- Robust but sporty: New Opel Grandland X with dynamic lines and crisp proportions
- Cool but practical: SUV features an attractive harmony of style and functionality
- New challenger: Exceptional presence combined with high quality interior
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The vision: Goals for the new Opel Grandland X were to create a rugged yet dynamic design, with the optimum interaction of harmonious, sculptural surfaces and very sharp crease lines. |
A key player in Opel’s “7 in 17” product offensive, which will see
the brand launch no less than seven automobiles this year, is the
Grandland X. The SUV from the German carmaker perfectly matches the
active lifestyle of today with its irresistible off road appeal, raised
seating position, good all-round visibility, easy ingress/egress and
plenty of space for luggage. The styling cleverly combines ruggedness
with elegance and the interior design concept offers plenty of comfort
paired with a high level of practicality. The Grandland X is a new
challenger in the hotly contested market for compact sport utility
vehicles. The designers have given their new creation an exceptional
presence, fully in line with the Opel design philosophy of German
precision meets sculptural artistry – making it an absolute eye-catcher
among the competition.
“Our goals for the Grandland X were to create a rugged yet dynamic
design, with the optimum interaction of harmonious, sculptural surfaces
and very sharp crease lines, as well as a good balance between style and
functionality” says Vice President of Design, Mark Adams. “We also
aimed for an elegant, upmarket feel with carefully crafted surfaces and
interfaces, plus the consistent use of high quality materials
throughout.”
In order to achieve the sporty appearance, for example, the designers
made the winglets in the upright front grille flow out from the Opel
emblem into the double wing LED signature light in the slim headlamps,
giving the Grandland X a very wide stance. The powerful character is
underlined by the sculptural form of the hood with its typical center
crease and the big wheels up to 19 inches in diameter.
“At the rear, the sleek C-pillars, “floating” roof and slender LED
tail lamps, which are set in a clean concave tailgate surface, give the
Opel Grandland X a dynamic, sporty appearance that is so important in the SUV
market segment.”
Another SUV attribute – robustness – is echoed in the lower area of
the body by the tough-looking cladding at the front, around the muscular
wheel arches, at the sides and at the rear. The precisely executed
chrome accents in the bumper reinforce the impression of width and also
contribute an upmarket feeling.
In the side view, the designers have created an especially balanced,
dynamic and functional silhouette. The Grandland X features a
fast-dropping roofline with Opel-typical breakthrough in the dynamically
raked C-pillars and a powerful, crisp undercut flowing through the car
front to rear. The unique interpretation of the Opel blade in the lower
area of the doors contributes further to the athletic profile by
optically lifting the upper body. The roof rails further enhance the
typical SUV character.
“The interior of the Opel Grandland X features an attractive harmony of
style and functionality” says Adams. “Access is easy, even for taller
occupants and the good vision from the raised seating positions is
typical for an SUV. The driver and front-seat passenger can enjoy the
additional comfort of optional ergonomic AGR seats.” The clear layout of
the infotainment system and the minimal amount of switches are
characteristic of Opel. “The infotainment system display is positioned
high up in the instrument panel for optimum visibility and the
surrounding décor gives the fingers a stable base to rest on, allowing
for convenient operation” explains Adams.
Underneath the display in the center stack, the switches for the
infotainment, the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, and
chassis controls such as traction control are logically arranged in
three zones. The high functionality continues with the center console
between the front seats that provides plenty of space for cup-holders
and stowing smaller objects, while the deep storage area under the
practical armrest also contains the optional wireless charger for
compatible smartphones.
“Overall, we have given the Grandland X an especially stylish and
ergonomic cockpit, with the surfaces of the instrument panel, the center
console and the complementing décor elements all being executed in high
quality tactile materials, which create a rich, upmarket impression”
says Adams.
Following its world premiere at this year’s IAA Frankfurt
International Motor Show (September 14-24), the Opel Grandland X will
enter a booming market; in the space of ten years, from 2007 to 2017,
sport utility vehicles and crossovers have increased their share from
seven to 20 percent of all new vehicles sold in Europe. Mark Adams: “We
are confident that the rugged and practical yet dynamic and elegant Opel
Grandland X will hit the sweet spot with our customers and drive
continued growth in the compact SUV/CUV segment.”
