Hello from Germany, Mannheim Area!

[ThomasDe]

Grenadier Station – Great Vehicle, But Everything Around It Is a Mess

Hi everyone,
I’ve had my Grenadier Station since mid-July. As far as the vehicle itself goes – I’m actually impressed. It’s solid, fun to drive, and built for adventure.
But everything else around it? A complete disaster.

1. The Trouble Started with the Order​

I ordered a pre-built 2024 Station Wagon from a local agent. It was nearly fully equipped, available on short notice, and came with a good discount.
However, I couldn’t see the vehicle in the online order system for weeks.
I contacted customer service several times by phone, but it still took weeks until my order was finally entered into the system. In the meantime, other vehicles I had previously configured (just to estimate pricing) suddenly appeared as real orders.
I emailed customer service, explaining clearly that my actual order was the one with number XXXX – the other two were not real orders. But customer service was clearly overwhelmed. Even four weeks after delivery, the phantom “orders” are still in the system.
I followed up multiple times via email, and at this point, I’ve given up on that part – it is what it is.

2. Delivery Day: Already 7–8 Issues Before Leaving the Lot​

When I picked up the vehicle – after what was supposedly a proper pre-delivery inspection – I had already found 7 or 8 problems before I even left the dealership:

• Steering makes very loud squeaking noises almost constantly
• User manual was in Czech – no German (or English) available at first
• Second key was missing and couldn’t be found
• Altimeter is off by up to 50%
• Headliner was dirty near the driver’s door
• Dashboard showed: “Inspection overdue by 153 days”
• Tire pressure warning was on, even though pressure was fine
• Cooling fan kept running long after the car was shut off – at 96 dB
  (As a hunter, it’s especially annoying – when you drive into the woods at dusk, the wildlife hears you from over a kilometer away...)
• And later on, I also discovered water leaking through the safari windows

3. Repairs & Follow-Up – Mixed Results​

I brought the vehicle back in for repairs and installation of some ordered accessories. A few things were resolved:

• Fan now shuts off quietly
• German user manual was provided
• Both ignition keys are now available
  

But:

• The altimeter is still way off
• The steering still squeals like crazy

What really bothered me: I wasn’t given a loaner vehicle for the four days it was in the shop.
I paid for a fully functioning vehicle – and got one with multiple issues. In my view, it should be standard for the dealer to provide a temporary replacement while repairs are being made. But nope.

4. And Now... More Issues​

I’ve had the car back for just two days – and already, new problems are showing up:

• Daytime running lights are staying on all the time, even in “auto” mode
• E-Call system is showing an error

Final Thoughts​

I’m still curious to see how this story continues. The vehicle itself is great and has so much potential – but the service, quality control, and customer experience are far below expectations.

Honestly, it feels like customer satisfaction isn’t a top priority for the company right now. And that’s a real shame – because this car could be a true hit if the support and delivery experience matched the quality of the product.

Anyone else having similar issues?

 

[Jeremy996]

It sounds like you have a disengaged dealer without a grasp on how to prepare a vehicle for retail sale. "Inspection Overdue" suggests a terrible Pre Delivery Inspection, (PDI) and the vehicle has been sitting around for some time.

The fan staying on suggests a DPF burn, so a feature, not a fault. It will only happen sometimes when the DPF needs clearing.

The running lights staying on can be addressed in the vehicle settings, depending on which software version you have. Again a feature, not a fault. Have a look in the manual.

The E-Call light on is probably a minor comms issue, but you will need the dealer to clear it. Some people have reported noisy power steering pumps, but squealing is usually belts. The Altimeter works from GPS and will only ever be approximate

 

[landmannnn]

My local dealer now has an aftersales manager. Seems obvious, but not something that many have.

By the way, daytime running lights are supposed to stay on. That's the point of having them.

 

[Eric]

My local dealer now has an aftersales manager. Seems obvious, but not something that many have.

By the way, daytime running lights are supposed to stay on. That's the point of having them.

I didn't think you have the option to cancel DRL, certainly not on UK and EU spec.

 

[landmannnn]

I didn't think you have the option to cancel DRL, certainly not on UK and EU spec.

Yes, mandated on new car models since 2011.

 

[Airleader]

Welcome to the club!