Following the launch of the Astra GSe last month, Opel is doubling its “grand sport electric” offering with the Grandland GSe. For the sake of accuracy, this is not a new model alone because we are looking at the Hybrid4 version with a new name. The plug-in hybrid crossover was Opel’s first production car to combine a combustion engine with an electric motor when it was launched back in May 2019 before a facelift followed in June 2021.
Going forward, it will be marketed as the Grandland GSe to sit alongside the Astra GSe hatchback and wagon. The compact crossover combines a turbocharged 1.6-liter petrol engine with a pair of electric motors for a total output of 296 horsepower. That’s enough electric punch to send the all-wheel-drive model to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a respectable 6.1 seconds before hitting 146 mph (235 km/h). Driven in electric mode, the maximum speed is set electronically to 84 mph (135 km/h).
Just like the Astra GSe, it gets a retuned suspension and recalibrated steering to sharpen handling and produce a more dynamic drive. The Grandland GSe has McPherson struts at the front and multi-links at the rear with stiffer springs and dampers benefiting from Koni’s Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology. The sporty PHEV uses 19-inch alloy wheels with a design derived from the alloy mounted on the Manta GSe rad concept.
To differentiate it from the regular Grandland version, the folks from Rüsselsheim can optionally paint the hood to match the roof and rear view mirror caps. The GSe variant also gets a bespoke rear diffuser and a special badge on the tailgate. Inside, the seats are wrapped in Alcantara and provide greater lateral support.
The GSe effectively replaces the GSi as the German brand prepares for the inevitable era of electricity. It’s coming sooner than you might think as parent company Stellantis has promised to discontinue its combustion engine Opel/Vauxhall models in Europe by 2028. Just two years later, all automotive conglomerate brands active in Europe will have an EV-only lineup.
