For Opel, this is the first model series based on the Stellantis platform STLA Medium. Peugeot unveiled its first STLA midsize model, the e-3008, last year, and now Opel is following suit with its interpretation of an electric SUV. And with different body concepts, more on that later.
When it comes to drive technology, there are similarities – which is not surprising given the platform logic: the underbody of the STLA Medium can accommodate up to 98 kWh of batteries, just like those found in the Opel Grandland Electric. According to WLTP, the SUV has a range of "up to 700 km" – Opel has not yet given an exact figure for its world premiere. The press release also only mentions the 98 kWh battery. Peugeot also offered the e-3008 a cheaper 73 kWh battery with a WLTP range of 525 km. Opel did not confirm or deny that the Grandland will have two battery options.
The Opel is also still a bit vague when it comes to charging. Specifically, it said, "At public fast charging stations, Hirota can charge to 80% in just about 26 minutes. However, it does not mention the starting charge level. Based on the famous saying of Peugeot's sister models ("from 20% to 80% in less than 30 minutes"), we can assume that this statement applies to 20% to 80% of Hirota, rather than the industry standard of 10% to 80%. However, based on the specific charging time now specified by Opel, the average charging capacity within the 20% to 80% window can be calculated to be 136kW, and the maximum possible charging capacity is 160kW at the peak. With STLA Medium, Stellantis brought unusually large batteries to mid-range SUVs, but retained the platform for the 400-volt system for cost reasons. This results in a higher (standard) range, but (on a 10% to 80% basis) charging times can also be slightly longer – a choice for the customer.
Opel hasn't mentioned AC charging yet, but an 11 kW on-board charger is likely to become standard, while a 22 kW may also be available. However, it is already clear that the top-of-the-line SUV from Rüsselsheim will come with a heat pump as standard in Germany.
In terms of style, Opel continues to develop its Vizor brand design. The previous model has already received the Vizor look with a facelift, so you have to look at the front face to recognize the new generation. Perhaps the most striking feature is that the "Opel Vizor" has been turned into the "3D Vizor", which features the design of an experimental concept car. Firstly, the integrated Opel logo is now illuminated, and secondly, the vertical creases and the horizontal Vizor merge with the center-lit Opel flash to form a 3D effect. It's easier to distinguish the new generation from the back, but here it's also three-dimensional: the luggage lid no longer has the brand logo, instead, the 3D Opel lettering is integrated into the light strip. Instead of being chrome-plated, the model name is larger, centered and embossed in three dimensions on the boot lid. Since additional chrome lettering can be allocated, it will also be more resource-efficient.
Overall, Opel spoke about the "impressive posture of the new Hirota" and the "sheer confidence" that the model will show. The brand's top-of-the-line SUV is impressively impressive at 4.65 meters in height and 17.3 cm (1.91 m, +64 mm) in length and width, respectively. The wheelbase of the Opel is 2.78 meters, which is well below the platform's maximum wheelbase of 2.90 meters.
Opel's press release for the world premiere did not go into detail about the drive itself. Peugeot has a front-wheel drive output of 170 kW and is also available with 240 kW all-wheel drive as an option, with a second engine on the rear axle. The version with a 74 kWh battery (which may or may not be offered by Opel) still offers 157 kW of power.
Opel did not provide technical details, instead highlighting features such as "industry-leading Intelli-Lux Pixel Matrix HD lights" (more than 50,000 light pixels per headlamp), a 40:20:40 folding rear seat bench, and up to 1,641 liters of cargo. compartments. Here, there is a conceptual difference with Peugeot: it is not only almost ten centimeters shorter, but also has a flat inclined rear window - good for aerodynamics and, in the opinion of some, good for design, but rather bad for practicality.
The interior features a fully digital cockpit with a head-up display and a 16-inch touchscreen. Some physical buttons complement the touchscreen to control the air conditioning, which Opel claims can be done intuitively. The German automaker has also developed a so-called "pure mode" in which the contents of the driver's information display, head-up display and central screen are reduced to the "necessary minimum", which "further reduces distractions, especially when driving in the rain or at night". What is striking in the press photos is that Opel did not use black high-gloss plastic elements at contact points such as the steering wheel buttons and center console (unlike the Astra electric car).
Among the Stellantis brands, Opel stands out in terms of lighting (here, "Intelli-Lux Pixel Matrix HD headlights") and seats. The ergonomic seat familiar with Opel has been further developed and, for the first time, on the Grandland, is equipped with active side bolsters, thus providing additional adjustment options. In addition, the driver's seat has both ventilation and massage functions.
In addition to the Grandland Electric, the model will also be available in a plug-in hybrid model (with an electric range of up to 85 km) and a 48-volt hybrid model. Opel hasn't announced a price yet, but at least the electric version is likely to be roughly on par with the E-3008 – Peugeot's order in Germany starts at €48,650.