Review – Opel Astra Electric (2023) – Opel’s answer to the Volkswagen ID.3
Opel Astra Electric: specifications
More than a year after the introduction of the new Astra, it is now time for the Astra on electric power: the Astra Electric. We already know the powertrain from the revamped DS 3 and Opel Corsa Electric. The electric motor produces an output of 115 kW (156 hp) and maximum torque of 270 Nm. The top speed is capped at 170 km/h, allowing the Astra Electric to go faster than many other electric models. During our test drive around Berlin we of course give it a try and yes: the counter remains stuck at 170 km/h. But whether that’s smart to drive 170 mph with an EV? Not really, the battery pack would be so empty.
Opel Astra Electric battery pack
The Astra Electric has a battery with a capacity of 54 kWh. Again, just like the revamped Corsa and DS 3 so. The battery uses 102 cells housed in 17 modules. The Astra Electric’s battery pack is mounted under the rear seat and front seats, providing as much luggage space as the plug-in hybrid variant. The range of the Astra Electric comes out to 416 kilometers (WLTP). The average energy consumption of the Astra Electric is 14.9 kWh according to WLTP. During our first brief test session, real-world consumption appears to be reasonably close to this. A neat value, it has to be said.
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The Opel Astra Electric can handle up to 100 kW of charging power at a fast charger, which allows the battery to be charged to 80% in a time of about 30 minutes. At home or at a public charging station, it can handle 11 kW. Because the Astra Electric has a fairly compact battery pack, it weighs almost as much as a plug-in hybrid: 1,679 kilograms. With an EV, you can then almost speak of a lightweight.
Luggage space
The luggage compartment of the electric Astra has a capacity of 352 liters. Folding the rear seats flat reveals 1,268 liters of storage space. On the outside, the car can be identified by a sportier-designed front bumper and standard 18-inch alloy wheels with an extra aerodynamic design.
Equipment
The new Opel Astra Electric is equipped with ergonomic sports seats – optionally available with Alcantara upholstery. We know these AGR-certified ones from a number of other Opel models and, as always, they sit superbly. They offer good lateral support and a wide range of manual and electric adjustment options. The car further features the all-digital Pure Panel cockpit with two 10-inch widescreen displays. A large E-HUD head-up display and voice recognition have also been considered.
Driver assistance systems
Safety equipment includes collision warning with automatic braking to active lane assist, fatigue detection, rear cross traffic alert and semi-automatic lane change. All these systems, as well as the adaptive Intelli-Lux LED Pixel Light headlights with 168 LED elements, are bundled under the name Intelli-Drive 2.0.
Wondering how the Opel Astra Electric drives? Then watch the video below!