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Grand Sport Electric

By 2028, Opel wants to be an all-electric brand. As early as 2024, there should be an electrified version in showrooms next to every model. Behind the wheel of the durable models, you don’t have to be bored. In fact, under the GSe label, the brand is launching additional nicely steering and richly equipped (partially) electric models.

Sporty

The GSe models not only get sporty looks, but also matching handling characteristics. According to Opel, future GSe customers can look forward to a chassis that guarantees driving pleasure. Also, the GSe lineup will be “Autobahn-proof,” thanks to extensive testing on German highways. In addition, the GSe models will combine these features with the ability to drive emission-free locally.

Opel Manta GSE

This is not the first time Opel has stuck these three letters on a car. In the past, the brand released an extra sporty Commodore GS/E and Monza GSE. The return of the GSe label was already hinted at in 2021 with the Manta GSe concept: an electric tribute to the iconic Opel Manta introduced 50 years ago with a four-cylinder gasoline engine. The Opel Manta GSe ElectroMOD is a so-called restomod. It is a classic Manta, but Opel has given it a different, more modern twist under the skin, replacing the gasoline engine with an electric version.

Plug-in hybrids

In the future, Opel says we can expect additional sporty all-electric cars, but the brand is kicking off the GSe adventure with two plug-in hybrids: the Grandland GSe and the Astra GSe. Both models have more power than the regular versions and a modified chassis and design.

Opel Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe

The Astra is already available as a plug-in hybrid with 180 horsepower, but the GSe version boasts 45 additional horses. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder works in conjunction with an electric motor, which together produce 225 horsepower. Torque isn’t bad either: 360 Nm. A 0-100 time is not yet revealed by Opel, but count on the sporty Astra doing so within eight seconds.

KONI dampers

The suspension has also been addressed and has been lowered by 10 millimeters. The braking system is more powerful and the car features FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) dampers from Dutch shock absorber manufacturer Koni of Oud-Beijerland. These oil-filled shock absorbers automatically become stiffer when you take the Astra GSe for a brisk steer. The ESP settings of both GSe models have been adjusted to give you more leeway.

Dark look

On the outside, you can recognize an Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe by a lot of black accents. The completely new front bumper is almost completely black. Other features of the Opel Astra GSe include 18-inch alloy wheels – inspired by those of the all-electric Manta GSe concept – and a GSe emblem on the tailgate. In the interior, Opel mounts Alcantara-clad front sport seats. They keep you snug, but are also surprisingly comfortable. In fact, they have AGR certification and are therefore good for the back.

Opel Grandland GSe

The Grandland is also now available as an extra sporty GSe version. The SUV is equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors, together good for 300 horsepower. Thanks to its ample power, the car shoots from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. Its top speed is 235 mph. If you use only the electric motors, the top speed is 135 mph.

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According to Opel, the Grandland GSe also steers extra nice. The steering has been modified, which should make it more direct. The suspension has also been significantly modified and the springs are a lot stiffer than in a regular Grandland. Moreover, this model also features FSD dampers from Koni.

Black hood

Opel has also dressed up the Grandland GSe with extra sportiness. Think a distinctive diffuser at the rear, cool 19-inch alloy wheels and a bright yellow GSe logo on the tailgate. A black hood is available as an option, a typical feature of the sporty Opel models of the past. In the video below, we tell you more about Opel’s new GSe lineup.