The Opel Frontera, reintroduced in 2024, represents a significant departure from its predecessors, embracing a fully electric powertrain. This iteration of the Frontera is positioned as an affordable, family-focused SUV, aiming to capture a segment of the rapidly growing electric vehicle market. Specifically, the 44 kWh (113 Hp) Electric variant serves as the entry point into the Frontera lineup, offering a balance of range, practicality, and cost. Production commenced in July 2024, marking Opel’s commitment to electrification and a reimagining of a historically rugged nameplate.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Frontera |
| Generation | Frontera (2024) |
| Type (Engine) | 44 kWh (113 Hp) Electric |
| Start of production | July, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | BEV (Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 140 km/h (86.99 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 11.5 kg/Nm |
| Gross battery capacity | 44 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range (WLTP) | 305 km (189.52 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (WLTP) | 18.2-18.5 kWh/100 km (29.29 – 29.77 kWh/100 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (MPGe) | 115 – 113 |
| Average Energy consumption (km/kWh) | 5.5 – 5.4 |
| Average Energy consumption (mi/kWh) | 3.4 – 3.4 |
| Electric motor power | 113 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 125 Nm @ 5270 rpm (92.2 lb.-ft. @ 5270 rpm) |
| Electric motor location | Front axle, Transverse |
| System power | 113 Hp |
| System torque | 125 Nm @ 5270 rpm (92.2 lb.-ft. @ 5270 rpm) |
| Kerb Weight | 1439 kg (3172.45 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 2030 kg (4475.38 lbs) |
| Max load | 591 kg (1302.93 lbs) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 460 l (16.24 cu. ft) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1594 l (56.29 cu. ft) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 350 kg (771.62 lbs) |
| Length | 4385 mm (172.64 in) |
| Width | 1795 mm (70.67 in) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1849 mm (72.8 in) |
| Width including mirrors | 2020 mm (79.53 in) |
| Height | 1655 mm (65.16 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2670 mm (105.12 in) |
| Front track | 1552 mm (61.1 in) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1559 mm (61.38 in) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.5 m (37.73 ft) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | One electric motor drives the front wheels. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 1 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16; 215/60 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The 2024 Opel Frontera 44 kWh Electric utilizes a single electric motor driving the front wheels, representing a fundamental shift from the combustion engines found in earlier Frontera models. The motor produces 113 horsepower and 125 Nm (92.2 lb-ft) of torque at 5270 rpm. The powertrain is built around a 44 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery pack, strategically positioned under the vehicle floor to optimize weight distribution and passenger space. LiFePO4 chemistry is favored for its enhanced thermal stability and longer lifespan compared to traditional Lithium-ion batteries. The single-speed automatic transmission provides seamless power delivery, characteristic of electric vehicles. The absence of a multi-gear transmission simplifies the drivetrain and contributes to the vehicle’s efficiency.
Driving Characteristics
The Frontera 44 kWh Electric offers a driving experience geared towards practicality and ease of use. Acceleration is modest, with a 0-60 mph time of around 11.5 seconds, and a 0-100 km/h time of 12.1 seconds. While not designed for performance enthusiasts, the instant torque delivery of the electric motor provides adequate responsiveness for everyday driving situations. The single-speed transmission ensures smooth, linear acceleration. Compared to potential future, higher-output Frontera variants, this base model prioritizes range and efficiency over outright speed. The front-wheel-drive configuration contributes to a lower overall weight, further enhancing efficiency, but may offer less traction in adverse weather conditions compared to all-wheel-drive options (if offered in higher trims).
Equipment & Trim Levels
The base 44 kWh Electric trim of the Frontera typically includes standard features such as air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and a suite of safety features including ABS and electronic stability control. Interior upholstery is generally cloth, with a functional and durable design. Optional extras may include alloy wheels, a larger touchscreen display, and advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The overall interior design emphasizes practicality and family-friendliness, with ample storage compartments and comfortable seating for five passengers.
Chassis & Braking
The Frontera 44 kWh Electric utilizes an independent McPherson strut suspension setup at the front, providing a comfortable ride and responsive handling. The rear suspension employs a torsion beam configuration, a cost-effective and space-saving solution. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear, a common configuration for vehicles in this price segment. Electric steering provides light and precise steering feel. Tire sizes typically range from 215/65 R16 to 215/60 R17, depending on the trim level and wheel size.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Frontera 44 kWh Electric has been generally well-received as an affordable entry point into the electric SUV market. Critics have praised its practicality, spacious interior, and competitive pricing. However, some have noted its modest performance and relatively limited range compared to some rivals. Compared to other trims in the Frontera lineup (should Opel offer them), the 44 kWh Electric prioritizes affordability and efficiency, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers and those primarily using the vehicle for urban commuting. Its energy consumption of 18.2-18.5 kWh/100km translates to approximately 115-113 MPGe, making it relatively efficient for its class.
Legacy
As a relatively new model, the long-term reliability of the Frontera 44 kWh Electric powertrain remains to be fully established. However, the use of LiFePO4 battery technology suggests a potentially longer lifespan and improved thermal stability compared to earlier electric vehicles. The simplicity of the electric drivetrain, with fewer moving parts than a combustion engine, also contributes to potentially lower maintenance costs. In the used car market, the Frontera 44 kWh Electric is expected to hold its value reasonably well, particularly as demand for affordable electric vehicles continues to grow. Its position as the entry-level model will likely make it a popular choice for first-time EV buyers.
