The Vauxhall Mokka GSE represents a significant milestone for the British brand, marking its most ambitious entry into the electric performance vehicle segment. Launched in late 2025, this compact SUV revives the storied GSE (Grand Sport Electric) badge with a clear mission: to deliver engaging driving dynamics wrapped in practical, everyday packaging. With 281 horsepower on tap and rally-inspired chassis tuning, the Mokka GSE aims to challenge the growing field of performance EVs whilst maintaining the accessibility Vauxhall is known for.
Priced at £35,495 after the £1,500 Electric Car Grant, the Mokka GSE undercuts established rivals whilst offering genuine performance credentials. It’s Vauxhall’s fastest production electric vehicle to date, capable of reaching 62mph in just 5.9 seconds. However, this performance-focused approach comes with compromises in range and refinement that potential buyers need to carefully consider against their driving needs and expectations.
Exterior Design and Styling
The Mokka GSE presents an understated yet purposeful stance on the road, eschewing the overtly aggressive styling of some rivals in favour of subtle performance cues. Measuring 4,150mm in length, 1,987mm in width, and 1,534mm in height, it maintains the compact proportions that make the standard Mokka so practical for urban environments. The most noticeable changes include a high-gloss black sports bumper with performance air inlets, GSE side badging, and a lowered ride height of 10mm compared to the regular Mokka Electric. The 20-inch diamond-cut bi-colour alloy wheels fill the arches impressively, wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres that telegraph the car’s performance intentions.
Painted brake calipers peek through the spokes, whilst the black roof and GSE accents add visual interest without veering into boy-racer territory. This restraint works both ways: some appreciate the under-the-radar approach that allows the Mokka GSE to blend into traffic when desired, whilst others find it disappointingly subtle compared to the more theatrical Abarth 600e. The compact SUV silhouette provides a commanding driving position and decent road presence, though it lacks the low-slung aggression of traditional hot hatches. Overall, the exterior strikes a balance between everyday usability and sporting intent, making it suitable for both school runs and spirited back-road drives.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, Vauxhall has made more concerted efforts to differentiate the GSE from its mainstream siblings. Black GSE Alcantara performance bucket seats dominate the cabin, featuring integrated headrests and yellow contrast stitching that matches the theme found throughout the interior. Alcantara door inserts, alloy-effect sports pedals, and a vegan leather steering wheel create a purposeful environment that feels appropriately focused. The heated front seats add a welcome touch of comfort for British winters, whilst the driving position offers good visibility thanks to the elevated SUV stance. However, space is merely adequate rather than generous—rear passengers enjoy reasonable headroom and legroom for the class, but the boot capacity disappoints at approximately 350 litres, falling below segment norms and limiting practicality for family use or weekend trips.
The technology suite centres around a 10-inch touchscreen running Vauxhall’s latest infotainment system, complete with satellite navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and GSE-specific performance graphics including a G-force display. Intelli-Lux matrix LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and enhanced emergency braking come as standard, providing a comprehensive safety package. Under the bonnet—or rather, beneath the floor—sits a 54kWh lithium-ion battery feeding a front-mounted electric motor that delivers 207kW (281PS) and 345Nm of torque in Sport mode. Three drive modes alter the power delivery: Eco restricts output to 190PS and 300Nm with a 93mph top speed, Normal provides 231PS and 345Nm up to 112mph, whilst Sport unleashes the full 281 horses and a 124mph maximum. The 0-62mph sprint takes 5.9 seconds, offering genuinely quick acceleration that feels immediate thanks to electric torque delivery, though some testers note a slight hesitation from standstill and fading urgency at higher speeds.
Driving Dynamics and Performance
Where the Mokka GSE truly distinguishes itself is in its chassis engineering. Vauxhall has fitted a JTEKT Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential—a rarity in this segment—alongside 4-piston Alcon front brakes with 380mm ventilated discs borrowed from rally applications. The suspension features springs that are 49% stiffer at the front and 35% stiffer at the rear compared to the standard Mokka, whilst the rear anti-roll bar boasts a 189% increase in stiffness. Hydraulic bump stops and rally-inspired damper tuning complete the package, working in concert with a quicker 14.5:1 steering rack. At 1,597kg, the kerb weight is substantial but competitive for an electric vehicle, and the combination of hardware delivers impressive body control with minimal roll through corners. The limited-slip differential proves particularly effective, helping to pull the car out of bends with confidence and reducing understeer compared to open-differential rivals.
The steering provides decent weight and response, building driver confidence on twisting roads, though ultimate feedback remains muted—a common trait in modern electric vehicles. Regenerative braking offers only a single level of adjustment and feels relatively mild, with Sport mode disabling it entirely for more natural pedal feel. The Alcon brakes deliver powerful stopping force but can feel soft or require more pedal travel than expected, which takes acclimatisation. The trade-off for this dynamic prowess comes in ride quality: the firm setup proves punishing over potholes and broken surfaces, particularly at lower speeds, whilst tyre and road noise intrude noticeably on motorway runs. The Mokka GSE excels on smooth B-roads and track environments, where its tenacity and balance shine, but it’s less forgiving as a daily driver on typical British roads than softer rivals.
Range, Efficiency, and Charging Capabilities
The official WLTP range stands at up to 209 miles with optional tyres, or 201 miles with the standard Michelin Pilot Sport EVs fitted to most examples. Real-world figures tell a different story: expect around 150-170 miles in mixed driving conditions, dropping to approximately 100 miles when exploring the performance envelope regularly. Efficiency hovers around 2.7-3.0 miles per kWh in testing, notably lower than the standard Mokka Electric due to the wider tyres, sportier aerodynamics, and increased weight of performance components. For context, this represents a 20-30% reduction in range compared to more efficiency-focused EVs in the compact SUV class, which may prove limiting for longer journeys or those without regular charging access.
Charging capabilities include 100kW DC fast charging that replenishes the battery from 0-80% in approximately 30 minutes, alongside 11kW AC charging that completes a full charge in around 5 hours. The Mokka GSE also features vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, allowing owners to power external devices, and an 80% charge limit function to preserve battery longevity. The battery carries an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty guaranteeing at least 70% capacity retention, providing reasonable peace of mind for long-term ownership. Service intervals are set at 16,000 miles or two years after the initial service, with running costs benefiting from zero CO2 emissions and the associated tax advantages. Insurance sits in group 24E, which is moderate for a performance vehicle but higher than mainstream electric SUVs.
How It Suits UK Driving and Daily Life
The Mokka GSE’s positioning in the British market reveals both opportunities and challenges for potential owners. Britain’s varied road network—from congested urban centres to flowing A-roads and occasionally rough rural lanes—demands versatility that the Mokka GSE delivers with mixed results. The compact dimensions prove invaluable for navigating tight city streets and multi-storey car parks, whilst the elevated SUV stance aids visibility in heavy traffic. The performance on tap makes motorway merging and overtaking effortless, though the firm ride and road noise become tiresome on longer journeys. Britain’s temperate climate suits electric vehicle ownership reasonably well, though cold winters will inevitably reduce the already-modest range further, potentially causing range anxiety for those without home charging.
From a practical standpoint, Vauxhall’s extensive UK dealer network ensures maintenance and servicing remain accessible across the country, with parts availability and technician familiarity far exceeding more exotic rivals. The brand recognition carries less prestige than premium German alternatives but resonates with buyers seeking value and practicality over badge snobbery. For enthusiastic drivers living in areas with well-maintained roads and access to charging infrastructure, the Mokka GSE offers genuine entertainment at a palatable price. However, those facing daily commutes over poorly surfaced roads, regular long-distance travel, or limited charging access may find the compromises harder to accept. The vehicle’s character suits weekend fun and spirited driving more naturally than grinding commuter duties, making it potentially ideal as a second car rather than sole family transport.
How It Competes in the Market
In terms of direct rivals, the Mokka GSE undercuts the Abarth 600e (£39,885) and Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce (£42,305) by significant margins whilst offering comparable power outputs and performance. The Abarth provides similar thrills with arguably more theatrical styling and soundtrack, though its higher price and similar range limitations make the Vauxhall appear financially sensible by comparison. The Cupra Born VZ offers more space and range for similar money but lacks the Mokka GSE’s focused chassis hardware. Looking beyond pure electric rivals, traditionally-powered performance crossovers like the Hyundai Kona N provide petrol-fuelled alternatives with no range anxiety but higher running costs and emissions. The Mokka GSE’s £35,495 price point positions it as an accessible entry to electric performance, though buyers must accept that “affordable” comes with compromises in refinement and range compared to more expensive alternatives.
Resale values remain somewhat uncertain given the model’s recent launch, though Vauxhall’s historical depreciation rates suggest moderate rather than exceptional value retention. The limited production numbers and GSE badge’s exclusivity may help somewhat, particularly if the model develops cult appeal amongst enthusiasts. Maintenance costs should remain low given the simplified electric drivetrain, though the specialist rally-derived components like the Torsen differential and Alcon brakes may prove costlier to service or replace than mainstream alternatives. Durability concerns centre primarily on the battery’s longevity and the suspension’s ability to withstand Britain’s deteriorating road surfaces, though the comprehensive warranty provides some reassurance. Overall, the Mokka GSE offers strong value proposition for those prioritising driving engagement and upfront cost over ultimate refinement or maximum practicality.
Final Verdict
The Vauxhall Mokka GSE succeeds in its core mission of delivering accessible electric performance wrapped in everyday packaging, even if the execution reveals inevitable compromises. The rally-inspired chassis components, limited-slip differential, and powerful motor combine to create genuinely engaging driving dynamics that reward enthusiastic inputs on the right roads. At £35,495, it significantly undercuts more prestigious rivals whilst offering comparable performance and comprehensive standard equipment. However, potential buyers must carefully weigh the firm ride quality, elevated road noise, and modest real-world range against their personal priorities and usage patterns.
This is ultimately a car for enthusiasts who value driving engagement over maximum comfort or efficiency, and who have realistic expectations about electric vehicle ownership. It won’t satisfy those seeking hot hatch thrills in their sole family car, nor will it appeal to buyers prioritising refinement and range above all else. But for drivers wanting an affordable taste of electric performance without stretching to premium pricing, the Mokka GSE delivers genuine competence and character. What’s your take on Vauxhall’s electric performance ambitions—does the Mokka GSE strike the right balance between fun and practicality, or do the compromises prove too significant? Share your thoughts below.
