First Drive: Vauxhall Grandland Electric
The all-new SUV means that every Vauxhall model has an electrified version. By John Challen.
WHAT IS IT? Electric large SUV HOW MUCH? From £37,345 RANGE? 325 miles (WLTP) CHARGE? 20-80% 26 minutes (160kW)
There are often slightly derogatory comments online about the arrival of yet another electric C-SUV but, when they make up 40% of the EV market, what do people expect? With the arrival of the Grandland, Vauxhall is hoping to grab some of that battery-powered pie and improve on the 24.7% electric car sales mix that it achieved in October 2024. Already used by Peugeot in the e-3008, Stellantis’ STLA Medium platform gets its first Vauxhall use in Grandland – a car that is all-new. Designed to maximise comfort and efficiency, the platform can accommodate a battery pack up to 97kWh – a model using this capacity will arrive in 2025 offering up to 435 miles (WLTP).
As it is, the Grandland launches with a 73kWh component with a more than ample 325 miles available (WLTP). That works with a 210hp electric motor to help power the Grandland from zero to 62mph in nine seconds flat. With the ability to rapid charge at up to 160kW DC, replenishing the battery from 20-80% can take 26 minutes. There are three levels of regenerative braking – activated by steering wheel paddles – with Eco driving mode ensuring the maximum range is made available. A heat pump is fitted as standard to fully maximise efficiency and driving range.
The exterior of the car has been fully refreshed with the new brand face – encompassing the 3D Vizor and illuminated Griffin badge. Step inside and there’s a premium Focal stereo system with 10 speakers, an extra 20cm of legroom in the rear (thanks to the longer wheelbase) and innovations such as the Pixel Box, which can store mobile devices and prevent distractions with an opaque front.
Infotainment-wise, there’s a 16-inch touchscreen on the GS and Ultimate models (the base Design version offers a 10-inch screen), as well as a 10-inch driver display. There’s a sensible mix of touchscreen operations and buttons for the most-used items, including head-up display adjustment (something that came in useful during our drive). Grandland also features Pure Mode, which declutters the screen by swiping, to leave only essential information to reduce driver distraction. There’s also voice control and connectivity with the ‘Hey Vauxhall’ app.
From a sustainability point of view, all interior fabrics feature recycled content, while drivers will remain comfortable thanks to Vauxhall’s Intelli-Seat ergonomics technology and support, which is standard on every Grandland model. There is also the option of increased comfort with seats certified by AGR, featuring adjustable side bolsters and two air cushions.
It’s an impressively specified vehicle with a great interior and loads of range. It also feels a lot smaller than its 4,560mm and has limited body roll. However, the ride is a bit fidgety over different surfaces and the brakes aren’t the most inspiring – with a fair bit of travel in the pedal. But, overall, Grandland hits more targets than it misses and the standard kit and competitive prices will be enough for many drivers to take the plunge.
IN BRIEF
Key fleet model: GS
Pros: Interior quality, spec, comfy seats
Cons: Ride quality, average performance
Seven-word summary: Big Vauxhall will make a big impact
Also consider: Peugeot E-3008 / Renault Scenic E-Tech / Škoda Enyaq
John Challen
John previously edited International Fleet World magazine, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, having been in automotive journalism for more than 20 years. Over those two decades, he has researched and written about a vast range of automotive topics, including fleet, EVs, engineering, design, retail and the aftermarket.
