Skip advert
Advertisement

New Vauxhall Grandland GSe ready for 2023 with 296bhp

The Vauxhall Grandland GSe aims to shake up the hot plug-in hybrid SUV sector

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. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

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...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best new cars for under £300 per month
Best new cars under £300 per month - header image

Best new cars for under £300 per month

You can get these top cars for less than £300 per month
Best cars & vans
8 Feb 2025
Used Vauxhall Grandland (Mk1, 2017-2024) review
Used Vauxhall Grandland Mk1 - front

Used Vauxhall Grandland (Mk1, 2017-2024) review

A full used buyer’s guide on the Vauxhall Grandland covering the Grandland Mk1 that’s been on sale since 2017
Used car tests
23 Jan 2025
Top 10 longest-range electric cars on sale 2025
Longest range electric cars - header image

Top 10 longest-range electric cars on sale 2025

Racking up the miles? These are the EVs with the longest battery ranges that you can buy in the UK
Best cars & vans
14 Jan 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Grandland is simply stunning value at £145 a month
Vauxhall Grandland - main image

Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Grandland is simply stunning value at £145 a month

The outgoing Vauxhall Grandland is fine transport for all the family. It’s our Deal of the Day for 18 December
News
18 Dec 2024

Most Popular

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options
Renault Clio design render - front

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options

Renault’s sixth-generation Clio hatchback will get a clean look and hi-tech kit, and our exclusive images show what it could look like
News
12 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it
Renault 5 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it

The reborn Renault 5 is one of the most feverishly anticipated cars in a long time, and at such a low price, our Deal of the Day for 8 February is a p…
News
8 Feb 2025
Should you buy a Chinese electric car? Prices, quality, reliability and ethics explored
BYD Seal - front cornering

Should you buy a Chinese electric car? Prices, quality, reliability and ethics explored

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about Chinese electric cars. We’re here to separate the fact from the fiction
Features
7 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts