Opel Mokka GSE: another electric sports car from Stellantis, but does anyone need it?

The Stellantis Corporation is once again betting on sporty electronics — this time with the new Opel Mokka GSE. Formally, it is a "charged" electric crossover, but in fact, it is the fifth product in the same packaging, tailored to yet another brand. Before this, we already saw Lancia Ypsilon HF, Abarth 600e, Peugeot E-208 GTi, and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce. All of them are built on a modernized version of the e-CMP platform, and now it is Opel's turn.

If you thought, "Haven't we seen this before?", — you are right. But Stellantis seems to be relying on the magic of the image to sell a rather expensive, front-wheel-drive subcompact electric car with a limited range as a stylish novelty.

Hot hatches: nostalgia in an electric version

Once, Opel really knew how to make real hot hatches. Remember the Corsa D OPC of the previous generation with a 1.6-liter turbo engine: 192 hp, and in the Nürburgring version — even 211 hp. And they were affordably priced back then.

Today's reality is quite different. The European market is literally inundated with crossovers, and even in the "small sports car" segment, the gasoline Toyota GR Yaris remains the benchmark. All-wheel drive, aggressive, and with a truly "driver-oriented" character. Yes, the price bites — starting from 51,990 euros in Germany, — but buyers understand what they are paying for. Toyota, having a large fleet of low-emission hybrids, can afford to make such cars without threatening their average corporate CO₂ emissions.

Stellantis, unfortunately, cannot. Therefore, it releases sporty versions of its electric cars that, in essence, differ from the standard ones only in decor, suspension, and firmware.

What is known about the Mokka GSE?

A couple of weeks ago, Opel showed the Mokka GSE Rally — a rally electric crossover concept. Now, the civilian version is approaching, simply called Opel Mokka GSE. While the car undergoes final fine-tuning tests, judging by the fact that they have been "fine-tuning" the same technique for the fifth time — nothing fundamentally new should be expected.

The technical setup is completely identical to the platform siblings:

• Electric motor with 280 hp and 345 Nm of torque

• Drive — exclusively to the front wheels

• Torsen limited-slip differential for better traction control

• Lowered sports suspension, widened track

• Battery — 54 kWh, charging — up to 100 kW

As before, the e-CMP platform (in its new Smart Car version) remains a narrow point. The range — conditional. In "combat" mode with active driving, the real mileage is unlikely to exceed 250 km. No participation in races is meant — it's essentially just a stylish urban electric car with some dynamic potential.

Visually and inside — everything as it should be

As befits a "sports" version, the Mokka GSE will differ externally:

• New bumper and aggressive aerodynamic body kit

• Sports seats in the salon

• Contrasting accents and GSe decor

• Possibly 18- or 19-inch wheels as standard

In short, everything is as it should be according to the marketer's checklist.

Price: expensive but not premium

The official price of the Mokka GSE has not yet been announced, but the benchmarks are already there. In Germany:

• Abarth 600e starts from 44,990 euros (version with 280 hp — from 48,990 euros)

• Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce — from 48,500 euros

Opel — formally a "simpler" brand, so it's logical to expect a price around 40,000–42,000 euros. But even this amount raises questions. After all, by adding a little, you can take the same Toyota GR Yaris and get a car with a real character and drive, not just another unified electric car with an aggressive appearance.

In conclusion

It turns out that Stellantis is launching the same product for the fifth time under different brands, hoping that marketing will do its job. But in conditions where buyers are becoming more technically literate, this may not be enough. The bet on a "sporty" image without real content is working less and less. And although the Opel Mokka GSE will certainly find its buyers — especially among those who want a stylish electric vehicle without pretenses — mass success is unlikely.