Opel has unveiled an all-wheel-drive version of its Grandland Electric SUV, intensifying the competition in the fiercely contested mid-size electric crossover market.
The new variant, dubbed the Grandland Electric AWD, brings more than just four driven wheels to the table—it arrives with a punchy 325 hp. The model mimics the Peugeot e-5008 dual motor, with which it shares its technology.
Eco-conscious drivers with a need for speed can visit the Opel showrooms. The Grandland AWD is the brand’s first electric model to feature four-wheel drive, achieved through the addition of a second electric motor on the rear axle.
Together, the front and rear motors produce 239 kW (325 hp) and 509 Nm of torque—enough to hustle the family SUV from 0 to 100 km/hour in a brisk 6.1 seconds.
Respectable autonomy
Still, the added performance doesn’t come with an upsized battery. Instead, Opel has opted for its 73 kWh lithium-ion pack (net capacity), which limits WLTP-certified range to a respectable, if unremarkable, 501 kilometers.
For comparison’s sake, sister brand DS has just launched its N°8, achieving 750 kilometers. Rapid charging will top off the battery from 20% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, although exact charging specifications remain confidential for now.
Drivers can toggle between four driving modes—Normal, 4WD, Sport, and Eco—each recalibrating power delivery and responsiveness to suit their driving style.
The Eco mode leans heavily on the front motor for maximum efficiency, while 4WD ensures both motors remain engaged, optimizing grip on treacherous surfaces.
Sport mode delivers peak performance with sharper throttle and steering responses, for those rare moments when the Autobahn beckons. But, okay, Opel is still a bit German after all.
Illuminated ‘Blitz’
Beyond raw numbers, the Grandland AWD doubles as Opel’s most aerodynamically efficient SUV to date, thanks in part to newly sculpted bumpers and unique 20-inch alloy wheels.
The car’s drag coefficient sits at 0.27—also respectable, without topping the Tesla Model Y’s 0.23. But that won’t be at the front of mind for most buyers navigating school runs and supermarket car parks.
Styling tweaks remain limited, but some are effective, such as the illuminated Opel ‘Blitz’ badge up front, the new Vizor grille detailing, and a nameplate embossed into the boot lid.
To sum up: it’s a nod to Opel’s increasingly minimalist design ethos. Inside, buyers can expect the usual suite of Stellantis-sourced tech, shared with models like the aforementioned Peugeot e-5008.
Towing credentials
Under the skin, the suspension has been given a sophisticated overhaul. Opel has fitted frequency-selective dampers as standard—an engineering trick that lets the car adjust its suspension feel on the fly.
It’s a setup designed to balance the plushness expected of a family SUV with the tighter control demanded by spirited driving, all while maintaining composure at high speeds.
The Grandland Electric AWD’s towing credentials – an essential spec in the all-wheel drive category – put it in the middle of the pack: it’s rated to pull 1,350 kilograms, outpacing the Volkswagen ID.4 but trailing behind rivals like the Tesla Model Y.
Pricing details are still to be announced, but orders are expected to open by late June, with deliveries scheduled to roll out later in the year. The near-identical Peugeot e-5008 currently costs €62,000, but is available in a limited edition only. The French SUV also distinguishes itself by offering seven seats.
