What's the news?
Opel has confirmed that it's going to introduce a plug-in hybrid version of its Grandland X crossover. Mind you, the German car maker is a bit ahead of itself - the half-electric Grandland goes on sale shortly, but first deliveries won't be happening until early next year.
As with the Grandland's chassis, the plug-in hybrid system will be shared with its Peugeot, DS, and Citroen stablemates. Based around a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine (with 200hp) it adds two electric motors - one on the front axle and one one the rear, both boasting 109hp each. That gives the Grandland X Hybrid4 (for that is its name) a total of 300hp.
That should be good enough for a decent 0-100km/h time, but of greater importance will be its charging time. Opel reckons that the 13.2kWh lithium-ion battery can be fully charged in as little as 50 minutes, from 7.4kW domestic wallbox charger.
That done, you should get 50km out of just the battery, as measured on the new, tougher WLTP system. Overall CO2 emissions should be 49g/km, and the preliminary figures put the fuel economy at 2.2 litres per 100km (that's 128mpg for those watching in black and white).
According to Opel: "Studies have shown that in Germany, 80 per cent of all daily journeys cover a distance of under 50km, so for these customers the Grandland X Hybrid4 could potentially drive with zero emissions all of the time."
There's also a Nissan-style 'one-pedal' driving setup which allows the driver to select the highest possible level of regenerative braking, almost (but not quite fully, of course) eliminating the need to use the mechanical braking system under most circumstances.
Because Opel is now also part of PSA Group's 'Free2Move Services' it means owners will get an RFID card granting them free access to some 85,000 public charging points across Europe, and to speed things up, the Grandland X's standard 3.3kWh onboard charging system can be upgraded to 6.6kWh.
Connected navigation via the Navi 5.0 IntelliLink infotainment system takes care of finding the routes and the guidance to the chosen charging station. The Grandland X Hybrid4 will also offer the new Opel Connect telematics service. Helpful functions, such as Live Navigation with real-time traffic information, checking key vehicle data via an app, direct connection with roadside assistance and emergency call, give the driver and passengers additional peace of mind. Help can be reached within seconds via the red button. If the seatbelt tensioners or the airbags are deployed, the emergency call is activated automatically.
Oddly, Opel is referring to the Grandland X Hybrid4 as it's 'first plug-in hybrid' which does rather seem to ignore the Ampera. Maybe a little historical airbrushing going on?
Whatever, it's part of Opel's plans to electrify its vehicles by 2024. Up next will be an all-electric version of the new Corsa, while further plug-in hybrids are on the way, electric vans, and an electric Mokka X.