2023 Vauxhall Grandland GSe 1.6L PHEV 8AT AWD (300 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Vauxhall revealed the most powerful version of the Grandland lineup in late 2022 and provided customers with a 300 PS (296 hp), all-wheel-drive crossover.

Adding a performance version for a crossover might be a good idea for a premium automaker, but creating such a vehicle for a Vauxhall was unusual. Still, the British automaker that was now under Stellantis’ umbrella was allowed to do that so it could provide a flagship model that improved the brand’s image. Suddenly, Vauxhall wasn’t seen as a mundane vehicle on British roads.

Even though it shared most of its body panels with the regular 2022 Grandland, the GSe version came with an improved front fascia that sported piano-black trims on the lower bumper’s side scoops. In addition, the automaker offered an improved design for the lower grille, which featured a hexagonal-pattern mesh design instead of horizontal slats. At the back, Vauxhall installed a new roof spoiler. To further enhance the car’s sporty look, Vauxhall installed a set of 19″ light-alloy wheels.

Inside, there was a new dashboard design with two displays. The touch-screen mounted atop the center stack was for the infotainment system, while the up to 10″ LCD in front of the driver served as an instrument panel. Like its predecessor, the seats were certified by the “Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.” (campaign for healthy backs) for their ergonomic shape. On the center console, the automaker placed the gear selector for the automatic transmission that resembled the one fitted in the Peugeot 3008.

Under the hood, the automaker installed a turbocharged 1.6-liter powerplant that provided 200 PS (198 hp), helped by a 110 PS (109 hp) electric motor that drove the rear wheels.