On the road

Here comes the sun

Subaru has rung in the new year with the first customer deliveries of its all-new Solterra EV, the name of which combines the Latin words for ‘sun’ and ‘earth’.

Subaru’s first battery electric model shares its underpinnings with Toyota’s forthcoming bZ4X, but gets bespoke aero-inspired design, plus unique features and pricing.

Available in two grades starting at $77,990 (MLP) for the Solterra AWD and rising to $83,690 for the Solterra AWD Touring, the electric SUV will be the most expensive model in Subaru’s line-up. It will also be one of the roomiest thanks to a generous 2850mm wheelbase and dedicated architecture that packages the 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery beneath the floor.

The dual-motor drivetrain maintains Subaru’s commitment to all-wheel drive traction, with brisk performance promised via 160kW/337Nm outputs and a claimed range of 414km (WLTP).

Standard features of both models include a 12.3-inch high-definition central touchscreen, 7.0-inch digital instrument pod, heated and powered front seats, a heated steering wheel, a powered tailgate, LED headlights and fog lights, and a digital rear-view mirror.

The Solterra AWD Touring adds 20-inch alloy wheels over the base model’s 18s, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a wireless Qi charger and synthetic-leather seat trim among other kit.

Visit the Subaru website to find out more.