Subaru will introduce its first fully electric vehicle in Australia this week, called the Solterra. Prices start from $77,990, making it the most expensive Subaru in the showroom.
The Solterra is another joint project between Toyota and Subaru, like with the BRZ and 86 duo. Except this is all about electric vehicle technology and some off-road capability. The project is based on Toyota’s e-TGNA platform, like the Lexus RZ.
Most of the powertrain tech is developed by Toyota and in part with Aisin (partly owned by Toyota) and Denso (also partly owned by Toyota), as well as Panasonic for the battery. The main Subaru element of the Solterra is the all-wheel drive system (FWD models are offered overseas as well).
Australian customers are being presented with two variants; the AWD and the AWD Touring. Both are powered by a 71.4kWh battery that supplies a full-charge range of 414km (WLTP). It feeds a pair of electric motors – front and rear – that develop a combined 160kW and 337Nm.
Performance figures haven’t been mentioned for the Aussie model, but overseas specs suggest a 0-100km/h time of 7.7 seconds for the Toyota version. That’s not all that quick for a dual-motor electric SUV like this and with this price tag, with the Polestar 2 AWD and MG4 XPower capable of completing the sprint in around 4.0 seconds.
Charging power peaks at 150kW using a DC outlet, or 11kW with AC power. Using a 7kW wallbox, which is available as an option, the battery can be topped up from 20-80 per cent charge in 7-8 hours. Or 30 minutes using a 150kW DC charger.
Interestingly, Subaru Australia is offering two option packs for the Solterra. There’s the Bundle 1 that includes an Ocular LTE Plus wallbox for single-phase power (7kW), for $2250, or a ‘Bundle 2’ three-phase wallbox (22kW) for $2645. However, the Solterra is only capable of taking in 11kW of AC power.
Inside, both variants feature a 12.3-inch touch-screen system while the driver views a 7.0-inch digital display. Both also come with a powered tailgate, heated front and rear seats, LED headlights, and a full package of safety systems including a surround-view parking camera.
Moving up to the AWD Touring adds a 10-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system, wireless phone charger, 20-inch alloy wheels (up from 18s), and synthetic leather trim. It also includes a powered front passenger seat (driver seat is powered as standard).
The new model will officially be available for order on November 8 with prices starting from the following (excluding on-road costs):
2024 Subaru Solterra AWD: $77,990
2024 Subaru Solterra AWD Touring: $83,690
