The electric vehicle (EV) space received a real jolt of energy. On July 23, 2025, Opel pulled back the curtain on its Mokka GSE, a small electric SUV with the soul of a performance vehicle. This is not merely a styling kit or a minor upgrade to the previous Mokka Electric—as it is a completely new build, rally-bred performance EV with the digits, aesthetics, and technology to back it up.
For our American readers that may not be as familiar with the Opel brand, think of Opel as the Dodge or Chrysler equivalent for Stellantis in Europe. And although Opel doesn't sell cars in the U.S. today, the Mokka GSE has power, accuracy, and a dramatic look that certainly merits consideration on the global stage.
Opel and Vauxhall — What’s the Difference ?
If you’ve seen this SUV referred to as the Vauxhall Mokka GSe, you are not mistaken, it is the same vehicle. Here in the UK, Opel is known as Vauxhall. In mainland Europe, they are known as Opel. The Mokka GSE and Mokka GSe are the same vehicle in terms of design and engineering; the only difference is the badge.
This is important for our American audience, as most of the international coverage you will see will use both of these names. Just remember — Opel = Vauxhall, depending on where you are.
A Visual Refresh with Some Real Credibility
The new Mokka GSE comes with no pretence. This isn't just a sporty look, we have worked hard to deliver a car that emulates that of a hot-hatch rival, and it will look and perform like one! More than mere looks, the Mokka GSE has some legitimate elements that make it much more than your average compact electric crossover.
Primary Exterior Highlights:
- 20-inch alloy wheels give it an assured wide and planted stance.
- Imposing yellow brake calipers pop through the wheel wells with undeniable performance output.
- Custom GSE bumpers and extended side skirts enhanced aerodynamics while adding a little visual flair.
- A lowered suspension made the car sit lower with less wheel gap , attributed to improved stance.
These many tweaks turned the once shudder of a Mokka into a sharp roadside collector that would not look out of place in a suburb or shredding through a backroad burner.
Designed for Performance, Not Just Looks
While a lot of electric crossovers play it safe, the Mokka GSE takes risks - and it pays off. This isn't just about straight line performance. Here, Opel focused on a more balanced driving experience on the whole.
Under the Hood (or floor):
- A single front-mounted electric motor with a total output of 278 hp and 345 Nm of torque.
- 0-62 mph in just 5.9 seconds making it the fastest EV that Opel has built yet.
- Top speed of 124 mph for highway sprints or weekend drives.
- Bespoke chassis and suspension with a stiffer rear axle and sharper steering.
- Limited-slip diff to help on cornering grip.
What makes it thrilling, though, is that Opel drew from its own experience with rally racing—specifically what they learned from the Mokka GSe prototype that participated in off-road competition. The outcome is a compact SUV, and yet it feels like a performance hatch to drive.
Sporty Inside, But Still Smart and Comfortable
The Mokka GSE's interior is an area which is where it becomes quite unexpected premium for its segment. Opel has chosen not to throw in gimmicks here, but concentrate on driver enjoyment and functional sportiness.
Interior Features:
- Alcantara sport seats with yellow stitching means you are getting a racing-inspired look.
- Flat-top/flat-bottom steering wheel so it feels sporty in your hands.
- The 10-inch digital instrument cluster on the dash has unique GSE graphics.
- The aluminum pedals give it a raw motorsport feel.
- Due to it being roomy enough for small families with rear seats that fold away for potential cargo space.
It's sporty without being punishing - exactly what you want in a performance-oriented EV that can still do daily life.
Practical Range, Fast Charging, and Everyday Usability
Opel made sure that the Mokka GSE remained practical for the day to day despite it being on the high-performance end of the EV spectrum, while avoiding range and charging compromise.
Charging Options and Range:
- 54 kWh battery pack (utilizable ~50.8 kWh)
- Estimated range of 200 to 250 miles (WLTP), fully suited for both suburban and urban drivers in the U.S.
- Supports 100 kW DC fast-charging, you can get a 20-80% charge in about 30 min.
- Compatible with 11 kW AC home charging, good for topping off at night.
Whether you’re commuting, road-tripping, or just putting around town, this EV can keep up with you and your lifestyle without concern for range anxiety.
Mokka GSE’s Secret Sauce — Rally DNA
The fun thing about the Mokka GSE compared to other higher-performing EVs is that there is a motorsport-inspired connection—rally racing. Opel put a high-performing Mokka through rigorous testing under real-world conditions that were less than ideal, which took some of that development and put it into the GSE. Notably there are custom dampers, suspension adjustments, and settings for the traction control to give more feedback to the driver to maximize the experience.
It is a fairly unique heritage that gives it a feel as compared to other EVs, while the performance is encouraging you to perform better, it makes you feel just part of the experience.
Opel Mokka GSE Specification
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Conclusion
The Opel Mokka GSE is not just another electric SUV; it is a force to be reckoned with. Its edgy looks, GSE-tuned suspension, 278 hp motor makes it a legit performance vehicle, and adds some genuine excitement in a segment dominated by practicality and softness. Whether you call it Opel in Europe or Vauxhall in the UK, this crossover shows that EVs can be just as thrilling and sporty as their gasoline-powered brothers and sisters. While it is still up in the air that the Mokka GSE will make it to the U.S., it has clearly set the tone that the future of electric driving need not be boring.
Source(Image / Thumbnail): carscoops