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.

Friday, 9 January 2026

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’.