With the second generation of the Grandland, the SUV is not only growing significantly. A platform change and a real technological fireworks display should also make the Opel attractive. ntv.de has already tested it.
Opel is a down-to-earth brand and the Rüsselsheim-based company also radiates this message when introducing the new Grandland, which is supposed to be an important ratings driver in the model range. No chicness in the south of France or Monaco, instead Rüsselsheim serves as the place of first contact with the new compact class SUV.
Futuristic light effects at the rear make the new Opel Grandland appear striking, the “Opel” lettering in particular catches the eye.
(Photo: Opel)
Be careful, there is a bit of deep-seated thinking behind this formulation. Because at 4.65 meters, the Hessian of choice is no longer compact at all, but is rather poaching in the segment above. After all, it has gained 17 centimeters compared to its predecessor – that's an announcement. In the second row of seats, however, the increase in size is only noticeable on paper in the form of two centimeters more legroom. The trunk volume with the rear seats folded down decreases marginally from 1652 to 1640 liters compared to the old model. But not a broken leg on this scale.
There are also a lot of changes under the sheet metal. For the first time, Opel is using the new STLA platform, on which many models from the Stellantis Group will be based in the future. And with that, customers can take note of a, well, not entirely new, but still young message: This chassis allows state-of-the-art technology for battery-electric drives, but also accommodates conventional combustion engines, which Stellantis had left vague in advance. But more on that later.
The Grandland front also sets accents with the now illuminated Opel flash. In any case, the brand does not remain hidden
(Photo: Opel)
First of all, I'm really surprised when I stand in front of the new Grandland for the first time. Not only does it look massive, but the creatives are also implementing optical details for the first time that were already anticipated in the “Experimental” concept car and announced for the series. The Opel Blitz sits behind a glass pane and is illuminated (3D Vizor). In addition, the LED pixel headlights finally have so many pixels (50,000) that they deserve the name.
Illuminations at the rear make the new Opel stand out from the crowd, especially at night.
(Photo: Opel)
And from now on the rear has to do without a classic Opel logo. The Rüsselsheim-based company is planning something better for the trunk lid, namely a bright red “Opel” lettering in large letters. And there are futuristically designed LED taillights anyway. And then there's also the stylish-looking paint color “Impakt Copper Metallic” – so the Grandland as a whole package could be quite a customer magnet.
Grandland comes with infotainment finesse
A lot of display and comfortable seats should make the new SUV from Rüsselsheim an infotainment and travel professional.
(Photo: Opel)
In any case, I'm curious and jump behind the wheel, even though I'm not allowed to drive yet. Nevertheless, I call up the interior design of the new Peugeot 3008 in my mind's eye and scan it for the same parts (same platform and so on). And although the Grandland interior looks familiar to me and I can smell PSA stables, it is clearly Opel when compared closely.
Above all, the infotainment concept is different here than in the 3008, whose screen is positioned in front of the driver's field of vision in such a way that a head-up display becomes obsolete. However, Opel does rely on information that is projected onto the windshield – as an effective means of not distracting the driver from what is happening on the road while providing the best possible information on the most important data. Of course, plus a touchscreen in the center console (16 inches) and an instrument cluster without mechanical pointers.
The newly developed front seats of the Opel Grandland have a narrow recess that is intended to relieve the pressure on the tailbone.
(Photo: Opel)
And then there are the lavish armchairs. Now actually one of Opel's core competencies. It works well, but it still needs to be tested in order to be able to make valid statements. Especially the new feature, which is supposed to help relieve the coccyx. The vaunted language assistant could also be tested now with ChatGPT integration. At least it sounds tempting.
The Grandland also appears to allay the fear of long journeys for potential customers of electric drives. Yes, you don't have to buy battery electric. But the prospect of a hybridized 1.2-liter gasoline engine with 136 hp plus 28 electric horses integrated into the six-speed dual-clutch transmission is probably less exciting than a purely electric drive with over 200 hp, analogous to the Peugeot 3008.
However, Opel has not yet communicated the specifications of the BEV variant or the data for the version with plug-in hybrid drive, which will also be available later. What is known, however, is that in this case the Grandland should be able to travel 85 kilometers purely electrically. And the pure electric vehicle should cover an impressive 700 kilometers.
Incidentally, the manufacturer only estimates 26 minutes to charge the battery to 80 percent, although initially there is no need for an 800-volt architecture (although the architecture would allow for that). If you're already looking forward to the Grandland, you'll have to wait until autumn – that's when it'll roll out to dealers. The expansive compact SUV is manufactured at the Opel plant in Eisenach.
