2022 all-electric Subaru Solterra 12 | 11 | 2021
SUBARU HAS UNVEILED its first all-electric car. Badged the Solterra, the SUV shares its mechanicals, as well as many of its body panels, with the recently debuted Toyota bZ4x. The Subaru, which has a maximum range of around 330 miles, will go on-sale in mid-2022. (Related: Toyota's first all-electric SUV, the bZ4x)
Measuring 4690mm in length, plus being1860mm wide and 1650mm tall, it’s around the same size as the current-generation Forester. Powered by a 71.4kWh battery pack, buyers will be able to choose from two powertrains. The entry-level is a single-motor system, which produces 201bhp and has a range of around 330 miles. (Related: Colin McRae — A Day in History)
But there will also be a dual-motor, four-wheel-drive version delivering a combined output of 215bhp. There is thought a drop-off in range, with miles falling to around 285 miles from a full charge.
Unlike the bZ4x, the Solterra gets Subaru’s X-Mode AWD drivetrain setting, which the company says was designed for rough roads and is specifically aimed at further improving safety and handling stability. Cleverly the system can distribute the torque between the front and rear axles to provide the most grip possible. (Related: Subaru reveals XV e-Boxer)
While the front-wheel drive version gets 18in wheels as standard, the 4WD variant can be fitted with either 18 or 20in alloys. As for the rest of the Subaru’s specification, we’ll have to wait. The company hasn’t release any more spec details.
What we do know is the Solterra’s cabin closely resembles that of the Toyota. The both share the same high centre console and humungous Tesla-like infotainment system in the centre of the dashboard, plus the same digital gauge cluster.
Related: VW ID.5 arrives with 323-mile range
Keep up-to-date with all the latest news by following us on Instagram and Twitter
Jim McGill