The creator of the legendary WRX, Subaru, announced its first BEV, the Solterra, packing a dual-motor 218 hp configuration and a 71.4-kWh battery pack.
Subaru is a company that catered to full-time car purists with vehicles that handled extremely well and responded almost instantly to drivers’ inputs. As we all know, the carmaker is steeped in rally history thanks to legendary pilots such as Colin McRae (1995-1997), Richard Burns (2001), and Petter Sollberg (2003), securing the WRC crown on the WRX for the World Rally team. In treasuring its lineage from the past, Subaru opened a new chapter into the world of electric vehicles with a high-tech crossover going by the alias Solterra.
The name denotes a Latin word meaning ‘sun’ and ‘earth,’ indicating the automaker’s focus towards environment-friendly and emission-free travel. The Solterra is predominantly based on Toyota’s bZ4X, although Subaru added its styling twist to make it stand apart from the crowd.
As with all EVs, the lack of an ICE means that the intake grille is replaced with a hexagonal plastic panel, which looks like a fusion between a RAV4 and a Mustang Mach-E. All-LED headlamps with customary C-shaped DRLs complement the looks, along with a small radiator grille, fog lamps, and sleek air curtains.
The side profile is similar to the bZ4X, with contrasting wheel arches, windows, and body lines. Thankfully, Subaru implemented a new set of 18-inch five-spoke alloys that look rather neat. There are no changes in the rear-end, too, except for the Subaru badge.
The Solterra will be built on Subaru’s e-Subaru Global Platform, specifically designed to handle an electric powertrain. The core part of the chassis includes the 71.4 kWh battery pack, mounted below for a low center of gravity. The battery supports DC charging speeds of up to 150 kW, enough for a 0-80% charge in 30 minutes.
Furthermore, the manufacturer also increased the overall rigidity by reinforcing the chassis to the driveline and e-axle to articulate as one unit. Additionally, it also made changes to the monocoque structure to enhance crash protection.
The best part, though? The Solterra will be available in an exclusive AWD configuration with two electric motors producing 218 hp. The clever X-Mode AWD and Grip Control system should allow for a good amount of off-roading!
Subaru also equipped the Solterra with a contemporary cabin design, a carbon copy of bZ4X’s. It is dominated by a 12.3-inch infotainment system with standard phone connectivity features plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The crossover also neatly integrates quirks like the digital driver’s display, shift-by-wire, heated steering wheel, and seats.
The Solterra will start rolling out across the world in mid-2022, heating the already crowded EV space. Subaru will announce prices at a later date, although we expect it to be competitive.
Gallery: 2023 Subaru Solterra
