- Ineos has decided to delay the Fusilier due to economic uncertainties and lackluster EV demand.
- The model was introduced earlier this year and was slated to offer electric and range-extended powertrains.
- There’s no word on when the Fusilier will eventually arrive, but reports suggest it was originally slated for 2027.
Ineos Automotive introduced the Fusilier less than five months ago, but it has already been delayed. That’s a surprising development as the company had previously said they would announce powertrain and launch details by this fall.
That seems unlikely now as Ineos told Bloomberg, “We are delaying the launch of the Ineos Fusilier for two reasons: reluctant consumer uptake of EV and industry uncertainty around tariffs, timings and taxation.” The company declined to say when the model would eventually arrive, but the publication suggested it was originally slated for 2027.
More: Ineos Fusilier Debuts As A Smaller SUV With Electric And Range-Extended Power
The Fusilier was going to be developed with Magna Steyr and become the company’s third model. It was slated to be offered with electric and range-extended powertrains. The company was particularly excited about the latter as they said the range-extended variant would meet the “broadest range of global consumer needs whilst pushing towards decarbonisation.”
When the model was unveiled in February, Inoes Chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe said “BEVs are perfect for certain uses: shorter trips and urban deliveries, but industry and governments need to have realistic expectations around other technologies that can help accelerate the necessary pace of change. That is the reason we are offering an additional powertrain for the Fusilier, one that dramatically reduces emissions but has the range and refueling capabilities needed.”
Inoes hasn’t revealed many details about the Fusilier, but has previously billed it as a slightly smaller and more modern take on the Grenadier. As part of this effort, it’s less of a Land Rover Defender knockoff and more of a Mercedes G-Class clone.
The similarities to the latter model are striking, especially due to the circular headlights, horizontal grille, and familiar bumper. They extend far beyond that, but it appears Mercedes won’t have to worry about the Fusilier anytime soon.
