Opel Grandland Hybrid: “Greenovation” Wrapped Around an Old-School Mild Hybrid

Opel is pitching the new Grandland “Hybrid” as a milestone in its sustainability roadmap. In practice, it’s a conventional 48-volt mild hybrid whose primary role is less about electrifying mobility and more about satisfying EU regulatory benchmarks to earn that coveted “Eco” badge.

The 146-horsepower powertrain pairs a small electric motor with a petrol engine and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. According to the manufacturer, this setup delivers an average fuel consumption of 5.7 litres per 100 km and CO₂ emissions of 128 g/km—figures that fall short when compared to today’s true hybrids or electric vehicles.

Opel claims the Grandland can drive on electric power alone for up to half the time in urban settings, but only when a host of conditions align: battery level, ambient temperature, and catalytic converter readiness all have to be just right. There’s no plug-in capability or full electric mode; energy is recuperated exclusively through braking.

Visually and in terms of cabin layout, the Grandland Hybrid presents a modern face, but its technology leans conservative. Drivers can choose between Power, Eco, and Charge modes. Opel also offers the Intellidrive 2.0 suite of driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera—features that have become standard fare in the C-segment.

Marketing rhetoric centers around “Greenovation,” with Opel proudly noting that over 500 kilograms of the vehicle’s components are made from recycled or renewable materials. It’s undeniably a step in the right direction, but it doesn’t change the fact that the Grandland Hybrid is more a regulatory compliance tool than a technological breakthrough.

Plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions of the Grandland are also available.