Space and technology

Opel Grandland: How the SUV becomes a flagship

(Bild: Opel)

Opel is launching the second generation of the Grandland in the fall. The brand's largest SUV to date is growing significantly once again. A new platform also enables an all-electric drive for the first time.

There is no doubt that today's Grandland is one of Opel's most successful models. The largest SUV from Rüsselsheim has been well received by customers thanks to its sporty, slim design and attractive proportions. But it has also been criticized at times. The most important point was the size. Families in particular criticized the associated restrictions in terms of space, variability and trunk space.

Utility before design
Opel's developers took this to heart. When the new Grandland - the second generation - rolls into dealerships this fall, the brand's flagship SUV will have unusual dimensions. The Grandland has grown by more than 17 centimetres to 4.65 meters and is now almost a class higher, with a much more massive and upright stance on its wheels. The slim proportions of its predecessor are foreign to it. Unmistakable: Utility came before design.

(Bild: Opel)

(Bild: Opel)

(Bild: Opel)

The Grandland number two is immediately recognizable by the 3D-Vizor front and the Opel flash, which is illuminated for the first time. The stylish face heralds the start of a new design philosophy. The 3D Vizor front, which is completely under glass, made its debut last year in the "Experimental" study. It also shines innovatively at the rear in the form of the illuminated Opel lettering.

Rüsselsheim revolution under the sheet metal
The new Grandland is the first Opel to be based on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform, which was primarily developed for electric cars. It is currently considered the most advanced and efficient in the volume segment. With the largest battery (98 kWh), a range of up to 700 kilometers should be possible. Opel also promises that only 26 minutes should be enough to charge up to 80 percent of capacity. A charging capacity of up to 160 kW is possible. Further technical data is still being kept under wraps at headquarters.

However, the sister brand, Peugeot, is a good source. The E-3008 is based on the same platform, has an entry-level version with 157 kW/213 hp, front-wheel drive and a 73 kWh battery. It should be able to cover 527 kilometers on a single charge. Opel will probably also offer a sporty all-wheel drive version similar to Peugeot. The E-3008 with dual motor has a powerful 240 kW/320 hp, which should provide plenty of driving pleasure.

(Bild: Opel)

Also mild or plug-in hybridized
For those who are not yet interested in a purely electric drive, the new Grandland is also available as a 48-volt mild hybrid or as a plug-in hybrid. An electric range of 85 kilometers is specified for the latter. The mild hybrid is powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with an output of 100 kW/136 hp. 21 kW/28 hp is provided by the electric motor.

Opel's flagship SUV is right up to date when it comes to digitalization. The cockpit includes a very large (16-inch) and flat screen on the center console as well as a ten-inch driver information display behind the steering wheel. For the first time, there is a head-up display. Infotainment software and connectivity can be updated "over the air". Even the Chat GPT artificial intelligence is integrated. But despite all the touch and voice control, Opel is fortunately retaining some switches and buttons, for example for the air conditioning and volume control.

Seats with coccyx protection
The newly developed front seats (Intelli-Seats) should provide relaxation, especially on longer journeys. They not only have a massage and ventilation function, but also a narrow recess in the middle of the seat surface to relieve pressure on the coccyx. In the rear, passengers have two centimetres more knee room. The rear seat backrests can be split in a 40:20:40 ratio. The trunk has a capacity of 550 liters with the backrests up. When folded down, the capacity is 1641 liters. The loading floor is height-adjustable.

All in all, Opel has created a very practical and innovative SUV with the new Grandland. This is demonstrated not only by the modern drives and the whole bundle of electronic assistance systems, but also by the so-called Intelli-Lux Pixel HD light as well as fabrics and surfaces in the interior, all of which are made from recycled PET plastics.

Opel will not reveal the exact prices for the new Grandland until later. However, it is expected to be around 40,000 euros for the mild hybrid. The plug-in hybrid version and the all-electric Grandland are likely to start at around €45,000.