Vauxhall Grandland Electric 2025 Review: Solid, But Not Affordable

Vauxhall, a UK brand known for its affordable smaller cars, is now venturing into the electric vehicle market with its 2025 Grandland Electric. Part of the Stellantis group, Vauxhall has access to the group’s next-generation EV platforms, with the Grandland being the first large electric SUV from the brand. This marks an important step for the company, which follows Peugeot’s introduction of the STLA Medium platform used in the e-3008 and e-5008. I had the opportunity to test drive the Grandland in the UK and see how it stacks up in the growing electric SUV market.

The Grandland Electric is initially available with a single powertrain option, a 213PS motor that drives the front wheels paired with a 73kWh (net) battery. A more powerful motor and larger 98kWh battery will be offered in future releases. Vauxhall offers three trim levels: Design, GS, and Ultimate. The entry-level Design trim features a 10-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it lacks built-in satnav. Standard features in this trim include LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and 19-inch wheels. Stepping up to the GS trim brings significant upgrades, including a larger 16-inch infotainment screen with built-in satnav, wireless phone charging, and an innovative design that conceals the screen behind opaque glass to prevent distractions while driving. The GS also introduces Vauxhall’s Pixel 3D lights, a form of matrix LEDs that automatically adjust to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic while providing maximum road illumination. The Ultimate trim offers a premium experience with a Focal sound system, head-up display, panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, heated windscreen, and 20-inch wheels.

The exterior design of the Grandland stands out from typical Vauxhall models, featuring a striking “Impact Copper” paint job on the test vehicle. The clean, modern front end lacks an air intake grille and is complemented by a sleek light bar, offering a more sophisticated look without appearing too futuristic. Unlike many modern SUVs with sloping roofs, the Grandland maintains a practical, traditional SUV shape, focusing on usability over style trends. Inside, the Grandland strikes a solid balance between passenger space and cargo capacity. While not the roomiest in its class, the interior comfortably accommodates a six-foot driver and passenger. The front seats are AGR certified for comfort, offering excellent lumbar support and a design intended to minimize discomfort during long drives. The back seat is spacious enough for two adults and a child, with additional perks in the Ultimate trim, including a panoramic sunroof, rear air vents, and USB ports for passengers.

Cargo space in the Grandland is generous, with a 550-liter capacity when the rear seats are up, and a maximum of 1,645 liters when folded. While not the largest in its class—models like the Tesla Model Y and Skoda Enyaq iV offer more—the Grandland’s cargo area should be sufficient for everyday needs, such as grocery runs or a trip to IKEA. The vehicle can also tow up to 1,200kg, adding to its practicality. The Grandland’s infotainment system has been upgraded from previous Vauxhall models, featuring a more modern interface that integrates smoothly with the car’s other systems, including safety features. While the system still uses physical buttons for key climate controls like temperature and fan speed, the overall design is more user-friendly and intuitive. However, the car does come with the usual set of intrusive safety features, including audible warnings for speed limits and lane departures, although they can be disabled for a more peaceful driving experience.

On the road, the Vauxhall Grandland Electric delivers respectable performance, with its 213PS motor providing enough power for everyday driving. However, the vehicle’s weight of 2,120kg means it takes 9 seconds to reach 62mph, which feels somewhat sluggish for an electric car. The throttle response is quick, but the vehicle lacks the immediate acceleration and punch seen in some other EVs. The Grandland’s handling is not particularly engaging, and the steering feels a bit sluggish at lower speeds. However, the car maintains a solid, stable presence on highways and feels manageable in urban environments despite its SUV dimensions.

The Grandland’s range is decent, even with the 73kWh battery. The Design trim offers a WLTP range of 324 miles, while the GS and Ultimate trims offer slightly lower ranges of 323 and 318 miles, respectively, due to the larger wheels on the Ultimate trim. A heat pump comes standard, helping to preserve range in colder weather. The Grandland supports fast charging, with a 160kW DC charger allowing the battery to recharge from 0 to 80% in just 26 minutes, making it feasible for longer trips. For home charging, the car can handle up to 11kW with an AC charger, though using a typical 7.4kW home charger will take just under 10 hours to fully charge the battery.

When it comes to pricing, the Grandland is competitively priced for an electric vehicle in its class, with the Design trim starting at £37,345 ($47,000) and the GS at £38,495 ($48,000). However, the Ultimate trim surpasses the £40,000 threshold at £40,495 ($51,000), putting it into a higher tax bracket for electric vehicles in the UK. Despite the higher price of the Ultimate trim, the Grandland offers better value compared to competitors like the Ford Explorer, which has more power and range, or Peugeot’s e-3008, which is more expensive despite using the same powertrain. While the Grandland Electric is not the cheapest option, it’s still a solid value within its category. However, the hybrid version of the Grandland is more affordable, showing that electric cars still have some way to go before they reach price parity with internal combustion engine vehicles.

Looking ahead, the competition in the electric SUV market is growing, with brands like XPENG and MG preparing to launch new models in the UK in the near future. While the Grandland is a step in the right direction for Vauxhall, its success in a crowded market remains uncertain. For UK buyers, the GS trim seems like the sweet spot, offering a good balance of price and features, but the upcoming Expensive Car Supplement tax and the rise of competing models could make it more challenging for the Grandland to maintain its appeal in the long term.