Opel Grandland 325 hp electric: our expectations before the test drive

A close relative of the Peugeot 3008, the Opel Grandland has a distinct character and a set of equally individual strengths. Alongside its more restrained styling, this German SUV features remarkably effective lighting.

It may well be the overlooked second choice. The Opel Grandland is certainly not French motorists’ favourite SUV, and has consistently remained in the shadow of its star cousin, the Peugeot 3008. The same pattern is inevitably repeating itself with the second generation. That is a shame, because the German model has plenty of merits of its own. We tested the 325 hp electric version. Here is what we expected before the test drive.

A restrained, rational design for the Opel Grandland

The Peugeot 3008’s styling exuberance is plainly absent here. This is deliberate: the Opel Grandland takes an almost excessively rational approach, with very inoffensive looks. The aim is to appeal to everyone, even if that means edging close to blandness. Its only real flashes of originality are the Vizor grille with its backlit badge and the rear end, where the Opel lettering is illuminated too.

The Intelli-Lux LED headlights, featuring 50,000 pixels, are worth highlighting. Otherwise, there is nothing particularly fanciful. The body panels are straight-lined, while the 3008’s fastback profile has been discarded: the Grandland retains an entirely conventional silhouette. The 325 hp version is only marginally more assertive, with subtly revised front and rear bumpers.

325 hp and four-wheel drive: power comes first

This 325 hp model uses two electric motors to provide four-wheel drive. It is a substantial powertrain, though also an expensive one, as this is the range-topping Grandland. Elsewhere in the electric line-up, there will be a 230 hp version with a range of 694 km, plus a 213 hp variant whose range falls to 513 km.

Among the hybrid options, the 145 hp mild-hybrid version serves as the entry-level model. It allows only very limited electric driving. Those seeking to cover longer distances silently will need the 225 hp plug-in hybrid, which offers 87 km of electric-only range. It is the more relevant choice, provided it is plugged in regularly. There is no diesel option.

AGR comfort: the Opel Grandland’s secret weapon

The cabin is similarly far from flamboyant, adopting a notably restrained approach. There are a few distinctive touches, certainly, but nothing comparable with the spectacle offered by the 3008. There is no floating curved display; the Grandland instead relies on a straightforward 16-inch screen that is generously wide, but limited in height.

The software running it is the same as that used in the 3008. The steering wheel is conventionally sized, with three spokes connecting to a slim rim. The AGR-certified seats are excellent. We tried them on a long journey. A small channel built into the centre of the seat base does an admirable job of delaying fatigue and back pain.

Premium pricing for a pragmatic SUV

Although it does not share the 3008’s semi-premium ambitions, the Opel Grandland is not inexpensive. The range starts at €38,990 in basic Edition trim with the mild-hybrid powertrain. Unsurprisingly, the electric model costs more, starting at €44,490. The plug-in hybrid is priced from €43,490 at best.

But the version that interests us most is the twin-motor, four-wheel-drive electric model. At €53,690, it is clearly no longer cheap. That is understandable, as this drivetrain is available exclusively in high-spec Ultimate trim. For comparison, the equivalent 3008 costs €53,190, while the identically powered Jeep Compass is priced at €51,490… and has 50 hp more. We will see whether that is justified on the road in our test, which will be published this Sunday!