Opel Insignia EV version to arrive in the next generation – Report

The next-gen Insignia range will include a first-ever Opel Insignia Electric, says a report from German magazine AutoBild. The EV could be Stellantis’ first electric mid-size model designed keeping European markets in mind. Opel and Vauxhall have said that they will go all-electric in Europe by 2028.

Design

Presently in its second generation, the Opel Insignia will get a complete makeover and enter its third generation in 2024. A concept previewing its design could bridge the three-year gap by next year. Expect the next-gen Insignia to be more aerodynamic so that its electric variant can be as energy efficient as technically possible, within the limits of commercial feasibility.

Currently, the Insignia is available in Grand Sport (sedan), Sports Tourer (estate) versions, and Cross Tourer (cross-estate) versions. In the next generation, instead of the Grand Sport version, a new crossover version that offers a middle ground between an SUV and MPV is planned. That’s according to a report from British magazine AutoExpress, which, if true, could lead to the permanent discontinuation of the Cross Tourer version as well.

Specifications

While the STLA Medium also at its disposal, the Opel Insignia EV reportedly rides on the STLA Large platform, which Stellantis is developing for D and E segment passenger cars. Most STLA Large platform EVs could have electric powertrains with 150-330 kW (201-442 bhp) of power output, but some models could get range-focused 125-180 kW (168-241 bhp) units.

STLA Large platform EVs will have battery packs with 101-118 kWh of installed capacity. The usable capacity will likely be slightly lesser but enough to provide a range of as much as 800 km or 497 miles (company target). It’ll likely be the low-riding and lightweight cars, not crossovers/SUVs, that get closest to the max range target. The Insignia EV could come in a standard-range variant that can travel approx. 250 miles on a full charge and a long-range variant that provides a range of around 400 miles.

The next-gen Opel Insignia will be available in two plug-in hybrid variants, too: a 2WD variant with 225 PS (222 bhp) and an AWD variant with up to 360 PS (355 bhp), as per the German report.

Production

Opel will manufacture the next-gen Insignia in Russelsheim, Germany. The German automaker with the Blitz logo plans to offer electrification across its line-up the latest from 2024. By 2028, its entire product line-up in core Europe will consist exclusively of EVs. The Opel Insignia Electric would compete with the upcoming Peugeot e-5008, its potential technical cousin, and the Skoda Enyaq iV.

Price

Affordability and value for money will be crucial for the success of the electric model, for it’ll still be an Opel. The German publication says that Opel must price the model below EUR 50,000 to get buyers interested.

Expect the 2024 Vauxhall Insignia to inherit the same design, interior and electric configuration for the UK market. In fact, the Auto Express report talks about the Vauxhall Insignia switching to a crossover body style and packing an electric powertrain in the next generation.

Featured Image Source: Stellantis