New Vauxhall Grandland Plug-in Hybrid: More economy, less tax

If you’re looking at a mid-size SUV lease and want something that blends everyday practicality with low running costs, the new Vauxhall Grandland Plug-in Hybrid is a very welcome addition to the line-up. It completes Vauxhall’s electrified Grandland family, sitting alongside the fully electric and 48V hybrid variants, and arrives with a particularly appealing headline for company car drivers: a 51-mile electric range and a benefit-in-kind rate of just 10% for 2026/27.

It’s not very often a new car offers added tax breaks. Better still, Vauxhall has priced it exactly the same as the hybrid model, making the plug-in option the obvious choice for anyone looking to maximise value as a company car or for salary sacrifice.

If you’re leasing, that pricing decision could make the Grandland plug-in a particularly attractive option.

On-the-road prices start from £36,615, and if you can ignore the many temptations to be found on the options list, even range-topping models sit just below the £40,000 Expensive Car Supplement threshold. The fact that Vauxhall has matched the plug-in hybrid’s pricing to the standard hybrid means you can now choose to drive the more efficient, lower-tax option without paying a premium for it.

For company car users, the appeal of the new Vauxhall Grandland Plug-in Hybrid is even clearer.

Grandland: a tax-saving PHEV

Thanks to its 51-mile electric range, it qualifies for the government’s plug-in hybrid benefit-in-kind easement for 2026/27, placing it in the 10% BiK band. For drivers covering high annual mileages or those who regularly travel into low-emission zones, that represents a significant saving over the course of a lease. The government’s summary of the BiK changes confirms that plug-in hybrids with an electric range of 50 miles or more will benefit from this reduced rate, making the Grandland one of the most tax-efficient SUVs in its class.

To achieve those tax-saving figures, the Grandland Plug-in Hybrid pairs a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine and 21kWh battery, delivering a combined output of 225bhp. That’s enough for 0–62 mph in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 137 mph, but the real story is efficiency.

With 51 miles of electric-only range to play with, many of you will be able to complete your daily journeys without using any petrol at all, while longer trips still benefit from the flexibility of the hybrid system and 55-litre fuel tank. Official figures claim up to 117mpg and CO₂ emissions of just 55 g/km, which is exactly why it qualifies for that little tax break for 2026/27.

Charging is also a straightforward affair. A 3.7 kW on-board charger is standard, with a 7.4 kW unit available as an option. On a domestic socket, a 20–80% charge takes just over nine hours, so an overnight top-up should be all that’s needed to keep the Grandland running primarily on electric power for most drivers. If anyone does require shorter charging times, a 7.4 kW wallbox can reduce that to as little as two hours and fifty-five minutes.

Your choice of Grandland model trims…

As with the rest of the Vauxhall Grandland range, the new plug-in hybrid can be specified in Design, GS, and Ultimate trim, offering the same blend of comfort, refinement, and the latest technology.

Vauxhall’s 3D Vizor grille gives the exterior a clean, modern look, and on GS trim and above the Griffin logo is also illuminated. Ultimate models benefit from Intelli-Lux HD headlights, which use more than 50,000 individual elements to deliver exceptional visibility without dazzling other road users. A range of 19-inch and 20-inch alloy wheels and a contrasting black roof on higher trims add a stylish finishing touch.

Inside, the Grandland Plug-in Hybrid offers a modern cabin with plenty of space for families.

Vauxhall’s ergonomic seats are a highlight, designed to reduce pressure on the tailbone and improve long-distance comfort. On Ultimate variants, the AGR-certified driver’s seats can be upgraded to heated, ventilated Nappa leather seats with a massage function. Practicality is strong too, with 550 litres of boot space and up to 1,645 litres available when the rear seats are folded.

In terms of equipment, even the entry-level Design model is generously equipped, with LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a rear camera, adaptive cruise control, and a 10-inch infotainment system with smartphone connectivity.

Moving up to the GS variant adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and a larger 16-inch touchscreen. Range-topping Ultimate trim brings the full suite of driver-assistance features, including a 360-degree camera, Intelli-Drive 2.0, and head-up display, as well as a premium upgrade for the sound system.

With strong performance, generous equipment, competitive pricing and a company-car-friendly tax position, the new Vauxhall Grandland Plug-in Hybrid is one of the most compelling additions to the mid-size SUV market this year.

It offers the flexibility of electric driving without the commitment of going fully electric, and for many drivers — especially those choosing their next lease — it strikes a very appealing balance between efficiency, practicality and value. Grandland PHEV leasing offers can be found here.