Opel SUV Packs Power

The New Opel Grandland Electric AWD

Get ready to explore the latest member of the Stellantis family, the Opel Grandland Electric AWD, a compelling addition that offers power on par with some heavyweight contenders out there. Imagine this: a family SUV boasting 321 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque, not something seen every day in the mainstream car world.

Power and Specs

Under the hood, or rather underneath, there’s a dynamic dual-motor setup. The front axle houses a 210 horsepower motor while the rear works with a 111 horsepower motor. Together, these combine for that massive 321 horsepower output, making it tied with its Stellantis cousins like the Peugeot E-3008. The sprint from 0 to 62 mph clocks in at a brisk 6.1 seconds, which can make a school run feel a bit like a quarter-mile drag race.

Driving Modes and Features

This electric SUV offers several driving modes: Eco, Normal, AWD, and Sport. Each mode adjusts how the powertrain, steering, and accelerator pedal respond to enhance your driving experience, whether cruising efficiently or zipping through the lanes. The energy source is a 73 kWh battery, allowing an estimated 311 miles of driving range—a practical number for longer trips without the anxiety of frequent recharges.

Design Tweaks

Visually, the changes are understated but precise. It features sportier front and back bumper designs, primarily to improve aerodynamics, plus new 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels that enhance the visual flare. Inside, while the updates are minor with a slightly altered color scheme for the seats, it’s what’s under the skin that matters most.

Cost and Market Position

The real jaw-dropper might be the price: starting at $69,300. It tops the price charts compared to peers such as the BMW iX2 and Mercedes EQA, both of which fall below this price tag. It’s an interesting strategic choice by Opel, as it steps into the pricing ring with more luxury-oriented brands. Yet, it may not provide the same allure or badge prestige that accompanies hefty price tags.

Driving Experience

On the road, the Grandland Electric AWD is all about balance. The acceleration is smooth and linear, with its electric drive delivering that distinct, silent shove. Compared to driving electrics like the Mercedes EQA, the Opel feels sprightly, with more grunt under the foot. Turn into a corner and the steering is light yet precise, akin to what might be found in a high-end Peugeot. However, the experience lacks that razor-sharp feedback you’d expect from a pricier cousin like the Audi Q4 e-tron.

Ultimately, the Opel Grandland Electric AWD is aimed at hitting that sweet spot for family SUVs that want a bit of everything—space, power, and tech. Yet, with its pricing strategy, it’s wedged between not cheap enough to be a bargain nor luxurious enough to scream premium. But for the right buyer, it could just hit the mark in being that dependable, powerful everyday powerhouse.