Read Caroline’s Opel Mokka GSE review for everything you need to know about buying Opel’s new high performance electric crossover.
The current generation of the Opel Mokka first arrived in Ireland in 2021 and marked a bold new design direction for the German car brand. The Mokka’s chunky compact crossover looks and electrified powertrains struck just the right chord, propelling it to the top spot among Opel’s bestsellers.
Following a facelift earlier this year, Opel has now unveiled the most electrifying Mokka yet. The new Opel Mokka GSE is a battery-powered hot hatch version of the popular crossover with a whopping 281hp and numerous performance tweaks.
Caroline travelled with Opel Ireland to the historic Jarama circuit just outside Madrid to drive the new Mokka GSE.
Design
The new Opel Mokka GSE sits lower and wider than a standard Mokka giving it a more purposeful stance. The Mokka still looks modern and fresh in its segment with signature black panel connecting sharp LED lighting, with matrix LED headlights as standard for the GSE. Sporty gloss black trim finishes off the front and rear of the car, along with signature GSE badging.
There is a choice of six colours and a contrasting black roof comes as standard. A black bonnet is available as an option.
The wheels are a highlight: 20-inch alloys with yellow brake calipers and Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres. There is the option to upgrade to slightly more efficient Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres.
Opel Mokka GSE Interior
Inside, Opel has taken quite a restrained approach with a sombre black and grey colour palette. It would be nice to see some bolder splashes of colour. However, the seats are a highlight of full Alcantara with integrated headrests and yellow stitching. The steering wheel also gets a sportier design than the standard car, being flat at the top and bottom. There are also Alcantara door inserts that add a plush feel. The whole thing feels solidly built.
There is a 10-inch digital driver display and touchscreen, just like the standard car. However the GSE adds a special performance menu and data like G-force display, acceleration values and battery management info. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included.
Being the top of the range Mokka, the GSE gets a full suite of equipment features including wireless smartphone charging, heated front seats and heated steering wheel.
Practicality
The Mokka has a modest sized boot at just 310 litres though the two position boot floor adds some flexibility and means the charging cables can be stored underneath. The rear seats can also fold down. It is small in the back but children should be fine. There are USB-A ports and Isofix points on the two outer seats.
Battery and range
The Mokka GSE uses the same 54kWh battery (51kWh usable) as the standard Mokka Electric. However, combined with a more power electric motor (281hp), range takes a hit to just 324 kilometres (WLTP), down from 406 kilometres. Add the optional Goodyear tyres and that increases to 336 kilometres.
Driving the Opel Mokka GSE
Engineered in Russelheim, Opel has had a proper go at making the Mokka GSE a sporty car to drive. Inspired by the Opel Mokka GSE Rally car, the road-going version shares the same high performance motor. Power jumps dramatically from 156hp to a mighty 281hp. With 345Nm of torque, the Mokka GSE can sprint from 0–100km/h in 5.9 seconds. There are Sport, Eco and Normal drive modes, but it’s only in the Sport mode where the full power becomes available.
Power is sent to the front wheels and Opel has added a Torsen limited slip differential to make that as smooth as possible. However, it still isn’t immune to a tug of torque steer when you launch it hard from a standstill.
The brakes and tyres have also been beefed up, and the stopping power is reassuringly strong. The chassis has also been tweaked with a new rear axle design contributing to increased stiffness that means the car boasts incredibly tight body control through bends. Combined with a new steering rack for more direct feel, and the the Mokka GSE handles with surprising precision.
The suspension gets new hydraulic bump stops that give just the right balance between comfort and sportiness. The car rides firmly as expected from a performance car, but doesn’t crash around the place either and stays composed over broken surfaces.
Charging
The Mokka GSE has 11kW AC charging and vehicle to load capability from its charge port. DC fast charging is up to 100kW, which gives a 20-80% charge in about 24 minutes.
Opel Mokka GSE Video Review
Opel Mokka GSE Price
The Mokka GSE will be a special order model for Ireland, with pricing to be announced early in 2026.
Verdict
Compact electric performance cars are starting to become a thing with the likes of the Alpine A290, Smart #1 Brabus and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce being some of the notables.
Now Opel is tapping into its performance past and rally interests to bring something exciting to the Mokka range. The Mokka GSE is thankfully much more than just a body kit and the performance upgrades are both extensive but also worthwhile if Opel is to convince buyers it’s serious about this.
There is a compromise to range and the GSE will no doubt carry a premium. But it certainly proves a point: Opel can create a very good performance electric car.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
The post Opel Mokka GSE Review | Mokka with performance! appeared first on Changing Lanes.
