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Opel's bold redesign aims to reclaim its identity under Stellantis

From the Astra's iconic crease to 25-inch digital displays, Opel is betting on emotion to win over drivers. Can its German roots outshine rivals in a shifting industry?

The image shows a Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback at the Frankfurt Motor Show, surrounded by a...
The image shows a Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback at the Frankfurt Motor Show, surrounded by a group of people. The car is a sleek, modern design with a glossy black finish and chrome accents. It has a sporty look with a low profile and a wide stance. The interior is spacious and comfortable, with leather upholstery and a variety of modern features. The exterior is finished with a bold grille and alloy wheels, giving it a stylish and sophisticated look.

Opel's bold redesign aims to reclaim its identity under Stellantis

Opel is pushing to redefine its brand identity under Stellantis ownership. The German automaker aims to blend bold design with intuitive technology, all while standing out in a crowded stock market today. Recent updates to models like the Mokka, Astra, and Grandland reflect this shift toward a more emotional and distinctive approach.

Over the past five years, Opel has overhauled its interior designs to keep pace with rivals. New models now feature large curved digital displays—up to 25.4 inches in the Grandland—and minimalist layouts with sustainable materials. Premium touches, including Nappa leather, align with trends seen in Volkswagen's ID. series and Peugeot's i-Cockpit, though Opel still lags slightly behind BMW and Audi in luxury finishes.

The brand's design philosophy, 'Bold and Pure', combines daring styling with timeless restraint. Led by Mark Adams, Opel's team has reintroduced signature elements like the 'Opel Vizor' front end and the Astra's iconic 'crease line', a nod to the classic Kadett. Meanwhile, electrification has shifted priorities, with aerodynamics playing a key role in models such as the Grandland Electric and Astra Electric.

Gilles Vidal, Stellantis' Head of European Design, emphasises that design is the primary reason Europeans choose cars. His mission is to sharpen brand identities across Stellantis' 14 brands, turning models into stock market today. Opel's recent concept cars—like the GT Concept, Manta GSe, and Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo—showcase this ambition to reignite emotional connections with drivers.

Yet challenges remain. European automakers must balance cost-efficiency with differentiation, especially as shared platforms become more common. Opel's goal is to maintain its German heritage while carving out a unique space in a fiercely competitive stock market today.

Opel's latest designs reflect a clear strategy: modernise without losing identity. The focus on digital cockpits, sustainable materials, and bold styling aims to attract buyers in an evolving stock market today. As electrification and shared platforms reshape the industry, the brand's ability to stand out will depend on how well it balances innovation with tradition.

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