- Australian conversion specialist Expedition Centre reveals Mulgo Pop Top version of the Ineos Grenadier SUV.
- The new SUV is poised to become a favorite of overlanding enthusiasts, with conversion companies getting ready to offer gear for the new model.
- The rugged 4×4, which is on sale in several markets at the moment and will make its way to the states in early 2024, seeks to offer a classic Defender-style experience along with plenty of off-road ability.
The Ineos Grenadier isn’t even here yet, but it’s already attracted the attention of coachbuilders, eager to get started on conversions of the new automaker’s rugged 4×4.
With the Grenadier promising the kind of spartan experience one may not quite replicate in the new Defender, since the Land Rover model’s turn upmarket, it’s easy to see why this new SUV could see demand from those who prefer being tens of miles away from the nearest wi-fi signals.
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Sensing this demand, Australian conversion specialist Expedition Centre has rushed to offer a pop-top camper conversion for the Grenadier, fitting its Mulgo Pop Top roof to the four-door SUV.
The roof itself can be lifted in seconds thanks to latches located inside, transforming the SUV into a sleeping cabin for two, with a 2.7-inch thick dual layer mattress. The canvas walls of the pop-up roof are made from Airtex, keeping the interior breathable, while mosquito nets cover the windows that can be closed from the inside with Velcro lining.
One optional extra is the Swiss-designed Fanello bed, featuring timber slats and latex cushions, giving the passengers a total of 4.7 inches of cushioning.
Expedition Centre has designed the aluminum structure of the pop-up roof to match the Grenadier’s design as well as body color, while also adding roof handles to the sides. The design of the pop-up roof also provides full-height standing room, once the base of the bed is folded out of the way.
The roof adds 7.0 inches of height to the vehicle, with the conversion specialist also offering an optional solar panel for the roof. With the roof popped open, this buys the cargo area quite a bit of space for other optional extras, including a fold-out cooking stove. Rails fitted to the exteriors of the doors, meanwhile, can support attachable tables.
Of course, we’re still in the very early days of Grenadier conversions, so we’re bound to see quite a few variants on this idea from other companies, including ones based in North America.
Australia’s Expedition Centre, meanwhile, will offer its pop-up roof for AUS $15,500, prior to various optional extras.
Will the Grenadier itself win over camping and overlanding enthusiasts in the US once it arrives here in early 2024?
That may take a while to gauge, given the popularity of Jeep Wrangler-based campers from Ursa Minor, American Safari JXL, and other specialists. But it’s clear that Land Rover now has a new competitor to worry about in this segment.
Will the stock Ineos Grenadier see more interest from casual SUV buyers, or will this be strictly for those who might have otherwise bought a classic Land Rover Defender? Let us know what you think.
Jay Ramey grew up around very strange European cars, and instead of seeking out something reliable and comfortable for his own personal use he has been drawn to the more adventurous side of the dependability spectrum. Despite being followed around by French cars for the past decade, he has somehow been able to avoid Citroën ownership, judging them too commonplace, and is currently looking at cars from the former Czechoslovakia. Jay has been with Autoweek since 2013.
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