Vauxhall launches AWD variant of the Grandland Electric
According to Vauxhall, the new variant builds on the success of the existing Grandland Electric and adds a second motor with 82 kW output to drive the rear axle. Combined with the 157 kW front motor, the EV has a combined system output of 239 kW and 509 Nm of torque.
Scheduled for UK launch in early autumn, the Grandland Electric is powered by a 73 kWh usable lithium-ion NMC battery, offering a WLTP range of up to 311 miles. Rapid charging capability enables a 20 to 80 per cent top-up in just 26 minutes. The 0 to 62mph sprint is achieved in 6.1 seconds.
The all-wheel drive system operates through four selectable drive modes – Normal, AWD, Sport and Eco. In ‘Normal’ mode, the system output is 230 kW and the torque is 450 Nm – in everyday driving, “the front motor and wheels are mainly used”, with the rear motor switching on when needed.
In ‘Sport’ mode, both motors run continuously with a power distribution of 60:40 – delivering maximum power and torque. The ‘AWD’ mode is also a permanent all-wheel drive system, but with a setup designed to provide maximum grip on slippery surfaces – to improve traction, ESP and traction control switch to specific settings.
And in ‘Eco’ mode, only the 157 kW front motor is used, with the rear motor only switching on automatically during kickdown. In addition, there is an adapted accelerator pedal characteristic curve and the air conditioning switches to a more economical mode.
“The new all-wheel drive addition ensures that our customers can enjoy maximum efficiency and safety in diverse weather and road conditions, combined with plenty of driving fun”, said Vauxhall Managing Director, Steve Catlin.
The Grandland Electric AWD also benefits from a bespoke suspension set-up with ‘Frequency Selective Damping’ – a first for this generation, as the manufacturer emphasises. This technology allows the dampers to adapt to different road surfaces and driving styles without relying on electronic controls, balancing ride comfort and responsiveness.
Visually, the AWD variant features aerodynamic enhancements including revised bumpers and 20-inch aero wheels, contributing to a drag coefficient of just 0.278 – making it the most aerodynamically efficient Grandland to date. Vauxhall’s signature 3D Vizor grille, illuminated Griffin badge, and Intelli-Lux HD pixel headlights also feature prominently.
Opel/Vauxhall unveiled the Grandland in April 2024 as its first model based on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform. The electric version has been available to order since autumn 2024, with the manufacturer asking for at least £40,995 for the front-wheel drive model in the UK.
Pricing and full UK specifications for the all-wheel-drive variant will be announced closer to the sales launch, with first deliveries expected later this autumn.
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