Driving the Opel Grandland: Benchwarmer or category leader?

• Estimated Price: NIS 185,000 for the gasoline version and NIS 210,000 for the electric version
• Competitors: Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan, Skoda Enyaq, BYD Seal U
• What We Liked: Passenger compartment, spaciousness, ergonomics, trunk space, ride comfort in the gasoline version, dynamic capability
• What We Didn’t Like: Weak power units, ride comfort in the electric version
• Rating: 8/10

The previous generation of the Grandland was born during the transition of ownership for Opel, marking the end of nearly 90 years of General Motors control and the shift to a new regime under PSA, which later became Stellantis. The new and second generation being evaluated here symbolizes the next step—the electric revolution of Opel. Although it is not the brand's first electric model, Opel, along with the entire Stellantis group and its CEO, Carlos Tavares, believes that internal combustion engines are not done yet. However, the new Opel Grandland has a foot in the revolving door of the electrified world. As such, it is the first Opel to be based on the new (STLA Medium) platform, and also the first Opel to utilize the new generation of batteries capable of delivering 700 km of driving between charges in the long-range version.

Like its siblings at Stellantis, it will be offered in a variety of options between electric, plug-in hybrid, and gasoline engines, with Opel estimating that the electric version is expected to take a significant share of deliveries, and in some markets even become the best-selling version. To know if that will be the case in Israel, we will have to wait for the arrival of the new Grandland expected in January-February 2025.

Design: The previous Grandland offered an elegant and conservative alternative to SUVs, with a design that left little mark. The new generation looks completely different, more striking and present, intended to turn heads. Part of this is due to the significantly increased dimensions, which we will address later, and part is thanks to the unique lighting, such as the illuminated logo at the front and the illuminated "Opel" lettering on the rear. The main thing is that you won't miss it.

Passenger Compartment: Inside, the change is even more pronounced, taking everything two steps forward. The lines are very horizontal and low from the windshield line to avoid blocking the view. In front of the driver are two large screens, a 10-inch instrument cluster, and a multimedia display. Both offer familiar displays from other Stellantis models, and some systems operate similarly, with the motif being "Autobahn Resilience." The basic idea is that it is less safe to operate systems from the screen while speeding, so physical buttons or large icons for executing tasks are needed, which is exactly what is provided here. The multimedia screen displays large icons for temperature control while other climate control functions are performed via buttons below the display. On the steering wheel, there are large and accessible touch controls, and the various displays are clear and readable even when the vehicle is cruising at low speeds.

The passenger space is made up of different material combinations that make the look and feel interesting and also visually appealing. However, much of the plastic is of the recycled variety, which is less pleasant to the touch, and in the rear seat, simpler materials are found on the upper parts of the doors—which is quite surprising to receive in a vehicle meant to be the flagship of the brand.

Relying on a new platform has allowed Opel to offer dimensions much larger than the previous generation. The new Grandland is 17 cm longer (4.65 meters), 5 cm wider, 3.5 cm taller, and has an 11 cm longer wheelbase (279.5 cm). These dimensions place it between the new Peugeot 3008 and 5008, which are built on the same platform and have also increased in size compared to the replaced generations.

The increased dimensions help improve living space for passengers and cargo. Up front, there is plenty of room, with the front seat being comfortable, supportive, and offering an option for base extension in the higher trim levels. Its range of adjustment is wide, but surprisingly the adjustment handles are positioned very close to the door, making them uncomfortable to operate. In the back, there is ample space in all directions and an almost flat floor for the fifth passenger. The seat itself is slightly short, but it is comfortable and spacious, with air conditioning vents for passengers, and in the higher trim level, also a 12V socket and two USB sockets.

Trunk: The trunk is very large (550 liters), the opening is wide, and it has useful anchors for securing items. Under the floor is another large compartment, and like in other Stellantis models, there are side clips to hold the floor shelf open so that the owner can dig with both hands into the junk they are carrying.

Engine and Performance: The new Grandland will be offered with a choice between a gasoline engine, a plug-in hybrid engine, and an electric engine. For now, the model is only available in the basic electric version with a single electric motor, while other brands in the group offer stronger electric options.

For the launch event, two relevant engines arrived, the gasoline and the electric. The plug-in hybrid version was not present and will only arrive if its price is competitive enough.

The gasoline engine is from the new generation of 3-cylinder engines, offering a volume of 1.2 liters, but includes many other changes. Its power has increased to 136 hp (130 hp previously), and a mild hybrid (48V) system has been added for fuel savings, with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission compared to the previous planetary automatic with the same number of gears.

The performance is adequate for urban driving, but when more is needed, such as for a quick overtaking maneuver, it becomes insufficient. The gearbox is smooth and pleasant, and even under strain, it will cooperate, but that does not help when the output is so modest. It should be noted that the new generation is 200 kg heavier than its predecessor (at 1,600 kg), and despite the increase, performance remains similar, which in today’s standards is not enough for a family crossover, especially given the intense competition where rivals offer more.

The electric version offers 213 hp, which is a standard output among other conservative electric vehicles like Toyota and Hyundai, and lower than some Chinese models or Tesla. So forget about explosive power that will slam your stomach against your back, as 9 seconds flat is the best you’ll get for acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, with the thrust diminishing thereafter. These performance figures are quite disappointing considering the competitors' data, but on the other hand, the Grandland records smooth and linear accelerations without wheel spin or other issues. This is also the reason for front-wheel drive rather than rear-wheel drive, as when the power is not enormous and the force is not explosive, front-wheel drive is quite sufficient.

Regarding the regenerative braking system, Stellantis has changed its strategy, and now instead of one mode, there is a choice between three power modes using control levers behind the steering wheel. They are easy to use and quite effective, yet a lack of an automatic mode that would utilize radar data and navigation assistance for braking, as seen in Hyundai and Volkswagen, is still missing. There is also no one-pedal driving option, and from 7 km/h, the driver must press the brake pedal.

The 73 kWh battery provides a theoretical range of 523 km, which is impossible to verify under launch conditions, and fast charging of up to 160 kW will recharge from 20% to 80% in 30 minutes. For those looking for a greater range, Opel offers an 82 kWh battery for 582 km and also a long-range version with a 97 kWh battery that promises 700 km of electric driving. It is still unknown what will be available to us.

Comfort and Behavior: Contrary to the image built over the years regarding the quality of German roads, we were able to find some rough asphalt sections on secondary roads and in the villages around Frankfurt, and on these roads, we discovered differences between the versions.

The suspension system is similar to that found in the Peugeot 3008, for example, with the gasoline version featuring a simple beam-type rear suspension, while the electric versions have a multi-link rear suspension that is supposed to provide superior ride comfort. However, the Grandland is larger than the 3008, and Opel offers unique shock absorbers and different tuning for all components as well as for steering.

Surprisingly, the gasoline version with the simple suspension offers better ride comfort at all speeds, with bumps being properly smoothed out. The heavier electric version (with an additional over 500 kg) struggled to provide the same comfort, primarily small bumps are transmitted to passengers, but not only those. As speed increases, filtering improves, but it never compares to the comfort achieved in the gasoline version.

Noise insulation, on the other hand, in both versions is commendable, as even at high speeds on the Autobahn, engine, road, and wind noise remain outside.

The handling on winding roads is excellent. The steering is quick, precise, and well-weighted, the chassis is obedient, the suspension is firm, and it supports the body well, preventing unnecessary roll angles. All these create a very convincing dynamic package. Additionally, during urban maneuvers, the steering proved to be short with excellent wheel turning for a very tight turning radius.

The Bottom Line: The second-generation Opel Grandland has made significant strides in many areas, including exterior and especially interior design, passenger and cargo usability, equipment, ergonomics, dynamic capability, and, in the case of the gasoline version, ride comfort. There’s still room for improvement, particularly regarding the somewhat lackluster power unit. However, what will truly help it transition from a bench player to a category leader is its price, which raises a significant question mark.

In Germany, the gasoline version costs €36,400, the plug-in version €40,150, and the electric version €46,750. These prices are comparable to competitors like the Hyundai Tucson, which starts at NIS 181,000 in Israel, and the Ioniq 5, which starts at NIS 210,000 before tax increases in January. Given these prices, the Grandland could capture a good share of customers in Israel each year but will struggle to compete with the leading models in its class.

Technical Specifications: Opel Crossland

• Engine: Electric, 213 hp
• Transmission: Automatic direct transmission, front-wheel drive

Dimensions:

• Length (m): 4.65
• Width (m): 1.91
• Height (m): 1.66
• Wheelbase (m): 2.79
• Cargo space (liters): 550

Electric:

• Battery (kWh): 73 kWh
• Fast charging (kW): 160
• Slow charging (kW): 22

Performance (Manufacturer):

• 0-100 km/h (seconds): 9.0
• Top speed (km/h): 170
• Range (km): 523

Safety:

• Euro NCAP crash test: Not yet tested
• Active safety: Autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rearview camera

The author was an Opel guest in Germany.