Presentation and test drive Opel Grandland X Hybrid: 300 CV with a zero-emission label

Lately we can’t stop hearing about hybrid cars, electric cars, plug-in hybrids… An endless list of names that lead to a type of mobility that is gaining more and more ground. A clear example of this is the Opel Grandland X Hybrid, the plug-in hybrid version of the German SUV, which arrives as a very interesting proposal for those who need a car suited to urban life and, at the same time, to tackle long road journeys.

In theory this sounds very good, but what happens when we put it into practice? Taking advantage of the fact that Opel called the press to get a first look at its most important new features, we decided to take the controls of the Grandland X PHEV and discover all its virtues and find out whether practice matches theory.

A design and interior with barely any changes

As a general rule, many brands choose to give their electric and hybrid cars a futuristic look, almost more fitting for a spaceship and, at times, with aerodynamic purposes. However, Opel has decided not to follow that trend and to let customers who opt for a Grandland X Hybrid continue to enjoy a car that, in terms of design, does not change at all compared with its combustion-engine counterparts.

The only real difference we will notice is on the left side, right at the back. This is where the German SUV’s charging port is located, while on the opposite side the fuel filler is still in place. The “Hybrid” badge on the tailgate and the coveted DGT zero-emission label on the front windscreen are the only features that reveal we are not looking at an ordinary Opel Grandland.

Three quarters of the same applies to the cabin, where everything remains unchanged except for a few details such as the potentiometer that replaces the rev counter, the battery charge dial, or various menus in the infotainment system referring to the energy flow between the engines and the battery.

With all this, the interior of the Grandland X feels somewhat outdated compared not only with the competition but also with other models in the range. The lack of a digital instrument cluster or a screen with better resolution and quality makes the whole package look a little dull next to the technological arsenal offered by its mechanical side. Nevertheless, the materials used are pleasant to the touch, the adjustments are sturdy, and the presence of physical buttons is welcome.

A mechanical package with strength and grit

But the real highlight of any plug-in hybrid lies in its mechanical side, and the Opel Grandland X Hybrid is no exception. Beneath the skin of this SUV lies a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine capable of delivering 200 CV and 300 Nm of torque. This engine is complemented by two electric motors producing 110 and 113 CV respectively.

With all this on the table, the Grandland X is set to deliver a combined 300 CV and 520 Nm of torque. Thanks to these figures and to the all-wheel drive provided by the two electric motors, the SUV from Opel manages to reach 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and achieve a top speed of 235 km/h.

In addition, we must consider the battery that powers the electric system. It has a capacity of 13.2 kWh, which translates into a range of 59 kilometres in electric mode according to the WLTP homologation cycle. But let’s return to the question we started with: what happens when we take all this into practice?

The first thing to understand is that, despite the figures of the Grandland X Hybrid, this is not and does not aim to be a sports car. The German SUV is geared towards comfort, and it makes this very clear from the very first minute. The steering is smooth, light and not very precise, conveying little feedback but making manoeuvring easier. The suspension is also soft in its calibration, allowing some body roll that never becomes excessive, although on the positive side it has an outstanding ability to absorb imperfections in the road.

Yet this does not prevent the Grandland in its PHEV version from being extremely quick. Overtaking with all three motors working at full capacity is easy and simple, allowing us to get out of tricky situations at any moment. The gearbox manages shifts well, offering smooth transitions, and only falls short when downshifting in sequential mode.

Mountain roads are not its strong point, and the Grandland X feels most at home on the motorway or in the city. In urban environments silence prevails, especially if we select electric driving mode. We have more than enough power, and recharging it will take two hours if we use a 7.4 kW charger.

According to the WLTP cycle, it is possible to cover a total of 59 kilometres in 100% electric mode. During our test, we managed to cover approximately 52 kilometres, which is not bad at all, although since we moved quickly between different environments, the result may vary with purely urban driving.

Conclusion

The political and environmental context is forcing the automotive industry to adapt and to create vehicles such as the Opel Grandland X Hybrid. It is true that it does not feature the latest technology or the best materials, but it is a very well-balanced option in terms of value for money.

The German SUV in this mechanical configuration can be ours for 40,075 euros, a very attractive price considering its performance and the space it offers, in addition to its zero-emission label.