• One motor and battery at launch
• Sluggish for an EV
• Long-range and twin-motor on the way

Electric motors and batteries

The Grandland Electric is offered in a single flavour from launch, but more variety will follow. For now, it gets a 213hp motor driving the front wheels. Performance is 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 can feel disappointingly sluggish compared with the majority of electric SUV rivals. It’s slow off the mark, and lacking in any meaningful overtaking punch on A-roads. It’ll probably feel fine if you’re stepping from a typical petrol SUV or are happy to go with the flow of traffic. We still prefer the well judged acceleration of the Renault Scenic, with an Enyaq 85 feeling even quicker. Acceleration addicts are still best served by the Tesla Model Y.

A long-range version that adds another 100 miles or so of range comes in 2025, along with a dual-motor four-wheel drive model with significantly more power.

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What’s it like to drive?

• Firm ride, especially around town
• Capable in the bends, if not much fun
• Low levels of wind, road and motor noise

To make sure the Grandland Electric doesn’t feel like a 2.1 tonne barge in the bends, Vauxhall has fitted suspension that’s relatively firm. It works to an extent, with a secure feel thanks to good body control and vice-free handling.

The steering is precise and has reassuring weight, if little in the way of connection to the front tyres. Factor in noticeable body roll and you’ve got something that can cover ground reasonably quickly, but won’t ever encourage you to do so.

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The downside to the planted feel is a ride that can be described as busy. It always feels like the suspension is struggling to smooth out surface imperfections, and bigger potholes and lumps cause it to thud noisily on scruffy UK roads. It is better than the related E-3008, and plenty of other electric SUVs behave in a similar manner, but the Scenic is still a comfier choice.

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 designed for covering long distances.