The new Grandland GSe
The new Grandland GSe
I know, Vauxhall’s latest move might just have you scratching your head a bit.
But for anyone who has ever wanted a performance-focused family-friendly crossover, I have good news. Vauxhall has given its Grandland the GSe treatment.
The latest sporty model now sits alongside the new Astra and Astra Sports Tourer GSe hot plug-in hybrids. Utilising the same plug-in hybrid technology as its siblings, the Grandland GSe also benefits from more power, plus a revised chassis set up. Oh, and it also gets a new paint job.
Building on the 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged four-cylinder petrol already found in the GS Line and Ultimate versions of the current Grandland PHEV, the GSe also gains two electric motors, one on each axle. The result? Four-wheel drive.
Power also takes a hike, up from 222bhp to 296bhp. Meaning the family crossover is now capable of 0-62mph in just 6.1secs, and a top speed of 146mph.
No details have been released officially yet regarding the battery pack slotted into the Grandland GSe, but it’s probably safe to assume it’s the same 12.4kWh unit found in the Astra GSe. What we do know is the plug-in hybrid Grandland GSe will be capable of reaching a top speed of 84mph in electric-only mode. It’s also likely the pure-electric range will drop slightly from the standard car’s 39-mile range.
Vauxhall has published provisional WLTP efficiency data, stating the Grandland GSe will be capable of up to 217mpg — no, don’t expect that in ‘real world’ driving — with CO2 emissions from 29g/km. Also worth highlighting that if it does use the same battery as the Astra GSe, drivers should expect to take just under two hours to top up using a 7kW charger.
As for looks, the newcomer will mirror many of the styling cues first seen on the Astra GSe, including plenty of bespoke GSe badging. It also gets 19-inch alloys inspired by the Manta GSe concept, plus a black bonnet will be available as an option. The cabin also benefits from Alcantara-trimmed sports seats.
Thinking of making the switch to electric?
The Grandland GSe will go on sale from Arnold Clark Vauxhall dealerships in early 2023, with first deliveries scheduled for Spring.
As for prices? Vauxhall has yet to confirm what the new Grandland GSe will cost. But given it will be the range-topping model, and allied to the fact the current Grandland Ultimate plug-in hybrid starts from £41,010, don’t be surprised if the GSe nudges closer to the £50,000 mark.
