its entry into the electrification era, joining the Grenadier SUV and the Grenadier Quartermaster truck in its lineup sometime in autumn.

The Ineos Fusilier is an electrified 4x4 off-roader with a fully electric powertrain and a range extender alternative, with the latter utilizing a small gasoline engine to generate power for the battery. That means the variant still works like an EV but can still be filled with gasoline, providing customers peace of mind from dealing with the so-called range anxiety and the fun instant torque acceleration.

«As we developed this vehicle, we quickly concluded that in order to move towards decarbonization but continue making cars that consumers want to drive, we need a mix of powertrain technologies,» said Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of Ineos.

The Ineos Fusilier is developed by Magna Steyr, the same manufacturer that works on cars like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Fisker Ocean. Like the in-development electric G-Class, the Fusilier is also being rigorously tested on Austria's Schoeckl mountain, where the coveted G-Wagon was born and made.

Compared to the Ineos Grenadier, the Fusilier model is slightly shorter and lighter. Underpinned by a skateboard platform, the new electrified 4x4 will run 249 miles on a single charge, according to Ineos Automotive CEO Lynn Calder. Compared to similar cars like the Rivian R1S (400 miles) and GMC Hummer EV (381 miles for the updated 2024 model), that does not sound a lot.

Meanwhile, the version with the range extender can be the go-to for first-time EV buyers, especially considering towing and hauling off-road equipment affect range.

«Announcing our third model line is another significant milestone for Ineos Automotive, cementing our intent as an automotive manufacturer. Like our full vehicle line-up, we are here for the long haul,» said Calder.

Apart from an EV powertrain, Ineos Automotive is also tapping into the world of hydrogen powertrains, as evidenced by a Grenadier Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology demonstrator unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last year. However, the companyunderstands that hydrogen infrastructure must be improved to help