The Grandland might not be the sportiest SUV out there but that’s not stopped Vauxhall from developing a performance-focused GSe variant of its family-friendly crossover.
Lining up alongside the new Astra and Astra Sports Tourer GSe hot plug-in hybrids, the Grandland GSe also uses plug-in hybrid technology, but there’s more power, a revised chassis set up to add some dynamic flair and a new paint job.
Powered by the same 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged four-cylinder petrol found in the GS Line and Ultimate versions of the current Grandland PHEV, the GSe model has a pair of electric motors on each axle to result in four-wheel drive. This also means power is upped from 222bhp to 296bhp, enabling in a hot hatch-style 0-62mph time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 146mph.
Vauxhall hasn’t given details on the Grandland GSe’s battery pack, but it’s likely to be the same 12.4kWh unit found in the Astra GSe. The plug-in hybrid Grandland GSe can reach a top speed of 84mph in electric mode but pure-electric range will probably drop slightly from the standard car’s 39-mile range.
If it does use the same battery as the Astra GSe, it’ll take just under two hours to top up using a 7kW charger), but it has published provisional efficiency data, with fuel economy of up to 217mpg and CO2 emissions from 29g/km.
The Grandland GSe also has a unique suspension set-up, with firmer springs than standard and Frequency-Selective Dampers from suspension manufacturer Koni. These allow for different damping characteristics depending on the road surface to deliver a balance between comfort and handling.
Vauxhall says the Grandland GSe “offers more precise and consistent responses while retaining superior stability under braking, in corners and at higher speed”.
Styling tweaks include similar GSe cues to the Astra, with plenty of bespoke GSe badging, plus 19-inch alloy wheels that are inspired by the Manta GSe concept. A black bonnet is available as an option, while inside, the hottest Grandland features Alcantara-trimmed sports seats.
The Grandland GSe will go on sale in the UK early next year, with first deliveries due to commence in spring. Prices for this new range-topping model haven’t been revealed, but with the current Grandland Ultimate plug-in hybrid starting from £41,010 we could see the GSe costing nearer £50,000.
Click here for our list of the best hybrid SUVs on sale…