Vauxhall has unveiled the second generation of its popular model, the Grandland. The new Grandland features a fresh design, an updated interior, and the option of electric power for the first time. It has moved onto Stellantis’s new STLA Medium architecture, making it larger than its predecessor. The design of the new Grandland takes inspiration from the Experimental concept that Vauxhall revealed in 2022, focusing on aerodynamic optimization to extend the range of the electric variant. Vauxhall’s head designer, Mark Adams, stated that the goal was to create a car that is visually electric-first, projecting sleek and modern lines.
The top-of-the-line Grandland Electric comes with a 98kWh battery, offering an official range of 435 miles. It can charge at a maximum rate of 160kW, reaching 0-80% capacity in around 26 minutes. A shorter-range 73kWh model is also expected to be available with a 316bhp dual-motor drivetrain. The Grandland is the last Vauxhall model to receive an EV option, following the recent unveiling of the smaller Frontera crossover.
In addition to the electric options, the Grandland is also available as a plug-in hybrid and a mild-hybrid petrol variant. The plug-in hybrid model features a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and a battery that provides 53 miles of electric-only range. The mild-hybrid petrol version pairs the same engine with a 28bhp 48V motor.
The new Grandland’s larger size puts Vauxhall in direct competition with models like the Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail. However, Vauxhall aimed to strike a balance by ensuring the car is not too large and cumbersome for everyday use. The design team focused on simplicity and functionality, avoiding excessive decoration. For example, the Grandland does not feature any chrome accents, as the designers believed that technology and high-quality materials were more important to customers.
The Grandland’s exterior features new headlights with 25,600 individual LEDs and a transparent version of Vauxhall’s Vizor front grille, which now includes an illuminated griffin logo. At the rear, the Vauxhall brand name is spelled out and illuminated as part of the slim wraparound light bar.
Inside the car, Vauxhall has made changes to the digital interface. The Grandland ditches Vauxhall’s Pure Panel for a slimmer 10-inch driver’s display and a separate 16-inch infotainment touchscreen. The infotainment system can receive over-the-air software updates and is equipped with ChatGPT artificial intelligence. The interior design focuses on providing a pure experience, with a minimalist approach and easy-to-use physical buttons.
The new Grandland offers more legroom for rear passengers compared to its predecessor, thanks to its larger proportions. It also features a wireless charging pad with a semi-transparent casing that lights up according to the phone’s charging status.
The Grandland is set to be available for order from July, with deliveries beginning in the autumn. Pricing is expected to start at around £30,000 for the petrol version, with the PHEV variant costing approximately £5,000 more and the electric variant priced in the mid-£40,000s.
Vauxhall’s vice-president of design, Mark Adams, emphasized the company’s focus on progressiveness and modernity in its designs. He stated that while heritage is important, Vauxhall aims to create cars that are familiar yet not boring, with a minimalist and easy-to-use interior experience.
Overall, the second-generation Vauxhall Grandland offers significant updates and choices for customers, including electric, plug-in hybrid, and mild-hybrid options. The new design language focuses on aerodynamic optimization and simplicity, while the interior provides a modern and user-friendly experience. With its larger size, the Grandland competes with popular SUV models in its class. The pricing range provides options for various budgets, making the Grandland accessible to a wider range of customers.