Opel unveils the new generation of the Grandland SUV, which will be available as a pure electric, plug in hybrid and hybrid.
This is the new Opel Grandland. In the new model we can see many of the design features that we first saw in the original Opel Experimentalfor the first time in production model. These features include the 3D Vizor with the illuminated “Lightning” logo, placed in the center of the grille, as well as the permanently illuminated “OPEL” letters at the rear. Other interesting features are the lighting system Intelli-Lux Pixel HD with more than 50,000 autonomous elements, the new platform STLA Medium for pure electric vehicles and the new, flat battery installation, which allows for the placement of a capacity array 98 kWhwhich gives Grandland Electric up to approx 700 km electric range.
Electric autonomy
The new generation of the Grandland is an important step in Opel’s effort to make electrification even more attractive. It is the first Opel model to benefit from its platform Stellantis Group STLA Medium for electric vehicles. Thanks to the new architecture, the new flat placement of the battery with a capacity of up to 98 kWhthe new-generation electric motor and a host of energy-saving features such as the heat pump, the new Grandland Electric will be able to offer an electric range of up to approx. 700 km In addition, it promises that short stops will be required to recharge it. At a public fast charging station, they only need 26 minutes approx., to recharge the battery at 80% of its capacity.
Lighting technology
The new Grandland includes the 3D Vizor, which is the new expression of the characteristic Opel grille. The renewed 3D Vizor is combined with the illuminated Opel Blitz logo, which is made even more visible thanks to Edge Light Technology. The new Grandland adopts the principles of design “Opel Compass” who introduced it Experimental conceptwith the central fold and all other elements lined up horizontally, while the new “Thunderbolt” emblem is placed in the center.
The new illuminated emblem is accompanied by another lighting innovation, the flagship Intelli-Lux Pixel Matrix HD. The system features more than 50,000 items (51,200 to be exact, with 25,600 on each side) for the high definition light distribution. Depending on the traffic conditions, passing vehicles or other objects are detected by a camera and the Intelli-Lux Pixel Matrix HD lights cut out these vehicles/objects even more precisely than conventional lighting systems Matrix Light. The result is a much brighter and more uniform beam of light, without blinding other road users. In addition, the new welcome/goodbye animations with a graphical projection in front of the vehicle already give a foretaste of the system’s capabilities in the future.
At the rear, the characteristic lighting signature compass, featuring the illuminated ‘OPEL’ emblem, makes its first appearance on a production model. In addition, within the framework of the strategy Greenovation Opel’s drive to save car-related resources, the model name no longer appears in chrome letters, but is embossed in the center of the tailgate.
The inside
Inside the new Grandland crowd dominates “bold & pure” design elements, combined with a warm and pleasant atmosphere. The interior layout follows a horizontal theme, with lines running across the instrument panel to the doors, enhancing the sense of width and spaciousness, while the slightly driver-oriented central display 16 inches and the high-mounted center console create a sporty feel. Behind the steering wheel, a fully digital instrument panel provides key information and, combined with the display Intelli-HUD head-up display, allows the driver to focus on driving pleasure, without having to take his eyes off the road. The driver also has the option to manually or automatically activate the function Pure Mode. This feature reduces content on the driver information screen, head-up display and center display, ensuring even less distraction when driving at night or in the rain. In keeping with Opel’s philosophy, the most frequently used settings, such as the air conditioning, can also be selected via physical buttons.
The side vents are integrated into the door, which emphasizes the width of the instrument panel. The upper part of the instrument panel is aesthetically divided into two surfaces. In the lower part, the edge light, which is based on the same technology used in the Vizor, delivers a ‘glassy’ image of color and light, enhanced by ambient lighting on the instrument panel and door inserts. The middle part of the instrument panel is covered in fabric and visually ends in the door, creating an attractive cockpit.
The inside it also offers a particularly interesting experience, thanks to the award-winning ergonomic seats AGR of Opel. Certified by “Aktion Gesunder Rücken e. V.” (“Campaign for a healthier back”), introduce a new comfort feature: electric cushions, to improve lateral comfort. The seats also have a ventilation and massage function for the driver. At the same time, rear passengers enjoy 20 mm more legroom than the outgoing Grandland. In addition, the patented feature Intelli-Seat of the front seats provides better support to the lower part of the spine, ensuring excellent comfort, even on long journeys. Finally, all the fabrics inside come from 100% recycled materials.
As this is a family vehicle, a lot of emphasis was placed on the flexibility of the interior. The goal was not only to include numerous storage spaces, but also to find innovative solutions that would make life easier for customers. The highlight of these smart solutions is the PixelBox. With its illuminated translucent glass and fabric wrap, this element aesthetically enhances the console’s appearance while being highly functional. The wireless smartphone charger is behind the glass so devices can be charged while stored safely. Overall, the new Grandland offers over 35 lt of storage spaces insidefrom the Pixel Box and phone holders on the backs of the front seats, to the large storage space under the center console.
Alternative drive systems
Customers who prefer other powertrains to an all-electric option will find what they want in the new Grandland’s comprehensive range of powertrains. New Grandland Plug-in Hybrid with electric range up to 85 km and Grandland Hybrid with 48V technology offer additional solutions.
Grandland reduces emissions, still offers a dynamic and comfortable driving experience. This is made possible thanks to shock absorbers with selective frequency-dependent damping technology. This unique technology creates a second hydraulic circuit in the shock chamber to mechanically adjust the damping force in relation to frequency. Depending on the situation, road conditions and driving style, it allows different damping characteristics for comfortable sliding at high frequencies, as well as for a sporty driving style with more direct contact with the road at low frequencies. The Grandland reacts even more directly to the driver’s every command and, like every Opel model, remains stable during braking, cornering and high speeds. Opel DNA is evident in the special tuning of the springs, anti-roll bar, steering and ESC.
The package offered by Opel’s new SUV is completed by an extensive range of driver support systems, such as Automatic Cruise Control with operation Stop & Gothe advanced road sign recognition system and the In Crash Braking, a system that helps avoid a secondary collision in the event of an accident. The system is also available as an option Drive Assist 2.0, which integrates numerous electronic aids and combines them with semi-automatic lane change assistance and intelligent speed adjustment. If the lane in which the driver wishes to move is free, the system directs the Grandland to it with small movements of the steering wheel. The speed adaptation function ensures that the vehicle speed is reduced when a new, lower speed limit is recognized or increased to the limit if it is higher. Drive Assist 2.0 not only uses sensors, but also “over-the-air” updates from the internet. Parking and maneuvering are also made easier by the front and rear parking sensors, the reversing camera with automatic cleaning function and the camera Intelli-Vision 360°.
Photo credits: Stellantis
