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Vauxhall Grandland Electric 2025 Test Drive: Not Quite Cheap Enough
As the electric revolution accelerates in the automotive industry, Vauxhall is eager to join the fray with its new Grandland model. I recently had a chance to test drive this all-electric SUV and while it’s a decent effort, its pricing might not be quite cheap enough to win over the masses.
The first thing that strikes you about the Grandland is its cavernous interior space. The rear seats can accommodate two smaller adults or children without any issues, thanks to its 5+2 seating layout. Additionally, the panoramic sunroof adds a touch of luxury in the Ultimate version. Rear passengers also benefit from their own air vents and USB connectivity.
When it comes to practicality, this SUV is surprisingly generous. With the rear seats up, you’ll still find an impressive 550 liters of cargo space, which includes an area beneath the main floor. This can be quite useful for carrying larger items like IKEA furniture or sports equipment. If needed, dropping the rear seats forward will open up a whopping 1,645 liters of space, although it’s not the biggest cargo capacity I’ve seen.
One notable improvement is Vauxhall’s infotainment offering, which now boasts a more modern interface and better integration with other car systems. While some might be perturbed by the audible notifications when you exceed speed limits or stray across lane lines, these can be disabled with a few button presses.
On the road, this Grandland isn’t exactly set to redefine the SUV segment. The 213Ps of power don’t exactly scream “immediacy,” taking a leisurely 9 seconds to hit 62mph. While it’s not terrible, I found the steering to be rather soggy at low speeds and handling decidedly uninvolving.
However, as an electric vehicle, this Vauxhall has its strengths. Its weighty 2,120kg body does impact its performance, but you still get a respectable range. The Design trim boasts an impressive 324 miles on the WLTP test cycle, with the GS and Ultimate trims offering 323 and 318 miles respectively, thanks to their larger wheels.
The addition of a heat pump as standard is also welcome, ensuring that your electric SUV won’t lose too much range during winter months. The Grandland can replenish from 0-80% in just 26 minutes using DC charging or, alternatively, take around 10 hours on a more widespread 7.4kW home charger.
In the end, I think Vauxhall has done an admirable job with this electric SUV, but it might not be cheap enough to win over many hearts. Priced from £37,345 ($47,000) for the Design trim and £38,495 ($48,000) for the GS, these prices are still relatively affordable considering the upcoming £590 ($740) Expensive Car Supplement tax band for electric vehicles exceeding £40,000 ($50,000). The Ultimate trim, at £40,495 ($51,000), does creep above this threshold.
While it’s not the best value proposition in its class, I do appreciate Vauxhall’s efforts to make this SUV more appealing. However, with increasing competition from Chinese brands and other established players, the Grandland will need to be more competitive if it wants to truly stand out.
The GS trim does seem like the sweet spot for many UK buyers, but only time will tell if that is sufficient in a rapidly evolving market where options are becoming increasingly diverse.
Source: www.forbes.com
