NO QUARTER GIVEN (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

INEOS reckons its Quartermaster is the ultimate pick-up, especially in this updated form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 48

With the Quartermaster, INEOS shows us just how good it can be in creating a pick-up. And what a pick-up. It'll go places no other rival will go and feels bullet-proof. Here, we look at the more road-ready version that the brand introduced for the 2026 Model Year.

Backgroundword count: 155

Some people have quite a different idea of what the ultimate pick-up should be. For them, it's not something blinged-up and leather-lined, the ultimate attributes required instead being of the trail-ready kind. These are the kinds of people who in the past might have bought an old shape Land Rover Defender pick-up; who in the US might choose, say, a Jeep Gladiator; and who here might choose this contender, the INEOS Quartermaster. You might immediately pigeonhole it as the pick-up version of the INEOS Grenadier SUV, which is certainly true to some extent, but the Quartermaster is longer overall and rides on a chassis with a lengthier wheelbase. The pricing is in a different, far more exalted league than ordinary pick-ups - but then the off-road ability on offer is too. INEOS first introduced this model in 2024, then updated it with a significant package of changes in early 2026. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experienceword count: 381

The main change for this improved Quartermaster lies with updates to its steering. This revised model retains the original recirculating ball system but it's been completely reconfigured for improved responses. The steering now features a variable ratio so that it needs less adjustment when you're driving in a straight line. But the set-up retains the needed extra sensitivity at the greater lock angles you'll be using when off road. Adjusting the lock stops on the steering has also reduced the turning circle by a metre. It's not now quite as easy to fit snow chains, but the improved manoeuvrability makes the trade-off worthwhile. Otherwise, everything's as before. As you'd expect, the Quartermaster drives just like the Grenadier SUV it's based on. Though you notice the rather ponderous feel rather less because a pick-up driver's expectations are somewhat different. As with the SUV model there are two engine choices, both 3.0-litre straight six cylinder units sourced from BMW, so both come mated to the Bavarian maker's usual transmission choice for these powerplants, an 8-speed ZF auto gearbox. Choose between a twin turbo 245bhp diesel or a single turbo 282bhp petrol unit. The performance stats that matter here of course are quite different ones. There's very little off road that will stop a Quartermaster: it's in a different mud-plugging league to over, lesser pick-ups. Thanks to ground clearance of 264mm, a wading depth of 800mm, an approach angle of 35.5-degrees, a breakover angle of 26.2-degrees (down from 28.2 in the SUV) and a departure angle of 22.6-degrees (well down from 36.1-degrees in the Grenadier). Towing capacity is up to 3.5-tonnes and the vehicle can winch up to 5.5-tonnes. The engineering here is pretty familiar stuff for old-school off roaders; ladder-framed chassis, solid axles, permanent four-wheel drive, a locking centre differential and a 2-speed transfer case that gives a set of crawler gears for really gnarly tracks. Plus there's Hill descent control and vast wheel articulation. Despite the steering updates, you won't be expecting too much from the tarmac driving experience (and you shouldn't) but it's OK as long as you accept what you're getting here from a pick-up that's got its off road priorities right. If you really must use your Quartermaster for commuting, the much more refined petrol version's a better bet.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227