Ineos Automotive has unveiled the first prototypes of its debut pickup, the Quartermaster.

Powered by a BMW straight-six running through an eight-speed automatic transmission, it looks an obvious rival to the latest 3-litre models from Ford and Volkswagen – if it wasn’t for the price.

The cheapest Quartermaster comes in a smidge over £66,000 and because it is rated for a payload of just 760kg, buyers won’t be able to reclaim the tax.

For a farm business, that makes it £20,000 more than VW’s new V6 Amarok style, which we’ll be featuring soon.

The design is almost identical to that of the Grenadier Station Wagon 4×4, except with an extended ladder frame and lopped-off back end to accommodate the load bed.

Both are assembled on the same production line in Hambach, north-east France, and they have similar trim levels and specification options.

See also: First impressions: Ineos completes Grenadier 4×4 development

© Ineos

Drivetrain

Buyers can have a BMW six-cylinder engine in either petrol (286hp) or diesel (249hp).

Both are married to a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox with two-speed transfer case and, like the Station Wagon, they have coil spring-mounted Carraro axles driven by Dana-Spicer propshafts from a lockable centre differential.

Those planning particularly gnarly off-roading can also spec locking front and rear diffs.

Underneath, the middle and rear sections of the passenger car’s powder-coated and wax oil injected box-section ladder frame have been lengthened by a total of 305mm, increasing the vehicle wheelbase from 115in (2.92m) to 127in (3.22m).

Though this has extended the rear overhang, Ineos reckons approach, breakover and departure angles are unrivalled by its other series production pickup – helped by 264mm of ground clearance.

Carrying and carting

© Ineos

Towing capacity is rated to 3.5t, but quoted payload ratings are an underwhelming 835kg on the petrol version and 760kg on the slightly heavier diesel.

While this is unlikely to be a major impediment for most owners, it does have cost implications in that they won’t be able to reclaim the VAT.

However, it’s perfectly functional, with four lash-down rings (and optional utility rails), a 400W power take-off, integrated mounting bar and a 1,280mm-wide tailgate that can support up to 225kg when open.

There’s also the option of either a canvas canopy or roller-type tonneau cover, the latter requiring the addition of an external spare wheel mount.

There are no fibreglass or aluminium hard-tops available at present, but aftermarket versions will inevitably materialise.

Order books for the Quartermaster are open now, with prices starting at £66,215. The fancier Fieldmaster and Trialmaster editions are upwards of £73,715.