First Drive: Vauxhall Grandland Electric takes on rivals with a well-rounded package

The new Vauxhall Grandland Electric strikes a careful balance between practicality and style.

It may not be the most luxurious or exhilarating electric SUV on the market, but with its competitive range, well-considered tech and improved design, it offers plenty to please those looking for a competent family SUV.

Vauxhall’s largest EV to date, the new Grandland Electric represents a bold step forward for the brand, shedding its mainstream image in favour of a more stylish, tech-savvy, and refined package.

With a fully electrified powertrain, boasting a substantial 73kWh battery and a range of up to 325 miles, this SUV positions itself competitively within the electric vehicle market.

Read about Vauxhall chief James Taylor’s strategic ambitions for the brand

Prices start at £41,000 for the Design trim and rise to over £45,000 for the higher-spec GS and Ultimate trims, offering good value while setting the stage for an upcoming longer-range electric and plug-in hybrid versions in 2025.

As Vauxhall’s largest electric SUV to date, the Grandland Electric takes on rivals like the Skoda Enyaq, Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, and the Stellantis cousin, the Peugeot e-3008.

With its upscale design, premium interior, and family-friendly tech, the Grandland is poised to appeal to those looking for a family SUV with a bit of design flair.

Design and Styling

Vauxhall has redefined the Grandland with a more modern, cohesive design. The ‘Vizor’ front end with its illuminated Griffin logo, inspired by the Vauxhall Experimental concept, gives the SUV a fresh, contemporary look.

This isn’t a cosmetic afterthought; it’s an integral part of the new design language. The rear light bar and illuminated 'Vauxhall' script add to the model's visual appeal, particularly when paired with the eye-catching Impact Copper finish. For those who prefer a more understated look, traditional colours like grey, black, and dark blue are also available.

Inside, the Grandland Electric which comes in three specs – the Design, GS and Ultimate - offers a cleaner, more refined cabin, highlighted by two well-sized screens - 10 inches for the driver and 16 inches for infotainment.

While the overall design represents an upgrade from its predecessor, the use of some lower-grade plastics reminds you that the Grandland still aims to be accessible rather than ultra-luxurious. Still, the effort to use recyclable materials for the interior is commendable.

Standard tech includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but if you’re after integrated sat-nav, you’ll need to opt for the GS trim or higher.

Comfort and Practicality

Comfort-wise, the new Grandland has improved significantly. Front-seat passengers enjoy plenty of adjustability and a commanding driving position.

Despite the shallow rear window, visibility is aided by front and rear parking sensors on all trims, with a 360-degree camera available on the Ultimate. While the cabin materials might not rival the plush interiors of premium models, the space and layout cater well to family life.

With its 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats and a 550-litre boot, the Grandland offers more cargo space than several competitors, making it practical for carrying larger items or packing for longer trips.

With no central tunnel, rear passengers will also appreciate the generous legroom and headroom, even when the front seats are occupied by taller individuals.

Safety and Technology

Vauxhall has placed a strong emphasis on safety, equipping even the base model with features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking.

For those seeking additional safety tech, the Ultimate trim introduces features like rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist, further enhancing the Grandland’s appeal to cautious drivers.

While it hasn’t yet been tested by Euro NCAP, Vauxhall will be aiming to secure a five-star safety rating, thanks to the comprehensive suite of driver aids on board.

Performance and Range

The Grandland Electric delivers a smooth, composed driving experience rather than outright thrills.

Powered by a 210bhp motor, it accelerates from 0-62mph in 9 seconds - a respectable figure for daily driving, though it lacks the punch of some competitors.

With its solid ride quality and excellent noise insulation, the Grandland is particularly comfortable on motorways, making it ideal for longer journeys.

In terms of range, the Grandland Electric performs admirably. The entry-level Design offers up to 325 miles on a single charge, while the higher GS and Ultimate trims provide slightly less, at 323 and 318 miles, respectively.

Urban driving is where the Grandland excels, with its nimble 10.9-metre turning radius and three levels of regenerative braking adding to its city-friendly character.

Strategic SUV ambitions

Vauxhall is also introducing a five-year Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) plan to spread out payments, making EVs financially feasible despite higher upfront costs.

This payment parity underpins Vauxhall's aims to capture a larger share of the fast-growing compact SUV market, targeting an increase in annual sales from 4,000 to up to 12,000 units by 2025, and plans to expand its lineup with new models, including a luxury SUV.

Speaking to AM at the recent international Grandland test drive, Taylor stressed the importance of transparency in the financing offer, essential to build customer trust.

Despite those challenges, Taylor is optimistic about the potential to develop long-term loyalty from newcomers to the brand, making the shift to electric both strategically and sustainably significant for Vauxhall.

There’s certainly a lot to like about the new Grandland Electric and it could well give its nearest rivals a run for their money and underpin the brand’s broader conquest ambitions.