The Opel Grandland lineup is now complete with the addition of the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which, in my opinion, is the most well-balanced and well-executed option—though with one small yet significant caveat.
It delivers a total output of 195 hp, with a significant electric component provided by a 17.9 kWh battery that promises 87 km of electric range in the WLTP cycle, along with great efficiency in mixed driving, offering a total range of over 900 km.
Opel Grandland PHEV: our tops&flops
I didn’t expect it, but I really liked the Opel Grandland Plug-in Hybrid. It gives dignity to an otherwise underwhelming model, which was previously available only with a ridiculous 1.2 PureTech engine—completely unsuitable for a car of this weight—or with a full-electric version that promises 700 km of range but still has some drawbacks. Here, instead, there’s a 1.6 petrol engine, which is much better suited to handle the extra 200 kg of weight and, in general, to support a car of this mass. It’s combined with a significant electric component, delivering a total of 195 hp and around 87 km of full-electric range. Sure, some competitors do better, but this is still enough for daily needs. However, what surprised me the most was the Hybrid mode. Unlike most plug-in hybrids, the battery seems to never fully deplete, allowing fuel consumption of around 4.5 liters per 100 km for extended periods—even on the highway. On top of that, this is the best-built Opel ever, with plenty of space that confirms its electric-based design (the floor, for example, is completely flat), and a good trunk capacity ranging from 550 to 1,645 liters. Not to mention the work done on the suspension system and chassis, making this SUV incredibly stable on the road and practically impossible to make it lose grip. Unfortunately, though, it lacks fast charging, which is present in most rivals like the Skoda Kodiaq or Jaecoo 7 SHS. Even AC charging is capped at just 7 kW, which is quite slow.
What we like:
- The eDCT transmission is excellent;
- The two motors work very well together;
- It’s the best-built Opel ever.
What we don’t like:
- No fast charging;
- EV range is underwhelming;
- Slow AC charging.
Prices in Scandinavia
The Grandland Plug-in will be available only in Sweden as Scandinavian market. In Denmark and Norway is available only the full electric version.
What a stability this SUV has!
The plug-in version was the missing piece and represents the most sensible choice, especially for company fleets. In fact, I’d even say that it’s the most well-suited powertrain Opel could offer for this new Opel Grandland.
We know the model has improved significantly, both in terms of hardware design and engineering. It’s larger and offers much more space, thanks to a 2.7-meter wheelbase that ensures superior livability. This is due to the new STLA Medium platform, which optimizes space not just for the electric version but for all powertrains.
But why do I say this plug-in is the right choice? Despite the full electric version is good but lacks in many things, the plug-in hybrid is an ideal compromise. The 1.2-liter gasoline engine in the Hybrid version isn’t necessarily the best choice for those covering long distances, whereas this plug-in hybrid is. Its internal combustion engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder, which is much better suited to a car of this size. Considering its weight of around 1.8 tons, having a capable combustion engine is crucial, especially on highways.
In terms of range, Opel claims about 900 km in total, and in real-world conditions, you can even achieve slightly more. On the road, this Grandland is one of the most convincing plug-in hybrids I’ve tested. The credit also goes to the transmission: a 7-speed e-DCT dual-clutch gearbox developed by Stellantis, which delivers a very smooth driving experience that I thoroughly appreciated during my two-hour test drive in Mallorca.
I left it in Hybrid mode, which is the most suitable for this vehicle, designed to maximize comfort. In this mode, you can also appreciate the work put into optimizing fuel consumption for both the internal combustion and electric units. After two hours of driving, the battery was still at 49%, a sign that the electric component performs very well when working in sync with the gasoline engine.
Average consumption hovers around 13 kWh per 100 km, which is a good result for a car of this size. Additionally, it allows the gasoline engine to be used only when necessary. For example, when I drove with a bit more spirit on the roads of Mallorca, I checked my fuel consumption, and it was at 2.8 L/100 km. With a full battery and smart use of Hybrid mode, you can cover a lot of distance before fully depleting the electric charge.
Another strength of this Opel Grandland is its chassis and suspension design. The STLA Medium platform ensures excellent structural rigidity, but Opel has further refined it to make it even sturdier. The plug-in hybrid and electric versions also feature selective damping, with an additional spring and an optimized hydraulic system that adapts better to road conditions, providing greater stability and comfort in any situation.
For instance, when taking corners more aggressively, the car remains stable without the unbalanced feeling typical of some SUVs. At the same time, in urban environments, on cobblestones or speed bumps, it absorbs impacts well without being too soft or too stiff.
The interior quality also surprised me. This is probably the best-built Opel ever. The materials are well-chosen, and the assembly is solid, with a level of craftsmanship that even surpasses some higher-end models from the Stellantis group. There are a few hard plastics, but overall, everything feels well put together.
Comfort is enhanced by the standard ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), which aren’t intrusive. A smart feature is a dashboard button that allows you to quickly activate or deactivate driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The Level 2 semi-autonomous driving works well and contributes to more relaxed journeys.
The weak point of the Opel Grandland
What convinced me the least, however, is the electric system. In EV mode, the declared range is 87 km—a decent figure, but not the best in the segment. Still, it does what it needs to and is more than sufficient for daily use.
But the real drawback is charging. The battery has a capacity of 17.9 kWh, but unfortunately, it doesn’t support DC fast charging. This is a missed opportunity because many plug-in hybrids in this segment now offer this capability, making long-distance travel more convenient. Even in AC, the charging power is limited to 7.4 kW, meaning a full charge takes at least 3 hours.
It’s true that plug-in hybrids are mainly designed to be charged at home, but having a fast-charging option would have made this Grandland even more versatile—especially now that highway service stations are increasingly equipped with fast-charging stations.
Despite this limitation, the Opel Grandland Plug-in Hybrid is a very well-executed product. It has the right dimensions, is comfortable, smooth to drive, and has impressively low fuel consumption when the battery is charged. When used correctly, it can be a true road trip companion.
Currently, the Grandland is not available in a diesel version, so this plug-in hybrid represents the most balanced choice for those looking for a spacious car with low running costs. Additionally, the AGR-certified ergonomic seats, now a signature feature of Opel, reaffirm the focus on comfort.
The most refined Opel ever
From a design perspective, the Grandland retains the look we’re already familiar with: it measures 4.6 meters in length and is based on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform, with a 2.7-meter wheelbase—impressive for its class.
The new front end immediately stands out with the Opel Vizor 3D, characterized by a single glass panel that conceals the headlights and the new Blitz logo. It’s a clean and elegant design choice.
This is the GS version, the most well-equipped and refined trim, recognizable by its exclusive wheels and contrasting glossy black roof, as well as the matching black mirror caps. The rear also carries the three-dimensional theme, with Opel’s signature slim triple-line taillights. The logo is backlit and without the Blitz emblem, creating a striking effect at night or in low-light conditions.
The trunk is practical thanks to its regular shape: it offers a minimum capacity of 610 liters, expanding to over 1,200 liters with the rear seats folded down. The opening might be slightly smaller than expected, but the internal space is generous. Moreover, since the platform is originally designed for electrification, the battery doesn’t take up much room, leaving space for a useful double floor.
Inside, the 2.7-meter wheelbase makes a difference. Sitting in the rear seats, the cabin feels well-finished and airy, thanks to the panoramic roof that covers almost the entire upper section of the car, enhancing the sense of spaciousness.
There’s plenty of room—even for someone like me, who is 1.94 meters tall. I have ample legroom and headroom, thanks in part to the glass roof that adds a few extra centimeters. The flat floor is another highlight, despite the presence of the battery—a great piece of engineering.
For rear passengers, Opel has included two USB-C ports, a 12V socket, and heated seats with climate control. Four adults, even tall ones, can travel comfortably, and even five passengers can fit without too much compromise.
At the front, the layout is familiar. The instrument cluster is well-integrated and recessed, accompanied by a 3D head-up display that projects not only driving data but also Google Maps or Apple CarPlay directions.
The central display is wide and ultra-responsive, with improved fluidity compared to previous models and 4G connectivity. However, Android Auto has some optimization issues: it takes up the entire screen unnecessarily, whereas Apple CarPlay makes better use of the interface.
The climate control is dual-zone, with well-placed physical buttons. There are also shortcut buttons for quick access to key functions, which are useful while driving. I like the new Opel steering wheel—thin, ergonomic, with a smaller third spoke and a three-dimensional design that echoes the car’s exterior styling.
One downside is the gear selector, the same one seen in other Stellantis models with ex-PSA origins. Additionally, regenerative braking is fixed and non-adjustable, while the paddle shifters behind the wheel are only for manual gear changes.
