From 2026/27 Season: Opel to Compete in Formula E

• Four-year contract: Opel GSE Formula E Team will compete in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as of next season
• Next level for GSE sub-brand: German high-tech engineering in the world’s fastest-growing racing category
• More exciting, faster, more powerful: GEN4 racing cars with up to 600 kW and permanent all-wheel drive
• Opel CEO Huettl: “Formula E marks a new milestone on our journey to an electric future”
• Racing DNA: Opel builds on many years of experience in circuit racing and all-electric rallying

Opel is about to write a new chapter in its long and successful motorsport history. Starting from the 2026/27 season, the brand will be competing in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as a factory team. With the ‘Opel GSE Formula E Team’, the Rüsselsheim-based company is taking its commitment to electric motorsport to the next level and at the same time showcasing its powerful, all-electric GSE models. As a German brand with a long motorsport tradition and victories in rallying, touring cars and endurance racing, Opel is now bringing its technical expertise to the world’s fastest-growing racing series. This was officially announced by Opel CEO Florian Huettl and Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds and at a press conference at the Spanish circuit of Jarama today.

“Joining Formula E marks a new milestone for Opel on our journey towards an electric future,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl. “With Formula E moving to GEN4 cars as of the coming season, we see this as the ideal time to join this exciting, all-electric racing competition. Our Opel GSE Formula E Team will show what our brand stands for: German engineering, bold design and electrified performance, attributes that also apply to Opel’s fully-electric GSE models such as the Mokka GSE and soon the new Corsa GSE.”

“We are delighted to welcome Opel as a new factory team in Formula E,” said Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E. “As a strong German brand with distinctive engineering expertise and a fresh, bold image, Opel brings a long and storied history in motorsport and a new dynamic to the starting grid. Opel’s commitment also shows the importance of Formula E for global car manufacturers in the transition to electric mobility.”

Formula E GEN4: Next step for Opel in All-Electric Motorsport

For Opel, participation in Formula E represents the next logical step in all-electric motorsport. The introduction of the GEN4 cars for the upcoming Formula E season is therefore exactly the right time for Opel to demonstrate its own motorsport know-how and return to the circuit with forward-looking technology. GEN4 marks the biggest leap in performance in the history of Formula E. The all-electric race cars will achieve a peak output of up to 600 kW (816 hp) in qualifying and attack mode – a whopping 250 kW (340 hp) more than before. In addition, the fourth generation of vehicles has permanent instead of temporary all-wheel drive, which will provide significantly more grip. This will make Formula E even faster and more exciting. At the same time, the capacity for energy recovery will be increased to up to 700 kW, which will benefit the efficiency and range of the race cars.

While test drives of the new generation of vehicles are taking place across Europe, the Opel motorsport department, headed by Jörg Schrott, is setting up. A team of vehicle, development and strategy engineers and operational management is already preparing for the start of the season. While the Opel GSE Formula E Team is benefiting from Stellantis Motorsport’s extensive experience in developing the GEN4 model, Opel is contributing its German engineering to the new project.

“What began five years ago with the establishment of the first electric rally cup is now reaching its peak with the participation in the FIA World Championship”, said Jörg Schrott, Opel GSE Formula E Team Principal and Director of Opel Motorsport.

As early as in 2021, the Rüsselsheim-based manufacturer launched the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup, the world's first electric one-make cup. Over the past five years, young rally talents have demonstrated their skills in the locally emissions-free Opel Corsa Rally Electric. The winner of the respective season also secured a seat in the ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team in order to subsequently contest the Junior European Rally Championship (JERC).

With the start of the new 2026/27 rally season in a few weeks, Opel is maintaining its pioneer role in electric rallying. The GSE Rally Cup participants will compete in exciting competitions in the new Opel Mokka GSE Rally. The high-performance electric rally car has an output of up to 207 kW (281 hp) and 345 Newton metres of torque. It is thus more than twice as powerful as the previous Corsa Rally Electric and offers performance at Rally4 level. A driving experience that is not only reserved for the next generation of rally drivers: With the Mokka GSE, Opel is also bringing the all-electric rally feeling to the road for customers. The production model, which can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h and has already been awarded the ‘Golden Steering Wheel 2025’2 in Germany, is just as powerful as its rally counterpart and shares all high-voltage components as well as many other technical details.

In addition, Opel has decades of experience in classic top-class and amateur motorsport. The brand's previous activities range from the World Rally Championship to the circuit racing with commitments in Formula Opel, Formula 3 or the German Touring Car Masters (DTM). With the participation of the brand with the Blitz in Formula E from the 2026/27 season, Opel is thus taking its commitment to all-electric top-class motorsport to the next level.

OMG! GSE experience in the world’s fastest-growing racing series

With the ‘OMG! GSE’ campaign platform, Opel is presenting its range of high-performance electric cars. The abbreviation GSE stands for ‘Grand Sport Electric’ and is used to describe particularly dynamic electric models. Following the Opel Mokka GSE last year, the Opel Corsa GSE is set to launch in 2026 – perfect timing for the connection between the racetrack, the official team’s name and the road car models.

Before Formula E kicks off its new and now 13th season, the Opel GSE Formula E Team will make its first public appearance during the official GEN4 launch at the Paul Ricard racetrack in Le Castellet in April, giving a first glimpse of its look and further updates.

[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’.

Inspirational Women at Opel and Stellantis: Maike Seeber and Bilyana Stern Manage the Plants in Rüsselsheim and Kaiserslautern

• New Opel Astra ‘made in Germany’: Plant manager Seeber is proud of new model and the teams at Opel’s headquarters
• Dual role: Bilyana Stern leads Kaiserslautern site and press shop in Rüsselsheim
• Cooperative leadership style: Setting the framework, delegating responsibility, motivating teams to find solutions
• International Women’s Day on March 8: Diversity and equality have a long tradition at Opel

March 8 is International Women's Day. However, equality, diversity and inclusion are not only a top priority at Opel and Stellantis on this annual day of celebration. Instead, these principles are a fundamental part of the corporate culture and a prerequisite for the brands’ and companies’ success. This applies at all levels, from top management to the Women's Perspective Panels in development to production. This stated, Maike Seeber and Bilyana Stern hold key roles in the company.

Seeber has been plant manager in Rüsselsheim since last year and is therefore responsible for the production of the new Opel Astra, which celebrated its world premiere at the beginning of 2026 and has been available to order for a few weeks now. Elsewhere, Stern has a dual role: she manages the press shop in Rüsselsheim and, for the past year, has also been in charge of the Kaiserslautern site, Stellantis' largest component plant for numerous Stellantis brands and sites worldwide. The top priority for both plant managers is to ensure quality and competitiveness ‘made in Germany’. To achieve this, they focus on cooperation, empowerment and each employee’s own personal responsibility.

Precision: The interaction of people, processes and technology must work

For Maike Seeber, the Rüsselsheim plant and the new Opel Astra stand for what fascinates her about the automotive industry: the interaction of people, processes and technology – and a high-quality-vehicle that drives off the assembly line as the result. That is why she spends as much time as possible in the production halls. “To experience first-hand how design, technological innovations, industrial feasibility and the spirit of the Rüsselsheim team come together is something very special. This is precision work to the point,” she emphasises.

What is visible on the line also shapes the plant manager’s everyday work. Her schedule is tight, the topics diverse. The focus is on the ramp-up of the new Astra, with classic production topics determining everyday life: requirements for the supply chain, material availability and a wide range of variants – including the drivetrains. Like all Opel models, the Astra is produced as an all-electric car, hybrid and combustion engine vehicle on a single production line. This also means flexibility and specialist training for employees. “Logistics, which used to be much more stable, is particularly challenging,” says Seeber. “Today it is one of the most volatile areas.” Global supply chains, geopolitical risks and unforeseeable events have fundamentally changed the requirements. Logistics has long since ceased to be a pure planning issue, but a continuous coordination task – with a high level of responsibility for all parties involved.

‘Made in Germany’: Ensuring the quality and competitiveness of the sites

Thus, it is all the more reassuring when cooperation between the individual company locations and divisions runs smoothly. Bilyana Stern plays a key role in this, since she is very familiar with the specific requirements of both sites as head of the press shop in Rüsselsheim and plant manager in Kaiserslautern. “From Kaiserslautern, we supply more than 20 Stellantis sites worldwide. Components from here are used in over 30 models from seven Stellantis brands, giving the site a central role within the company. Our priority is to ensure exemplary quality and thus competitiveness – despite high wages and energy costs in Germany. Because ‘made in Germany’ is important to us. A major goal is to create synergies – for example, through centralised functions for the German plants."

Seeber agrees: For her, the sites are perfect examples of what ‘made in Germany’ must stand for today: high-quality, competitive, efficient and technologically leading production under demanding conditions. Thus, the Rüsselsheim plant is flexibly positioned. At the same time, Opel is increasingly focusing on vertical integration. Work that would previously have been carried out by external service providers now takes place directly in the factory. One example of this is the battery shop, where the final assembly of the high-voltage batteries for all-electric vehicles takes place.

“I came to Rüsselsheim to take the opportunity to actively shape the future of production,” the 42-year-old adds. To successfully put this claim into practice, Seeber can rely on more than two decades of leadership and industry experience gained both nationally and internationally, mainly on the supplier side. “I know the supplier side and what is possible and what is not,” she says. “That helps me to make clear decisions even under demanding conditions.”

Leading cooperatively: Setting the framework, strengthening personal responsibility

The same applies to Bilyana Stern. The 36-year-old can also look back on a diverse international career that took her up to Kuala Lumpur and prepared her through various positions at different companies for the challenges at the multinational component plant in Kaiserslautern. “I have learned how important it is to make quick decisions. 70 per cent planning is enough, then it's time to implement. That still shapes my leadership style today: it's better to try things out and learn quickly than to wait for the perfect setup.”

Agility, efficiency and personal responsibility are important to Stern: “For me, it's about putting people first. I work very closely with my teams, on an equal footing. I demand a lot, but I also encourage a lot. I am present, address issues directly and, at the same time, want to motivate people to take bold decisions on their own responsibility that will move the company forward. For me, leadership means letting others grow, inspiring them and taking them with me on the journey.”

This kind of leadership – not simply making decisions over the heads of their employees but acting cooperatively – characterises both Stern and Seeber. The Rüsselsheim plant manager also focuses on empowerment instead of micromanagement, describing it as follows: “I want the teams to develop solutions themselves. My job is to set the framework and not to take every decision myself.” Especially in a complex environment, it is crucial to transfer responsibility and create learning spaces.

Focus on young talents: Diverse, having equal rights, driven by enthusiasm

„The team shines with a lot of commitment, heart and soul and it lives change,” says Seeber, reporting on her daily experiences. With a view to the future, the plant manager emphasises the importance of the next generation being actively trained at all German sites. Young employees contribute new skills – for example in the areas of artificial intelligence, 3D printing or process automation. Today, for example, the 3D printer is used in the plant to produce tools that would have been outsourced in the past. „This makes it all the more important to give young people confidence at an early age and to give them creative freedom,” says Seeber. And Bilyana Stern adds with regard to women: “Many women often have the feeling that ‘I have to be perfect before I apply.’ But that is nonsense. We just need to show more courage!”

Eye-catching: Opel Corsa YES Special Edition with Extra Features

• Colourful statement: Special edition with exclusive Koral Orange paint and orange accents in the interior from €24,340 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany)
• Stylish YES benefits: Carbon black roof, 16-inch BiColour alloy wheels, digital displays and steering wheel made of vegan leather
• Free choice: Battery-electric, hybrid or with efficient combustion engine
• Serial success: Opel Corsa Germany's best-selling small car for five years in a row

Germany's best-selling small car of the past five years is now becoming even more attractive: Opel is giving the Corsa YES special edition a new extraordinary paint job, which will make the bestseller an absolute eye-catcher, as well as equipping it with further extras as standard. Opel Corsa YES is now available in bright Koral Orange. In addition, the interior comes with colour-coordinated accents as well as other high-quality standard components from digital displays in every drive variant to the vegan leatherette steering wheel. Best of all, even with the extra features and the new metallic paintwork, the Corsa YES will not cost more than before. Opel customers can get into their own Corsa YES from prices starting at €24,340 (all prices RRP incl. VAT in Germany).

"Our Opel Corsa is a customer favourite. Topping its segment for five consecutive years speaks for itself. This success is not least due to the fact that we continuously refresh the allure of the Opel Corsa with new ideas. The best example of this is the new exclusive YES special edition with attractive extras and the eye-catching colour Koral Orange with matching exterior and interior design. With this, Corsa drivers can stand out from the crowd and make a statement," said Patrick Dinger, Head of Opel Germany.

With the exclusive Koral Orange metallic paint finish, the new Opel Corsa YES turns heads from afar. The stylish appearance is underlined by the carbon-black roof and 16-inch alloy wheels in black and silver BiColour Diamond design. Elsewhere, the interior with the black ‘Banda’ seat cover in premium leather look creates a pleasant ambience. With orange stitching and stripes, it also continues the colour theme of the body. The same applies to other orange accents that run through the doors and instrument panel, as well as the black headliner.

The steering wheel, which is flattened at the bottom and is covered with vegan artificial leather as standard in the YES special edition, also stands for comfort with sustainability. The multimedia infotainment system with a 10-inch touchscreen and 7-inch driving information display offers the best entertainment and connectivity. Unlike in other variants, the displays of the Opel Corsa YES are now fully digital at all times – regardless of whether customers opt for a petrol, hybrid or all-electric and thus locally emissions-free drivetrain.

Those who want to upgrade their Opel Corsa YES even further, can opt for the comfort pack with electric parking brake (standard on Opel Corsa Electric YES), middle armrest with storage compartment and two remote control keys for €150. Elsewhere, the new YES tech package with features such as the 130-degree reversing camera, the parking pilot for the front and rear, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, the keyless start system ‘Keyless Start’ and much more ensures even more relaxed driving pleasure from €700. And for all those who prefer a slightly more discreet approach, the Corsa YES is also available in Eucalyptus Green – again with matching stitching, stripes and accents in the door and instrument panel – for an additional €700.

[1] 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.

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’.

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.

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.

New Opel Astra Celebrates World Premiere at Brussels Motor Show

• Stunning debut: Opel CEO Florian Huettl and Opel Vice President Marketing Rebecca Reinermann present the new Astra and Astra Sports Tourer
• Sharper, more modern, further: New Astra with illuminated Opel Blitz and Opel Compass, Intelli-Lux HD light and up to 454 km electric range 
• Top seller: Opel Corsa Germany's most popular small car for the fifth year in a row
• Wide range: Opel Mokka GSE, Grandland Electric AWD, Frontera Electric and high-performance study Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo on display in Hall 5

Opel CEO Florian Huettl opened today's Opel press conference at the Brussels Motor Show with a brief look back before eying a successful new year for the brand with the Blitz. "2025 was a great year for Opel with numerous highlights and 2026 will be even more exciting," said Huettl. And he kept his word: Together with Vice President Marketing Rebecca Reinermann, he unveiled the new Opel Astra and the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer. The latest evolution of the compact class bestseller from Rüsselsheim is celebrating its world premiere at the first automotive exhibition of the year – sharper, more modern and more radiant than ever.

In addition, Huettl had more good news: The bestselling Opel Corsa once again topped the registration statistics in Germany in 2025, and with the renewed trio of Grandland, Frontera and Mokka, Opel is well positioned in the SUV segment. However, the undisputed star at the Opel booth in Hall 5 of the Brussels Expo today and until January 18 is the new Opel Astra.

Segment leading: New Opel Astra with Intelli-Lux HD light and illuminated Opel Blitz

"The new Astra marks the next step in our 90-year history of the compact class and once again brings innovative features to the segment," said Florian Huettl at the presentation. One of them is the class-leading Intelli-Lux HD light, which was developed by the engineers in Rüsselsheim and is now also used in the new Astra and Astra Sports Tourer. More than 50,000 elements in the headlights ensure that "the road, traffic signs, obstacles and pedestrians are all lit up with breathtaking precision without dazzling other drivers," said Rebecca Reinermann. Light is also the decisive element when it comes to the character of the brand face. This is how the Opel Vizor has been further developed: The Opel Blitz and the Opel Compass signature are both permanently illuminated for the first time.

"Light instead of external chrome elements – which the Astra does not use at all – is an important step on our sustainability journey," continued Reinermann. This approach also extends to the interior design. All seats are made from 100 per cent recycled materials. Drivers and passengers can therefore enjoy both a resource-saving and comfortable drive. Because even from the entry-level variant, the patented Intelli-Seats with ergonomic recess in the middle come as standard.

Another customer benefit: "We offer a wide range of drive alternatives for the new Astra, from the efficient combustion engine to the 48-volt hybrid and plug-in hybrid to the all-electric version – which now offers even more range than before with up to 454 kilometres in accordance with WLTP 1," said Reinermann.

Customer successes: New SUV portfolio and hugely popular Opel Corsa

Opel CEO Huettl confirmed how well the all-electric new Opel models are received by customers: "Around one out of three Grandland and Frontera ordered is battery electric." This also contributes to the growing order intake at Opel in recent months.

In addition to the new Astra and Astra Sports Tourer, numerous other electric models are on show at the Opel booth in Hall 5. These include the currently fastest battery-electric production Opel and 2025 Golden Steering Wheel 3 winner the Mokka GSE just like the first all-electric Opel all-wheel-drive vehicle Grandland Electric AWD and the Extended Range variant of the Frontera Electric.

Once again, the high-performance Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept car that merges the digital with the real world and at the same time underlines Opel's commitment to the important small car segment will turn heads. According to the latest registration statistics from the Federal Motor Transport Authority, the current Corsa – also on site in Brussels – has now been Germany's best-selling small car for five years in a row. In addition, it was once again the most popular small car in the UK in 2025.

[1] The stated – provisional – 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. Vehicle not yet available; Consumption data and information are not yet available.

[2] 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.

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