OPEL GT X Experimental, the arrival of the German conceptual electric SUV

We first saw it this summer, albeit virtually, and it was about time Opel dared to show it in person. It is the Opel GT X Experimental, a concept born from the 120 years of history of the brand. It is a bold car that wants to set the brand’s direction for the coming years and creates the impression of an attractive car with a lot to offer. Of course, it is an SUV and, to deliver on its promise of offering a fully electric version of every model in the range, Opel is betting on 100% electric mobility.

The PACE! plan aims for SUV sales to reach 40% of the brand’s business volume, in addition to having those electric versions available from 2022. To that end, it has created this prototype, powered by a 50 kWh lithium-ion battery that will use inductive charging. In this way, it previews technology that could soon be on board Opel’s electric models.

The Level 3 autonomous driving technology fitted to this electric model will let it move with a certain degree of freedom, but always under the direct supervision of the driver, who will need to keep an eye on the car’s manoeuvres. As for its looks, the brand’s engineers have decided to minimise the car’s “cut lines”. This means the door lines have been hidden, which at their upper edge are concealed by the yellow trim you can see in the images.

It also dispenses with external rear-view mirrors, which have been replaced by small cameras that retract into the bodywork when parked. The bodywork of this prototype has two very elegant colours. The lower section is blue, while the roof comes in a midnight blue that gives it a very attractive futuristic touch.

The futuristic essence of the Opel GT X Experimental doesn’t stop there, as its front end is a statement of intent for the new models from Opel. The badge lights up to indicate the car’s operation and whether it is in autonomous or manual mode. The LED headlights, which in the case of the daytime running lights take the form of a wing, give it a very distinctive and recognisable light signature. Something we will probably see on other models from now on.

The interior benefits from the lighting of the panoramic roof, and the windows are continuous, with no frames between the front and rear ones. The doors open in opposite directions and there is no pillar between them, which gives a very pleasant sense of spaciousness. The Pure Panel system puts all the information at hand and helps create that high-tech space that future buyers of Opel and, we assume, of other brands will be looking for.