First Look at the Opel Grandland: Top Notch!

For those expecting a "big Opel" above the Grandland, let me tell you: It won't be coming. The Grandland is Opel's new top model and finally extends into its model designation with its second generation. It will be 173 millimeters longer, 19 millimeters higher, and 64 millimeters wider than its predecessor, growing to 4,650 mm in length, 1,905 mm in width, and 1,660 mm in height. Additionally, it now features wheels up to 20” in size, so we were quite amazed at first glance: The Grandland has visually grown in every respect. It actually takes some details from Opel's exciting "Experimental" study by further developing the "Vizor" at the front. The new 3D Vizor integrates the illuminated Opel lightning bolt and so-called "Edge Light" technology for the first time.

Intelli-Lux: Now 25,600 LED units illuminate the road per headlight

And since we are right in front of the folded front: Opel has also improved the Intelli-Lux Pixel HD lighting system, now featuring 51,200 elements for a highly high-resolution light distribution. This should allow the Grandland to "flood" the road with light at night while precisely excluding those who could be blinded. Of course, it also includes welcoming and farewell animations that are projected as graphics in front of the vehicle.

Engineered AND made in Germany: Developed in Rüsselsheim, assembled in Eisenach

Opel CEO Huettl is also pleased:

"The new Grandland is a milestone for Opel. With it, every Opel is now available electrically. This is a big step in our electric offensive. The new Grandland was designed and developed in Rüsselsheim, and it is built in Eisenach. The relationship to the Opel Experimental is unmistakable. It offers innovations that were first seen with this extraordinary concept car. This will strengthen our position in the important C-SUV segment."

The new Grandland is the first production model to integrate an illuminated Opel lettering centrally in its compass light signature at the rear, forgoing the prominent new lightning bolt. In our opinion, the lightning bolt is the stronger symbol, as many models resemble each other more at the rear than at the front. If x, y, or z is now added, it will become even more confusing. But we agree with the Opel design here: The centrally embossed lettering on the tailgate saves resources compared to a chrome badge and can be better integrated. Internally, there was a long discussion and debate about whether to use the lightning bolt or the lettering. They adopted the hidden rubber seal at the bottom of the side windows from Peugeot, which makes the flanks look clearer.

Sensible: The heat pump is standard in Germany

The Grandland is also based on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform, which was specially designed for battery-electric models but can (still) also accommodate combustion engines. The new architecture, the new flat battery packaging with a capacity of up to 98 kWh, the new-generation e-machine, and other energy-saving features such as the heat pump, which is standard in Germany, should ensure a range of around 700 kilometers according to WLTP, with at least 450 remaining in the worst case. Grand!

The step from 20 to 80 percent battery capacity ideally takes around 26 minutes, assuming a maximum charging power of 160 kW.

In addition to the purely electric version, the Grandland also comes as a plug-in hybrid with a locally emission-free range of up to about 85 kilometers according to WLTP, of which realistically rather around 70 +/- x remain. And: A 48-volt mild hybrid.

Let's take a seat: Thanks to a wheelbase of 2,784 millimeters, there is plenty of space on all seats, although we are amazed at how little generously it actually is compared to the Peugeot E-3008 with an even shorter wheelbase: Compared to the very space-efficient predecessor and the Frontera, the Grandland does not offer that much more space despite its external growth. According to the numbers, the new model offers 20 millimeters more legroom compared to its predecessor. At least, the rear seat bench is split 40:20:40 and can be folded down to provide up to 1,641 liters of trunk space, with the standard trunk already being generous at around 500 liters. The Grandland also features the new seats at the front with the falling wedge in the middle for the tailbone, but even in the second row, you feel quite comfortable.

Horizontally running lines inside are supposed to reinforce the feeling of spaciousness, which we believe is successful! And instead of BMW or once sister brand Saab, Opel is now the brand that stands for the central display slightly inclined towards the driver, which is 16 inches large. A wide, fully digital display behind the steering wheel provides the most important information. Together with the Intelli-HUD head-up display, it ensures that the driver can keep their eyes on the road at all times.

Also known from Saab is the Pure Mode: This reduces the contents of the driver's info display, the head-up display, and the central screen to the minimum necessary, further minimizing distractions, especially during rain or night drives. Opel typically allows frequently used settings like climate control to be intuitively regulated via a few physical buttons – the "test clinics" gave a crystal-clear statement to definitely keep the buttons in certain areas. And as with the BMW 5 Series, the side air vents have also migrated into the doors here, making the dashboard appear visually wider. Various fabric inserts, as with Peugeot, also run partially into the doors, which brings additional width and warmth. All this makes the interior seem a whole class more premium than its predecessor.

Great Idea with the Seats: Why Did No One Think of This Before?

The ergonomics seats, once again certified by the Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V., have also been further developed, providing a noticeably more comfortable seating experience compared to the Frontera. Here, too, one steps up to the mid-to-upper-middle class, now offering active side bolsters for the first time. The two air cushions located in the side bolsters of the backrests improve lateral support and can be adjusted according to personal preferences. Additionally, the driver's seat offers both ventilation and a massage function. And of course, the mentioned patented Intelli-Seat ergonomics feature is also incorporated here: a special depression running centrally in the seat surface reduces pressure on the coccyx, enhancing driving comfort even on long tours on the highway. All fabrics and coverings in the interior are now made from 100 percent recycled material.

Simply Clever Now Also at Opel – with Pixel-Box and More

And after receiving the subtle feedback at Opel to prefer practicality over pixels, the so-called Pixel-Box was invented: behind the glass is the area for inductive smartphone charging, ensuring that mobile devices are safely stowed and still visible at any time during the charging process. This visibility also helps prevent leaving the smartphone in the vehicle upon exiting the Grandland. Altogether, over 35 liters of storage space are packed into the Grandland – from the Pixel-Box to the now common separate smartphone pockets on the back of the front seats to a large compartment with a 12V outlet below the center console.

Chassis? Now an Opel Specialty

So – you sit comfortably in a significantly more premium and spacious-feeling car that is easy to operate and comes with nice additional ideas. What we have not yet been able to test is the chassis, which is likely tuned more on the firm side specific to the brand and tuned not in Sochaux or elsewhere, but in Rüsselsheim. Nonetheless, it can also take advantage of Frequency Selective Damping technology: through an additional valve and a second oil circuit in the damper, the Grandland can offer different damping characteristics depending on the situation, road conditions, and driving style; for comfortable gliding with high frequencies on short-wave bumps such as on cobblestones. Or it uses low frequencies for a sportier driving style with more direct road contact.

Either way, the Grandland aims to drive even more directly and immediately: the "specific tuning of springs, stabilizers, steering, and ESP underscores the Opel characteristic of chassis and driving behavior," which we'll positively assess as taut and responsive.