Subaru Solterra electric crossover: price drop for e-Subaru

You have summer 2019 Subaru and shareholder Toyota announced the joint development of electric cars for both brands. As part of the partnership, Toyota is responsible for the powertrain, while Subaru brings its four-wheel drive expertise to the project. The first model that Subaru builds on the ‘E-TNGA’ (Electric Toyota New Global Architecture) electric platform is the Solterra. The compact crossover celebrated its public premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show in the fall of 2021.

The word Solterra consists of the Latin terms “Sol” (sun) and “Terra” (earth). With this, Subaru wants to express its respect for nature and highlight the best environmental impact of an electric drive.

Solterra not exclusively with four-wheel drive

By the way, Subaru calls the E-Subaru Global Platform. It was designed with flexibility by Toyota and allows for front, rear and all-wheel drive. Unusual for Subaru: Like the Toyota BZ4X, the Solterra will also be available with front-wheel drive. In this arrangement, a 150 kW / 204 hp electric motor is used on the front axle. The configuration of the unit that debuted in Los Angeles is a better fit for the brand. Combined, the two deliver 80 kW / 109 HP and a maximum of 168.5 Nm of electric motors, each of which drives an axle and thus ensures four-wheel drive, an output of 160 kW / 218 HP and a maximum torque of 336 Nm. Perhaps more power will be released for a later STI version.

Subaru took care of the development of the four-wheel drive itself. The assistance systems called ‘Star-Drive’ and ‘X-Mode’ distribute the drive power between the wheels in a way that optimizes traction depending on the driving situation, weather and ground conditions. Away from paved roads, the “Grip Control” technology, which includes, among other things, start and descent assistant, ensures confident progress.

WLTP range up to 500 km

The lithium-ion battery located under the body has a capacity of 71.4 kilowatt-hours. The front-wheel drive car, which weighs 1.9 tons, should travel up to 500 kilometers according to the WLTP standard. Subaru specifies a WLTP range of 466km for the all-wheel drive vehicle, which weighs more than two tonnes and is the only model version confirmed for Germany so far. The Solterra can be recharged with a charging power between 6.6 kW (AC) and 150 kW (DC). With the latter, an empty battery can be filled to 80 percent of its capacity in 30 minutes. The intensity of the recovery can also be affected by the driver’s seat.

Otherwise, the dimensions of the E model are based on the Toyota twin. It is 4.69 meters long, 1.86 meters wide and 1.65 meters high. Subaru specifies the five-seater’s wheelbase as 2.85 meters. The fact that the Solterra can handle a bit off-road is emphasized by the 21cm ground clearance. The front-wheel drive vehicle rolls on 18-inch wheels with 235/60 tires, the four-wheel drive version can be optionally equipped with 20-inch wheels and 235/50 tires.

Subaru Grill appears to be closed

Visually, the Solterra is also based on the Toyota BZ4X. The radiator grille is largely closed, the wheel arches and body edges are heavily covered in plastic. With its coupé-like roof profile, the Solterra follows the current trend towards crossover models. Then the infrastructure fully corresponds to conventional SUV lines.

For the interior, Subaru provides the latest version of infotainment and connectivity. The Japanese placed a 12.3-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard. There is an additional digital cockpit in front of the driver. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also integrated, as is the ability to wirelessly charge smartphones and remotely control certain car functions via an app. The luggage compartment holds between 453 and 497 liters with the rear seat up – depending on whether the boot floor is in the up or down position.

Extensively equipped Eye-Sight system

The assistance package, traditionally called “Eye-Sight” at Subaru, includes technologies such as a blind spot warning system with lane change assistant and a system that detects passing traffic from behind during maneuvers and integrates an automatic brake if detected obstacle. when you park. The Solterra is the first Subaru ever to have an optional 360-degree surround view camera and a warning system that detects traffic approaching from behind when you get out. The LED headlights work together with a high-beam assistant as standard.

The new one is on the market Subaru Solterra from mid-2022 With manageable success: According to the Federal Motor Vehicle Authority (KBA), just 325 units have been newly registered in Germany since its launch (on 31 May 2024). The manufacturer now wants to counter this with a huge price cut. Depending on the model variant, the Solterra is between 8,100 and 8,500 euros cheaper. There is also a discount campaign: Anyone who buys an off-the-shelf copy between July 1 and September 30 and registers it no later than the end of the year will benefit from the Subaru environmental bonus of 7,500 euros. In total, the Solterra is up to €16,000 cheaper than before during this period.

Solterra base model 8,500 euros cheaper

Regular prices in Germany currently start at €49,990 instead of €58,490. The Solterra is available in the basic Comfort version. Among other things, there is dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-opening tailgate, a power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats and the described assistance package.

Above that is the Platinum version, which costs at least €52,890 (previously €60,990). Equipment here also includes things like a Harman/Kardon audio system, 20-inch wheels, and heated front and rear seats that have simulated leather covers. The role of the top model is Solterra Platinum Plus, which the Japanese now offer from 53,890 instead of 61,990 euros. As a USP, it offers a panoramic glass roof, whose electrically adjustable sun visor opens on demand via voice command.

With an eight-year comprehensive warranty

There is an eight-year warranty of up to 160,000 kilometers free of charge for all equipment lines, which, in addition to the classic vehicle protection, also includes a pan-European mobility and battery warranty. This covers all the important components: from the drive, braking and steering to the electrical system. Subaru guarantees that the energy storage system will not drop below 70 percent of its capacity over the time or mileage period. To maintain full warranty protection, maintenance intervals (once a year or every 15,000 km) must be observed.