What Is It?
So, what’s this then? The Vauxhall Mokka GSE is the most powerful version of Vauxhall’s small electric SUV so far—and it’s got a bit of oomph about it. The GSE badge used to be slapped on the faster petrol and diesel Vauxhalls back in the day, but now it’s back with a spark. Based on the same e-CMP platform as a few other Stellantis cars, this one's got more punch and sportier handling than the standard Mokka Electric.
With 281 bhp under your right foot and suspension that’s been properly tightened up, the GSE feels more like a hot hatch pretending to be an SUV. If you’re after something electric that’s fun but still fits family life, this could be worth a look. It squares up nicely against stuff like the Peugeot e-2008 GT, the zippy MG4 XPower, and even the Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce.
Exterior Design
You won’t miss it, that’s for sure. The Mokka GSE looks like it means business, helped by those chunky 20-inch alloys and grippy Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres. If you're more into eking out miles than cornering hard, you can swap to Goodyear Eagle F1s. Either way, it’s rocking bright yellow brake calipers squeezing over hefty 380 mm Alcon discs up front.
You still get the familiar Vizor front end, but the whole car sits lower and looks meaner thanks to the firmed-up suspension. There’s a black roof, contrast trim bits, and GSE badges here and there—nothing too shouty, just enough to let people know this isn’t your standard Mokka.
Engine & Powertrain
Underneath it all, there’s a single electric motor up front chucking out 281 bhp (207 kW) and 345 Nm of torque. That’s enough to get you from 0–62 mph in just 5.9 seconds, which puts it up there with some seriously quick electric motors.
It runs off a 54 kWh battery (you actually get 51 kWh of usable charge), and depending on the tyres, you’re looking at 201 to 209 miles of official range. But if you’re using all the performance in Sport mode, you’ll more likely see around 150 miles between charges—pretty normal for something this quick.
Charging’s straightforward. If you’re rapid charging at 100 kW, you can go from 0–80% in about half an hour. Got an 11 kW home wallbox? That’ll charge it up nicely, too. And there’s a handy vehicle-to-load feature if you fancy powering a kettle or some tools off it while you’re out and about.
Efficiency-wise, it manages around 3.4 miles per kWh on the WLTP test cycle, which is decent for something with this much poke.
Ride & Handling
Here’s where it gets fun. The Mokka GSE isn’t just a numbers game—it’s genuinely enjoyable to drive. The steering’s been made sharper, the suspension’s tighter, and it just feels more sorted. There’s a seriously beefed-up rear anti-roll bar (nearly twice as stiff as standard), upgraded bits on the front end, and hydraulic bump stops all round.
That all means you can chuck it into corners with confidence. There’s even a mechanical Torsen limited-slip diff up front—unusual at this price, and very effective when you’re booting it out of a tight bend. You can toggle between Eco, Normal and Sport modes, depending on whether you want range, comfort, or full send.
Even with all the sporty tweaks, it doesn’t beat you up on the daily commute. The damping’s well sorted, and the bucket seats are supportive whether you’re doing the school run or a country blast.
Interior & Tech
Inside, it feels like someone’s thought about what makes a sporty electric car enjoyable. You’ve got Alcantara™ seats that are comfy, supportive, heated, and electrically adjustable in six ways. Even the vegan leather steering wheel is heated, adding to the warmed-up vibe in here.
Two 10-inch screens take care of your dials and infotainment, and they’ve got some fun GSE-specific graphics like battery status, G-forces, and acceleration data—pure bragging rights at the pub.
You also get wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, ambient lighting, a wireless charging pad, and a six-speaker sound system. Back seat passengers get USB ports, though there’s no fancy entertainment setup for them. It’s clear the front seat experience is the main focus here, and the kit list holds its own in this class.
As for safety tech, there’s a decent amount baked in: Adaptive Cruise with Stop & Go, Lane Assist, Forward Collision Alert and even Drowsy Driver Detection. So you’re not trading peace of mind for performance.
Practicality
Despite the sporty angle, the GSE doesn’t forget it’s still a compact SUV. Space-wise, it's comfortable for what it is, and while it’s not featherweight (1,597 kg before you jump in), it hasn’t compromised cabin space too much.
The boot space is decent as well. You’ve got a flat load floor and folding rear seats if you’re shifting bigger bits. And that vehicle-to-load feature? That adds a bit of real-world flexibility—handy for outdoorsy types or anyone who fancies making coffee wherever they park up.
Verdict
The Vauxhall Mokka GSE strikes a decent balance between fun and everyday practicality. Starting at £36,995—and dipping to as low as £35,495 with a bit of grant help—it’s good value for what you’re getting. There’s even a £500 home charging credit and 10,000 miles of free charging if you’re with Octopus Go, which is a nice little bonus.
Compared to rivals like the Peugeot e-2008 GT and Jeep Avenger, it's quicker and better specced. Go head-to-head with the MG4 XPower or the Smart #1 Brabus, and while they might be quicker still, you'll likely find them pricier or a bit less comfy on the daily drive.