Driving report: Opel GSe models

Some older motorist should still remember Opel's legendary letters GSE. More than half a century ago, the abbreviation stood for "Grand Sport Injection", adorned the Commodore from 1968 and also the Monza in 1983. GSE should exude motor sport and rally flair.

Opel revives the GSe models

Now the Rüsselsheim strategists came up with the clever marketing idea, the letter combination ins electric age and to establish GSe (now with a small e) as a sporty sub-brand. GSe stands for "Grand Sport electric" and is initially attached to the rear of the most powerful plug-in hybrid. Astra and Grandlands. The latter is the most expensive at 57.600 euros Opel at all.

Some may swallow dry and think carefully about the Purchase contract to sign, especially since the government subsidy (environmental bonus) for plug-in hybrids has also been abolished since the beginning of this year. On the other hand, the Grandland GSe offers almost the full range of Opel pampering. Not only a strong 221 kW/300 hp of all-wheel power, but also more than lavish equipment is standard on board. This includes almost all assistance systems that the industry provides today. The same applies to multimedia, infotainment and navigation. The list of extras that are subject to a surcharge is extremely short. Even Alcantara sports seats with AGR certification (Healthy Back Campaign) are standard.

The cockpit has been slightly revamped

Visually, the Grandland GSe (the same applies to the Astra GSe) is new at first glance Top version to recognize. The main difference between a GSe model is its black roof, special Alloy wheels, another front apron with black Vizor grille as well as another rear diffuser. Optionally, Opel also offers a black bonnet (only applies to Grandland) as a homage to earlier rally vehicles.

The engineers put a lot of development work into the chassis. The abbreviation GSe should combine sportiness with comfort in the best possible way. Normally a conflict of goals, but Opel with new ones shock absorbers of Specialists met Koni. These so-called FSD dampers (Frequency Selective Damping) change their characteristics depending on the situation and road surface. In addition, the steering received a different calibration. All in all, the Grandland GSe can be driven even more precisely through the curves, reacts more spontaneously to steering commands and buys its own sportiness not through excessive harshness.

The Grandland GSe is the brand's most powerful SUV

Plenty of power is available in all driving situations. With 221 kW/300 hp and 520 Nm torque the Grandland GSe is by far the most powerful plug-in hybrid SUV in its segment. No wonder this is best in class riding specifications entails. 6,1 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, top speed of 235 km/h. For optimal traction takes care of all wheel drive. At the front, an electric motor with 81,2 kW/110 hp gets into the action, at the rear an 83 kW/113 hp electric motor helps. The 1,6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine delivers 147 kW/200 hp. Remarkable are the suppleness and sovereignty of the drive, in which not least the eight-speed automatic has a big share.

However, GSe is not only dynamic, but also ecological. The battery with her capacity 14,2 kWh allows you to travel up to 63 kilometers with just electricity, quietly and emission-free. It takes a good two hours until the Accumulator at a Wallbox is 100 percent full again.

The Astra station wagon is also available as a GSe

With the Astra five-door and the station wagon Sports Tourer, Opel also has the GSe abbreviation Performance increased from 133 kW/180 hp to 165 kW/225 hp. Like the Grandland GSe, the Astra GSe also benefits from the new suspension tuning including Koni FSD shock absorbers. In addition, the Body an inch lower. The Astra GSe also achieves a top speed of 235 km/h and can drive 64 kilometers purely electrically. It will cost 45.510 euros. Opel intends to announce prices for the Sports Tourer in a few weeks. The combination surcharge should be around 1.500 euros.

Opel has already announced that other GSe models will follow, including purely electric ones. A good opportunity would be a good idea for the Corsa Electric, which will have one in early summer Facelift and gets better performance with it. It increases from 100 kW to 115 kW/156 hp.

For 2024 the Rüsselsheim an electric crossover model on the horizon that will Insignia should replace. Rumors are circulating that the new Stromer will Monza could be called. What would be more appropriate, if his old abbreviation were to be given new honor?

Michael Specht / SP-X