Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Goosebumps, Speed and Emotions: Opel Corsa GSE Hot Hatch Announced

  • OMG! GSE reloaded: New Opel Corsa GSE expands all-electric GSE range
  • Hot prospects: Sporty new Opel Corsa top-of-the-range model available to order this year

Opel has announced that it will be expanding its range of all-electric GSE models. Soon, the new Opel Corsa GSE will be giving customers goosebumps, speed and electric emotions. Following the premiere and launch of the Opel Mokka GSE last year, the new Opel Corsa GSE will be the next everyday sports car to bring exciting electric performance to the road. The Opel Mokka GSE has already impressively demonstrated the enthusiasm for all-electric performance vehicles with the GSE badge. Immediately after its launch, it won the ‘Golden Steering Wheel 2025’ award as ‘Best Small Car’2.

“Our Opel Corsa is an absolute bestseller. Small, agile and extremely practical, it stands for long-lasting success. The three letters ‘GSE’, on the other hand, stand for battery-electric high-performance and top dynamics. The new Corsa GSE combines both worlds. It is the new all-electric top-of-the-range version of our small car and will offer pure electric and thus locally emissions-free driving pleasure,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

Like the Opel Mokka GSE, the new Opel Corsa GSE will also be based on the current model generation. Germany's most popular small car for five years in a row will feature electrifying design details in its very special GSE way, making it stand out from the crowd. And, of course, it will also deliver on this claim with thrilling, locally emissions-free performance on the road.

Customers will not have to wait much longer to experience the unrivalled GSE feeling in Opel's small car bestseller for themselves: the new Opel Corsa GSE will be available to order in the course of this year. Further information will follow shortly.

[1] The values of a vehicle depend not only on the efficient use of fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behaviour and other non-technical factors.

[2] AUTO BILD issue 47/2025 and BILD am SONNTAG issue 47/2025, category ‘Small Cars’.

Wednesday, 4 February 2026

Sharper, Bolder, More Modern: New Opel Astra is Ready to Order

  • Real highlights: Compact class bestseller for the first time with new Opel Vizor design and illuminated Blitz emblem as well as latest IntelliLux HD lighting technology
  • Relaxing journey: Intelli-Seats with ergonomic feature standard in all variants
  • Extended range: New Opel Astra Electric with a range of up to 454 kilometres (WLTP 1)
  • Freedom of choice: From battery-electric to plug-in hybrid to efficient combustion engine

Stable prices, more benefits: Opel Astra Electric available to order from €37,990, entry-level Opel Astra Hybrid starts at €32,990 (all prices RRP incl. Vat in Germany)

Just a few weeks ago, the new Opel Astra and the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer celebrated their world premiere at the Brussels Motor Show, and now the modernised and further sharpened versions of the compact class bestsellers are available to order. Best of all, the new Opel Astra – which is designed, developed and built at Opel's headquarters in Rüsselsheim – boasts innovative technologies, even more comfort and an even more distinctive appearance, yet the price remains the same. Customers even get more car for their money: Opel Astra Electric is still available from €37,990 and Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric from €39,490 (all prices RRP incl. VAT in Germany), but equipped with a 58 kWh battery the all-electric car offers more capacity and with up to 454 kilometres (according to WLTP 1) more locally emissions-free range than before. Elsewhere, customers can drive their own Opel Astra starting from €32,990 with the electrified hybrid version with 107 kW (145 hp) system output.

“With its new design, technology and comfort highlights such as the illuminated Opel Blitz on the front and Intelli-Seats as standard even in the entry-level version, we are taking our compact class bestseller to the next level. Furthermore, we are ensuring the affordability of the Opel Astra regardless of the drivetrain by prices remaining the same! We are making our customers an offer they can't refuse,” said Patrick Dinger, Head of Opel Germany.

Appealing in every respect: Opel Astra with illuminated Opel Blitz and sharpened Vizor

Even at first glance, the new Opel Astra appears more modern, sharper and even more distinctive with its refined Opel DNA. The Opel Blitz brand emblem sits centrally in the even narrower and more precisely designed Opel Vizor – and, following its introduction in the top-of-the-range Opel Grandland SUV, it is now illuminated for the first time in the Astra. Furthermore, the front design shows elements of the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo, bringing the first features of the concept car celebrated at the IAA Mobility last autumn to life in series production. And new rim designs for the 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels are just as eye-catching as the new metallic paints ‘Kontur White’ and ‘Klover Green’.

As a real highlight and unique in the compact class, the award-winning IntelliLux HD light with more than 50,000 elements is now available as an option for Astra drivers, illuminating the road at night to suit each situation at any time. The high-resolution lighting technology not only ensures that other road users are not glared, it also is easy on the eyes of the Opel Astra driver. The system detects traffic signs and dims the LEDs so that the reflection from the signs does not dazzle the driver. IntelliLux HD is already included as standard in the new top-of-the-range ‘Ultimate’ trim.

Feel-good atmosphere: Pure cockpit, precise displays, comfortable Intelli-Seats

The Opel Astra engineers have also further optimised the interior. The measures range from the cockpit and display design to travel comfort with enhanced feel-good factor. This is because the so-called Intelli-Seats are standard in every model variant. They are characterised by a special recess running in the middle of the seat, which reduces pressure on the tailbone. Thus, the patented Intelli-Seat ergonomics feature ensures relaxed driving comfort even on long drives. From the GS trim onwards, the driver's seat also bears the AGR seal of approval (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. / Campaign for healthy backs), and in the optional ReNewKnit™ version, both the driver's and front passenger’s seats are AGR certified.


At the same time, the cockpit and user interfaces for multimedia infotainment and other features have been made even clearer, more concise and more intuitive. New visualisations and graphics on the screens give the interior a more modern look. In terms of practicality, the driver can now read them even easier than before. And in line with Opel's ‘Greenovation’ approach, numerous resource-saving materials and surface structures are used in the Astra's interior: the steering wheel is completely covered with vegan materials, and the optional seat covers are made of ReNewKnit™, a special mono-material offering a high-quality suede leather look.

Highly efficient drives: Opel Astra Electric with range of up to 454 kilometres 

Conserving resources was also a key focus in the further development of the electrified drive portfolio. The 115 kW (156 hp) Opel Astra Electric with a 58 kWh battery now enables a locally emissions-free range of up to 454 kilometres (WLTP 1) – allowing Astra Electric drivers to travel around 35 kilometres further than before between charging stops.

Also new and extremely practical: The all-electric Opel Astra offers V2L – Vehicle to Load – for the first time and thus the possibility of charging external devices such as e-bikes or the like at the holiday destination without having to rely on other power sources. And to make the switch to electromobility even more attractive, customers also benefit from numerous advantages of the Opel ‘Electric All In’3 programme when buying a new Opel Astra Electric.

Those who want to travel in the new Opel Astra in a highly efficient but partially electrified manner can choose between a hybrid variant with 107 kW (145 hp) starting at €32,990 or a plug-in hybrid with 144 kW (196 hp) system output starting at €38,460. Priced from €34,640, the 96 kW (130 hp) 1.5-litre diesel rounds off the broad drive portfolio, which is designed to meet every need.

All this stated, Opel Astra customers can continue to rely on the proven strengths of the compact class bestseller. Depending on the variant, up to 1,339 litres of luggage can fit into the boot of the hatchback with the seats folded down. Opel Astra Sports Tourer offers a load volume of up to a maximum of 1,634 litres. In addition, the rear seat backrest in the compact-class estate can be flexibly folded down in a 40:20:40 ratio.

[1] The stated range was determined on the basis of the WLTP test procedures (Regulation (EC) No. 715/2007 and Regulation (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range may vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular personal driving style, route conditions, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning as well as thermal preconditioning.

[2] A vehicle's values not only depend on the vehicle's efficient use of fuel, but are also influenced by driving behaviour and other non-technical factors.

[3] Offer for private customers when purchasing a fully electric passenger car from participating Opel partners in Germany by December 31, 2025.

Friday, 23 January 2026

Opel Grandland Electric AWD: Winter Driving Pleasure with Electric All-Wheel Drive

  • Sophisticated drive concept: Two electric motors, chassis with Frequency Selective Damping technology, 4WD plus three further individual driving modes
  • Impressive power: 239 kW (325 hp) system output and 509 Nm torque
  • Relaxing journey: Up to 502 km of locally emissions-free range 

Driving in summer is fun and easy to master, with mostly good visibility and road conditions – but it becomes challenging on roads covered in frost, snow and ice. In these cases, it is good to have a four-wheeled companion drivers can rely on in any situation, whether in slippery conditions in the city or on a holiday trip over a snow-covered mountain pass. This is where the new Opel Grandland Electric AWD comes into play. Particularly during the colder months of the year, it shines even brighter by ensuring optimal grip and thus a safer journey.

This is thanks to its advanced, locally emissions-free drive technology. Opel Grandland Electric AWD is the first all-electric Opel with all-wheel drive and comes with a chassis with frequency selective damping technology as standard. This innovative combination makes driving in winter conditions far more comfortable and relaxing.

239 kW (325 hp), 509 Nm torque, two electric motors and four driving modes

The performance data alone speaks for itself: the Opel Grandland Electric AWD offers a system output of 239 kW (325 hp). The big advantage of the drive concept: the new all-wheel drive system combines the standard 157 kW (213 hp) front-wheel drive electric motor known from the Opel Grandland Electric with an additional 83 kW (112 hp) electric motor for the rear wheels. This dual-engine concept benefits the Grandland Electric AWD, especially in tight corners. Thus, the winding drive from the valley to the higher-altitude winter sports villages becomes even more relaxed and safer. This is also helped by the maximum torque of 509 Nm (343 Nm at the front and 166 Nm at the rear), which is available right from the start and provides plenty of propulsion and driving pleasure, especially when overtaking or ascending in the mountains.

The chassis and individually selectable driving modes of the Opel Grandland Electric AWD are crucial for optimum road contact and reliable grip. The unique frequency selective damping technology incorporates a second hydraulic circuit in the damper chamber to mechanically adapt the damping force in relation to the frequency. Depending on the situation, road surface conditions and driving style, it enables different damping characteristics for comfortable gliding at high frequencies – i.e. with short impacts such as on uneven mountain roads or cobblestones – as well as for a sporty, ambitious driving style with more direct contact with the road at low frequencies. Opel Grandland Electric AWD reacts even more immediately and directly to any command from the driver and, as is typical for Opel, remains stable when braking, cornering and at high speeds on the Autobahn. The Opel DNA is further emphasised by specific spring, anti-roll bar, steering and ESC tuning.

The preferred driving mode on snow, ice and slippery surfaces is 4WD, i.e. four-wheel drive mode. The two motors operate continuously, with power distributed evenly between all four wheels providing optimal grip, especially on slippery surfaces. The ESP and traction control systems adopt specific settings to enhance grip. Maximum power and torque are available. This makes 4WD the setting that fully exploits its strengths when driving on snow or in adverse weather conditions and significantly increases safety in these situations.

On dry roads or in moderate conditions, Opel Grandland Electric AWD drivers can also choose from three other modes:

  • Normal Mode: To optimise daily efficiency, only the front motor and wheels are prioritised; the maximum power is limited to 230 kW (313 hp) and maximum torque to 450 Nm. Depending on the driver’s demands, the rear motor and wheels automatically engage. During strong acceleration (kick-down), both motors deliver their full potential.
  • Sport Mode: The two motors operate continuously, with power distributed 60:40 between the front and rear axles for dynamic and efficient performance. Maximum power and torque are available. The steering and accelerator pedal also adopt a specific ‘Sport’ setting, providing increased responsiveness.
  • Eco Mode: The front motor and wheels are prioritised, maximum power is limited to 157 kW (213 hp) and maximum torque to 343 Nm. During strong acceleration (kick-down), the rear motor and wheels automatically engage and both motors deliver their full power. The air conditioning and accelerator pedal also adopt an Eco setting.

Fast, aerodynamic, locally emissions-free: Opel Grandland Electric AWD for everyday use


Although less relevant in winter conditions, it should be stated that the all-wheel drive vehicle accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds – not least thanks to its proven aerodynamics. With a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.278, the Electric AWD is the most aerodynamically efficient Grandland model. Also important when planning longer journeys: With its 73 kWh usable Lithium-ion NMC battery, the Grandland Electric AWD can cover up to 502 km (WLTP 1) between charging stops. And when it does need recharging, only a short stop of under 30 minutes is required to charge from 20% to 80% at a fast charger.

Another advantage during the dark winter months comes with the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux HD light available in the Opel Grandland Electric AWD – and soon also in the new Opel Astra. The award-winning lighting technology precisely illuminates the road ahead and the surrounding area at all times without dazzling other road users.

In this way, the Opel Grandland Electric AWD supports, especially in these days, when heading off for a weekend break or winter holiday, safe travels to the preferred destination, and then enjoying skiing and sledging. All those who want to experience the innovative, comfort- and safety-enhancing electric all-wheel drive technology for themselves, can get behind the wheel of their own Opel Grandland Electric AWD from €51,750 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany).

[1] Range values determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.

[2] A vehicle's values not only depend on the vehicle's efficient use of fuel, but are also influenced by driving behaviour and other non-technical factors.