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An AWD Plug-in Hybrid powertrain returned in Vauxhall's Grandland in 2023 in this supposedly sporty GSe model. There's no shortage of technology or ambition here, but you'll need an eye-catching value proposition to make the acquisition sums add up.
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History
If you're old enough to remember when Vauxhall cars were very much about bread-and-butter basics, then the specs of this one, the Grandland GSe, might rather stop you in your tracks: AWD, 300PS and a 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine paired with two electric motors that are energised by a 14.2kWh battery with an EV range of up to 35 miles. Someone more familiar with modern Vauxhalls though, might dismiss this recipe as yesterday's news. It's the same powertrain that was fitted to the top version of the old pre-facelift Grandland X, a flagship variant that didn't sell and was quietly dropped when the Grandland model got its 2021 model year update and lost its 'X' designation.
With the 2023 introduction of this Grandland GSe though, that AWD PHEV powertrain (shared with Stellantis Group cousin the DS 7 E-TENSE) made a return, but this time with a package of sporty GSe handling tweaks. It didn't sell and was quietly dropped when the MK2 Grandland model was launched in late 2024.
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What you get
As you'd expect, the Grandland GSe gets sportier styling to differentiate it from lesser models. There's a GSe-specific front bumper with a gloss black protective front skid plate. And at the rear, there's a gloss black rear protective skid plate with a 3-fin diffuser. Plus you get some big, eye-catching 19-inch wheels that presumably don't do much for the EV driving range. Otherwise, apart from the yellow GSe badging, it's much like any other Grandland Plug-in Hybrid.
Inside, similar token efforts at sporty differentiation feature: GSe-branded alcantara-upholstered sports seats, metal-look trimming, alloy-effect sports pedals and a bespoke perforated leather steering wheel are the highlights. As usual with a Grandland, you get two big digital displays for instruments and infotainment. Ahead of the driver is a display up to 12-inches in size, offering up essential information, while the central 10-inch display controls all infotainment via a touchscreen.
You survey all of this from a seating position that isn't especially commanding, though that suits this sporty model quite well. Two adults will fit quite comfortably in the back; three would be a squash. Boot space is compromised by the PHEV drivetrain, restricted to a hatchback-like 390-litres. If that's priority for you in a sporty Vauxhall of this size, you'd be better off with an Astra Sports Tourer GSe, which offers 516-litres.
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What to look for
Though quite a few owners in our survey seemed happy, there are certainly things that you'll need to look for with this generation Grandland. We've heard of side airbags refusing to inflate. And various electrical problems have been reported, with things like the infotainment screen, the rear parking system and the parking sensors, so check all of these thoroughly. Make sure that the infotainment system works as it should and doesn't freeze or crash. If it does, the system might need an update.
We've come across reports of weak batteries in some cars - if the engine won't crank or cranks very slowly then that's a tell-tale giveaway. In a number of instances, there were problems with corrosion on the battery. And in other instances, a weak key fob battery caused problems with the start stop button functionality on the dash. We came across issues with broken starter motors - if you turn the key and hear a clicking sound, that's the tell-tale giveaway. And in some other instances, we had reports of alternator failure, clogged fuel filters, fuel pump failures, blown fuses and defective spark plugs.
This expensive version's big alloy wheels could easily have picked up kerbing damage. Check the cabin for the usual family scuffs and scratches. And insist on a full service history.
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Replacement parts
(approx based on a 2023 Grandland GSe - Ex Vat) An air filter costs in the £6-£28 bracket. An oil filter costs in the £4-£11 bracket. A fuel filter costs in the £5-£47 bracket. Front brake pads sit in the £21-£109 bracket for a set; for a rear set, it's in the £18 to £103 bracket. Front brake discs sit in the £33-£68 bracket. Rear brake discs sit in the £24-£71 bracket. A radiator is around £222-£344. And a pollen filter is in the £6-£33 bracket. A wiper blade is in the £7-£27 bracket.
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On the road
Even in this sporty GSe form, the Grandland isn't the kind of lower-mid-sized SUV you're likely to want to throw around, but even so, this variant got the Koni Frequency Selective Dampers we tried and liked on the Astra GSe. These have a special valve that opens when you hit a bad bump. That's supposed to reduce damping force and so improve comfort, but we still think you're likely to find this a very firm-riding crossover, so try before you buy. The plus side of the Koni shocks is better body control and less cornering lean, but the absence of much steering feel, the hesitant 8-speed auto gearbox and the relative lack of grip from the eco-focused tyres all discourage you from dynamic derring-do.
With 300PS on tap from the AWD powertrain with its twin EV motor-embellished 1.6-litre petrol turbo engine, the Grandland GSe is at least pretty quick. The rest to 62mph sprint is dispatched in 6.1 seconds on the way to a maximum of 146mph. There are three drive settings: 'Sport' (where the car combines the power of the electric and petrol motors to offer livelier performance). And 'All-Wheel Drive'. Plus there's also 'Electric' (where the car uses only the 14.2kWh battery-powered electric motor, resulting in an ultra-quiet and smooth drive with zero exhaust emissions, offering a WLTP range of up to 35 miles). Charging the 14.2kWh battery takes 3.5 hours with a standard mode 3 cable - or 1 hour 45 minutes if the optional on-board charger has been fitted.
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Overall
If, for whatever curious reason, you decided you wanted the ultimate version of the first generation Vauxhall Grandland, there are things about this GSe version you might like. It feels quite special to look at and sit in and as long as you don't mind a firm-ish ride, the handling tweaks work okay.
Plus despite its exalted price tag, it's still cheaper than some segment PHEV rivals and will be tax efficient to run. There's extra rarity value too, but here perhaps, for all the wrong reasons.
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