Vauxhall Grandland GSe: warm-ish PHEV SUV revealed

Published: 27 October 2022 Updated: 27 October 2022

► Warm-ish GSe PHEV joins Grandland range
► Details on Vauxhall’s biggest SUV
► Petrol and diesel versions, too

Vauxhall’s Grandland SUV now benefits from the brand’s new warm-ish GSe tagline.

The family crossover, which underwent a heavy facelift in 2021 to bring it in line with the Mokka and Astra’s sharp look, has also had a bit of a model line-up rethink. As one of the first models to be produced in partnership with then-PSA, the Grandland’s makeover isn’t quite as dramatic as the new Mokka, but it’s still pretty extensive.

It’s hard to miss the new Vizor-styled front end, but this panel now includes Intellilux adaptive lighting with 84 LED elements per headlight, and the ability to see is further enhanced by a first for Vauxhall – night vision.

The new GSe model is about adding a bit of a sporty edge to Vauxhall’s electrified cars, including a more aggressive bodykit and new wheels inspired by the Opel Manta ElektroMOD EV project. It’s the second car with the new GSe variant, following on from the Astra.

Clever – got any specs?

It’s the usual mix of PSA-derived engines here, with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel being offered. There are also two PHEV options to choose from: the 222bhp version available with the GS Line and Ultimate trim levels, which claims up to 34 miles of e-range, a 0-62mph sprint time of 8.9sec and a top speed of 140mph.

Then there’s the GSe model, which is powered by a 297bhp version of Vauxhall’s plug-in hybrid powertrain. Here, the GSe benefits from all-wheel drive as well as a quicker 0-62mph sprint of 6.1 seconds and a higher top speed of 146mph. It’s not exactly a new powertrain, though, and has been part of the Grandland’s engine mix for years.

Any other tech I should know about?

The big facelift brought some infotainment updates to the car’s cockpit. As a result, the Grandland features a wide, dual display integrated panel – the ‘Pure Panel’ according to Vauxhall’s designers – with a 12-inch infotainment display and up to 10-inch interactive dashboard. Controls have been updated too, though many drivers will be happy to see that conventional dials and displays remain for the climate control.

2021 Vauxhall Grandland interior

Few would consider the Vauxhall Grandland X a drivers’ car, so for the new Grandland, there’s potentially less driving to do. Cruise control and the usual suite of safety features, such as autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning, are joined by Highway Integration Assist. This provides a combination of adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and the ability to brake to a standstill and restart.

In common with recent Vauxhalls, the ergonomic seats have AGR certification, and VauxhallConnect navigation offers predictive guidance,

2021 Vauxhall Grandland rear badge detail

How much is a Vauxhall Grandland?

Prices start at £27,595 for a basic Grandland. If you’re after the PHEV, the cheapest way into owning one will set you back £37,455. Prices for the GSe aren’t announced yet, but expect to clock in at over £41k.

By Jake Groves

CAR's deputy news editor, gamer, serial Lego-ist, lover of hot hatches

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