New 321bhp Vauxhall Grandland Electric AWD to cost from £35,495

On sale Autumn Price from £35,495

You could compare the launch of the new Vauxhall Grandland Electric AWD to the recently-released Mario Kart World game; both are upgraded versions of what came before and, much like the wide array of new characters in Mario Kart World, the new Grandland Electric offers a range of new driving modes, thanks to the addition of all-wheel drive.

The new Grandland Electric AWD gets the same 73kWh (usable capacity) battery as in regular versions of the car, but it has an increased power output of 321bhp thanks to an extra rear-mounted electric motor. 

With that additional boost, the Grandland Electric AWD can officially race from 0-62mph in 6.1sec. That’s quicker than the all-wheel-drive version of the Skoda Enyaq (the 85X), but the Kia EV6 AWD is much speedier, completing the sprint in just 5.3sec.

The Grandland Electric AWD’s setup is closely related to that of the Peugeot e-3008. The all-wheel-drive version of that car is noticeably more sprightly than the entry-level option, so we’d expect the Grandland to perform similarly.

In terms of all-electric range, the Grandland Electric AWD should officially be able to manage 311 miles between charges. That’s slightly down on the 325 miles of front-wheel-drive versions, but that’s to be expected. For reference, both the EV6 and Enyaq can go further in all-wheel-drive guise, with 339 and 332 miles respectively.

According to Vauxhall, a 20-80% top-up of the Grandland Electric AWD’s battery should take around 26 minutes, with the same 160kW rate as other models in the range. That’s generally on par with rivals like the Enyaq, but the EV6 has a more impressive rate of up to 350kW.

Drivers can choose between four different driving modes while on the road: Normal, AWD, Sport and Eco. Normal mode makes most use of the front motor and wheels, limiting the maximum power output to 313bhp. However, should the rear motor need to kick in, for example under strong acceleration, it will provide a boost.

In AWD mode – you guessed it – both electric motors are engaged, with power distributed evenly to all four wheels. Sport mode is designed to increase responsiveness in acceleration and steering, providing power to both the front and rear wheels in a 60:40 split. Eco mode utilises mainly the front wheels, with power limited to 212bhp to maximise efficiency.

Not much has changed on the Grandland Electric AWD in terms of looks, but it does get some redesigned inserts on the front and rear bumpers to improve efficiency, as well as range-topping 20in wheels.

Inside, the Grandland Electric AWD looks largely the same as higher-spec versions of the FWD model, featuring a larger 16in touchscreen alongside a 10in driver's display, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a sat-nav and wireless smartphone charging. We’re fans of the regular Grandland interior; it’s furnished with soft-touch materials and the infotainment system is pleasantly responsive.

Two trims will be available: GS or range-topping Ultimate. GS models feature 19in alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control and front and rear parking sensors.

Stepping up to Ultimate trim gets you larger 20in alloy wheels, a heated windscreen, heated front seats, power folding rear mirrors, a 10-speaker sound system, a head-up display, a 360-degree parking camera and a number of added safety systems.

The Grandland Electric AWD is due to arrive in showrooms in autumn. Prices will start at £35,495 including the discount from the Government Electric Car Grant, though it's yet to be officially confirmed if the AWD version will qualify. Given the fact that the regular Grandland qualifies for the grant, it's possible the new version will too.

That starting price undercuts both all-wheel-drive versions of the EV6 and Enyaq, as well as the e-3008.

Read more: Best electric SUVs

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