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This Stellantis Brand Is Working On A Spicy SUV With An Electric Twist

  • A camouflaged prototype of the Opel Grandland hints at the upcoming GSe trim.
  • The new flagship version of the lineup is expected to adopt a sportier stance.
  • The prototype appears to be a BEV, and could benefit from a revised chassis setup.

Opel, the German brand Stellantis picked up from GM, is preparing to launch a new generation of its largest SUV offering, aiming to appeal to buyers who want a blend of everyday practicality and performance without making (many) compromises in either direction.

Continuing in the footsteps of its predecessor, the range-topping version of the new Opel Grandland is expected to wear the GSe badge. This trim typically carries a slightly sportier look than the rest of the lineup, and new spy shots of a lightly camouflaged prototype recently caught testing in Europe hint at some styling tweaks in the works.

More: Which European Car Should Stellantis Import Or Rebadge For America?

Although the prototype is finished in all black, Opel may opt to paint the bumper cladding, side skirts, and wheel arches in body color to help distinguish the GSe variant visually. The presence of duct tape on the front and rear ends suggests there could be some updates hiding underneathβ€”possibly redesigned bumpers or aerodynamic tweaks.

Another telling detail is the black alloy wheels with a diamond-cut finish appear to be larger and sport a different design than those found on the Grandland GS Line.

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Hybrid Roots, Electric Future

Like its platform-mates, the Peugeot 3008 and 5008, the Grandland benefits from the flexibility of the STLA Medium architecture, which supports mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrains.

The prototype of the Grandland GSe misses out on the front bumper intake which is found in all trims with a combustion engine under the hood. This suggests that the GSe will likely use a zero-emission powertrain. If that’s the case, it would mark a clear performance step up from its PHEV predecessor.

The GSe stands for β€œGrand Sport Electric”, so a dual electric motor setup sounds like the most fitting option. Currently, the high-output version of the electric Grandland makes 320 hp (240 kW / 326 PS). This is already more powerful than the plug-in hybrid setups of the old Grandland GSe, which was rated at 296 hp (220 kW / 300 PS), and the new Astra GSe warm hatch/estate that makes 222 hp (165 kW / 225 PS).

More: Opel/Vauxhall Astra GSe Is An Electrified Warm Hatch And Estate With 222 HP

Interestingly, the previous Grandland GSe didn’t offer more power than the regular plug-in hybrid model, instead focusing on a revised chassis setup. Whether Opel sticks to that formula this time or actually turns up the performance dial remains to be seen.

When Will It Arrive?

The Opel Grandland GSe is expected to arrive later in 2025. The SUV could be joined by sportier versions of the Peugeot 3008 and 5008, potentially adopting the iconic GTI badge, which has been confirmed to make a return. As for the upcoming Citroen C5 Aircross twin, it may skip a performance variant altogether, given its comfort-focused character.

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Updated Opel Rocks Is A Mild Refresh Of The Citroen Ami Twin

  • Changes are limited to a black grille, a light grey body, and a white Opel Blitz emblem.
  • The lineup of the heavy quadricycle will soon grow with the new Edition and GS trims.

Opel has introduced a mildly updated version of the Rocks heavy quadricycle, with changes being purely cosmetic. However, as part of the refresh, the company is now adding two new trims to the lineup – the Edition and the GS.

The Opel Rocks – formerly known as the Rocks-e and later as the Rocks Electric – was introduced in 2021. The EV is basically the Opel version of the Citroen Ami and Fiat Topolino and a rival to Renault’s Mobilize Duo. As with all heavy quadricycles, it can be driven by teenagers as young as 15 years old in certain countries.

More: 2025 Citroen Ami Gets Funkier With Bulging Eyes And 2CV-Style Gills

While the Citroen Ami was subjected to a comprehensive retro-inspired facelift for 2025, Opel kept the old styling for the Rocks. Still, this is not necessarily bad, as each of Stellantis’ heavy quadricycle triplets now has its own distinct styling.

The only changes on the Rocks for 2025 are the black Opel Vizor grille, a light grey body with the omission of black graphics, and a white Opel Blitz emblem. Designers didn’t bother adding cooler lighting units from the one-off Rock E-Xtreme concept, but at least the headlights now have LED tech. Like its predecessor, the Rocks retains its symmetrical design and doors that open in opposite directions.

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The two-seater interior is carried over from the existing Rocks Electric, although Opel has abandoned the lime green accents in favor of a more conservative white and gray color scheme.

A smartphone holder and a dedicated application substitute the need for an infotainment display. Interior amenities are limited to a USB port, a standard panoramic roof, manual pull-up side windows, and clever storage solutions, but no A/C.

More: Fiat Topolino Gets A Cute Makeover For A Not-So-Cute $50,000

There are no changes on the underpinnings of the heavy quadricycle, that retains the 8 hp (6 kW / 8 PS) electric motor and the 5.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Opel claims that the driving range is up to 75 km (47 miles) between charges, while top speed is limited to 45 km/h (28 mph).

Opel has announced that the updated Rocks will be launched soon in Europe. Furthermore, the lineup will grow with the addition of the Rocks Edition and Rocks GS trims, set to be unveiled closer to the market launch. Opel usually reserves the GS emblem for sporty-looking versions of its models, so it will be interesting to see if it will bring any cool features to the Rocks.

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Opel

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