Overview

The Vauxhall Grandland Electric is the firm’s first foray into the large all-electric family SUV market. Like its petrol-powered cousin, it’s based closely on a Peugeot – in this case the E-3008 – and is quite a visual leap over the car it’s replacing. As is customary with Vauxhall these days, it’s being launched in hybrid and electric forms, and in monthly payment terms at least, both powertrains will cost you the same. 

Under the skin, it’s all-new, and a complete transformation of the model range. The new platform, motors and batteries deliver more range and power than any previous model from the group. Vauxhall has done a good job of modernising the Grandland’s visuals, with neat detailing and that striking front distinguishing what otherwise could have been quite a bland design.

To help inject character, Vauxhall has given the Grandland illuminated badges front and rear on more expensive versions. Flanking those upfront are the latest version of its Intelli-Lux headlights – the latest Matrix LED HDs have 51,200 elements between them, and are said to be the firm’s best. I’ll tell you how they perform when I get into the dark with it, but for now can confirm they put on a pretty show for you when you start it up.

Is that enough to put it ahead of rivals such as the Skoda Enyaq, Renault Scenic E-Tech, Tesla Model Y or Ford Explorer – all very impressive offerings. Read on to find out, and to see how I reached my verdict, following my drive on the international launch in Germany, be sure to head over to the Parkers how we test cars page.

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What’s it like inside?

It’s a stylish interior, topped off by a new 16.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. It is thin, wide and mounted high up on the dashboard to help minimise driver distraction – and it’s been teamed with a new digital gauge cluster and head-up display. Older drivers – like me – could find the onscreen display a little small and cluttered compared with a Scenic, Tesla Model Y or Enyaq, even if the system undeniably looks good.

Thankfully, Vauxhall hasn’t fallen into the trap of shifting all the Grandland’s switchgear onto the touchscreen. Like the Astra, it retains a row of physical climate controls on the centre console. Plus, if you find all the data from the two screens rather overwhelming, Vauxhall has added a ‘Pure’ mode that pares back the info to just the essentials.

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The new Grandland is 173mm longer than before, which has helped to liberate an extra 20mm of legroom for those in the back. At the launch, I managed to find a six-foot passenger to sit in the rear, behind a similarly sized driver and he said’ legroom is okay, but I could wear a stove hat in here.’ So, it’s roomy enough. It’s also 19mm taller and 64mm wider, making head and shoulder room are more than adequate.

Vauxhall has also given the Grandland more storage space. Its seats-up boot capacity has grown from 514 litres to 550 litres (ahead of the e-3008) – and there are more than 35 litres of storage bins dotted around the car’s cabin, including smartphone pockets in the front seat backrests, a massive centre console and Vauxhall’s brand-new Pixel Box, a storage bin that’s been specially designed to hold a smartphone. It has a built-in wireless charger and a glass lid.

It’s also worth mentioning that, while the Grandland’s seats-up boot capacity has increased, its maximum boot capacity has fallen ever so slightly from 1652 to 1641 litres. But overall it’s less roomy for passengers and luggage than its most important rivals.

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Electric motors and charging

The Grandland Electric is offered in a single flavour from launch, but more variety will follow. For now, it gets a 213hp motor and a decent 73kWh battery pack and offers a WLTP tested driving range of 325 miles – call that 260-280 in day-to-day driving. Performance claims are so-so, with a claimed 9.0 seconds for the 0-62mph time. That time should give you a clue to the Grandland’s overall heft.

On the road, it proves to be disappointingly sluggish. It’s slow off the mark, and lacking in any meaningful overtaking punch on A-roads. Once up to motorway speeds, it’s quick enough and is probably not too bad if you’re an unenthusiastic driver, but I can’t help but feel it’s being held back by its sheer weight.

A Long-Range version with a 97kWh battery and an estimated range of up to 435 miles joins the range next year, which should hopefully dispel any lingering range anxiety fears that drivers may still have. Charging speeds are okay, if not groundbreaking, at 160kW but that’s fast enough a 20-80% recharge in around 26 minutes. Enough time to grab a coffee and be on your way at the motorway services.

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What’s it like to drive?

The Grandland Electric scores well here, because its handling is poised, sharp and doesn’t have any vices on twisty roads. The car’s damping is taut and results in good body control, instilling me with a sense of confidence in once I was dialled in to the weighty but rather dead-feeling steering. There is some bodyroll to contend with, but it’s better than than the Peugeot E-3008 in that department.

The car’s heavy and I’m very aware of that when hustling it down a twisty B-road, especially in the wet. I’m undecided on the ride quality, because I’m driving the car in Germany on spookily smooth roads. However, it never feels particularly settled on its large Ultimate-spec 20-inch wheels and I suspect on UK roads, it could end up being jittery at speed.

There’s a commanding SUV-style driving position with a decent view forward, which makes it easy to place on the road. On the motorway, it’s very refined with low levels of wind noise, and an overall sense calm, that’s helped by the firm but very supportive seats. This is clearly a car design for covering long distances comfortably.

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What models and trims are available?

There are three models to choose from – Design, GS and Ultimate. Going for the entry-level Design means you get a skinny 10.0-inch touchscreen, which at least comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The good news is that they all come with adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition.

GS trim adds the 3D Vizor with illuminated Griffin and Intelli-Lux HD headlamps. You also get larger 19-inch alloy wheels, as well as a gloss black finish for the roof, rear spoiler and front and rear bumpers. The infotainment screen grows to 16.0 inches, and satnav, that Pixel Box and ambient interior lighting join the fray.

Finally, the Ultimate adds niceties, such as panoramic glass roof, a heated windscreen, a powered hands-free tailgate, and a head-up display. You also get rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist and a 360-degree surround view parking camera.

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What else should I know?

What of that ‘parity’ pricing between EV and hybrid models? Vauxhall hopes that its simplified ownership proposition will appeal, with simple pricing plans across the range, and potentially cheaper EV running costs if you are able to take up its offer of a free charger with the car. 

For this, Vauxhall should be lauded, even if the PCP deal is offered over a lengthy five years, against the hybrid’s four. Given that the upcoming Frontera is the same cash price in EV and ICE forms, the Grandland Electric’s pricing isn’t quite as appealing, but buyers consider the switch to electric will appreciate the direct cost comparisons.

The Vauxhall Grandland Electric’s pricing is eyecatching, but is that enough to help it overcome some very talented rivals? Read on to see how we rate it in our verdict.