Opel/Vauxhall Grandland GSe Is A 296 HP PHEV SUV With Sports Suspension And 19-Inch Wheels

Opel and Vauxhall are expanding their electrified performance-focused range with the addition of the Grandland GSe next to the recently revealed Astra GSe. The new flagship trim of the C-SUV is not adding extra power over the standard AWD PHEV powertrain that delivers 296 hp (220 kW / 300 PS), but brings a sportier chassis setup for greater handling and minor visual tweaks to differentiate it from the rest of the lineup.

The Grandland GSe communicates its athletic nature with a set of 19-inch wheels inspired by the Manta GSe concept, a new diffuser, and the GSe emblem on the tailgate. The black bonnet is optional, matching the glossy black accents on the emblem, bumper intakes, skid plate, mirror caps, roof, spoiler, rear apron, and alloy wheels. As with the facelifted Grandland, the GSe sports body-colored plastic cladding around the bodywork, LED lights, and the signature Opel Visor grille. Inside we find a pair of AGR-certified sports seats upholstered in Alcantara, adding more support with heavier bolsters without sacrificing comfort.

Read: Opel/Vauxhall Astra GSe Is An Electrified Warm Hatch And Estate With 222 HP

The SUV also features a GSe-specific suspension setup and steering calibration. Russelheim engineers tweaked the McPherson struts front and multi-link rear axle with firmer springs and new Koni FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) dampers. Opel claims that the sportier chassis improves responsiveness, predictability, and stability under heavy braking, in corners, and at high speeds on the Autobahn.

The Grandland GSe has the same all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid powertrain as the Grandland Hybrid4. This comprises a turbocharged 1.6-liter petrol engine, an eight-speed automatic gearbox, a battery, and two electric motors producing a combined 296 hp (220 kW / 300 PS) and 520 Nm (384 lb-ft) of torque. The SUV can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). We don’t know why Opel didn’t use the more powerful PHEV powertrain from the mechanically-related DS 7 E-Tense 4×4 360, but maybe Stellantis wants to increase differentiation between sibling models from premium and mainstream brands under its umbrella.

Opel didn’t announce pricing for the Grandland GSe but it is safe to assume it will be the most expensive model yet in its SUV range. The company said that the market launch of the GSe will follow soon.