Opel sets another milestone on the way to becoming an all-electric brand: The Astra is fully electric for the first time in its long success story. The new Opel Astra Electric offers locally emissions-free driving pleasure even for longer journeys. According to WLTP, up to 418 kilometres can be covered without a charging stop; and that in a quiet and light-footed manner, because the new Astra Electric weighs only 1,679 kilograms. That is a big advantage which is noticeable with every step on the pedal and in every curve.
The new Opel Astra Electric underlines the electrifying driving pleasure with an equally inspiring, clear and bold design and top equipment. Numerous electronic aids are on board as standard. In addition, the Intelli-Drive 2.0 system with semi-automatic lane change assist and intelligent speed adaptation is available as an option for the first time with the battery-electric Astra. Comfort is enhanced by AGR-certified ergonomic Active Sport driver’s seat as standard, while the fully digital Pure Panel® Pro cockpit with two 10-inch displays and Multimedia infotainment system ensures the best in connectivity and entertainment. The new Opel Astra Electric GS can be leased in Germany for monthly rates starting at €399.
Opel Astra customers can now choose from more drivetrain alternatives than for any other model with the “Blitz”. In addition to highly efficient combustion engines, the Astra is already available as an electrified plug-in hybrid including the new top-of-the-line model, the Astra GSe. And the range will be complemented this year by the battery-electric Astra Sports Tourer Electric, as the first all-electric estate from a German carmaker.
Efficient, emotional, everyday suitability: Driving fun with responsibility
The new Opel Astra Electric conveys pure locally emissions-free driving fun. The electric motor delivers 115 kW/156 hp and a powerful 270 Newton metres of maximum torque – both available from the first touch of the accelerator pedal, ensuring brisk starts. The low kerb weight of 1,679 kilogrammes contributes further to the lively progress. Also, while many other electric cars are limited to 150 km/h or 160 km/h, the new Astra Electric has a top speed of 170 km/h. Depending on preferences, Astra Electric drivers can choose between the three driving modes Eco, Normal and Sport.
The energy is stored in a compact 54-kWh lithium-ion battery, which offers efficient packaging, low weight, exemplary range and short charging times. The five-door can cover up to 418 kilometres locally emissions-free in accordance with WLTP and requires just 14.8 kWh of electricity per 100 kilometres (WLTP). The regenerative braking system ensures that energy can be recovered while driving. Even when the battery-electric Astra needs to be recharged, this only means a short “pit stop” at a charging point. The Opel Astra Electric can be charged to 80 per cent of the battery capacity in under 30 minutes at a 100-kW direct current fast charging station. In addition, the all-electric Astra is equipped as standard with a three-phase 11-kW onboard charger for the wall box at home.
The battery is located in the underbody, so no space for passengers and luggage is lost in the interior. Even with the rear seats up, the Astra Electric offers 352 litres of luggage space in the boot – with the seats folded down, the capacity increases to up to 1,268 litres. Another advantage: The low position of the battery also lowers the car’s centre of gravity, so that the Opel Astra Electric has a solid stance on the road and the driver can take a sporty seating position. In addition, the torsional stiffness has been increased by 31 per cent compared to the already outstanding values of other Astra model variants.
Opel Astra Electric GS: Top equipment and top design as standard equipment
Thanks to the torsional rigidity of the body and the extensive noise attenuation measures, Astra Electric occupants enjoy a particularly high level of comfort. For example, the laminated windows (standard equipment) effectively keep ambient noise and driving sounds away from the interior. The ergonomic Active Sport driver’s seat offers Astra Electric drivers the highest level of seating comfort à la Opel. The seat, which has been certified by “Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.” (AGR; Campaign for Healthier Backs), offers excellent lateral stability and a wide range of manual and electric adjustment options.
The extensive list of assistance systems as standard equipment ranges from front collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition, to drowsiness detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, park pilot at front and rear, and 360-degree Intelli-Vision camera.
The optional Intelli-Drive 2.0 system, which integrates numerous electronic assistants and combines them for the first time with semi-automatic lane-change and intelligent speed adaptation, celebrates its premiere. If the targeted lane is clear, the assistant steers the Opel Astra Electric into the desired lane with small steering movements. And intelligent speed adaptation ensures that – if confirmed by the driver – the vehicle’s speed is reduced accordingly when a new speed limit is reached or increased up to that limit. In addition to sensors, Intelli-Drive 2.0 also uses information from the over-the-air network. Intelli-Lux LED® Pixel Light, with 168 LED elements, increases safety still further.
The fully digital Pure Panel® also takes the driver into a modern cockpit world. Utilising the integrated Snapdragon® Automotive Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies, the infotainment systems of the Opel Astra Electric feature enhanced graphics, multimedia and computer vision functions. The intuitive human-machine interface with two large 10-inch widescreens displays all important functions such as battery charge status or range, while settings such as climate control can still be easily adjusted at the touch of a button. And with the large E-HUD head-up display and natural voice recognition, drivers’ eyes can stay focused on the road and the traffic situation.
The Opel Astra Electric conveys a direct, dynamic driving feel at first glance. The new electric model in the Opel range is equipped as standard with 18-inch, five-spoke, light-alloy wheels in high-gloss black, which underline the bold and pure looks. The two-tone paintwork with the roof and exterior mirror-housings in carbon black also ensure that the Opel Astra Electric is an unmistakable eye-catcher.
