Subaru Solterra in Australia for testing

First electric vehicle for Subaru, the Solterra, to arrive in Australia in 2023

Solterra – Subaru will introduce its first electric vehicle to the Australian market with the Solterra confirmed for a 2023 arrival.

Subaru Solterra sneak preview 2022 The all-new Subaru Solterra brings everything you love about Subaru – Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), active safety technology, adventure capabilities and durable, reliable engineering – to an all-electric vehicle.

Built on the e-Subaru Global Platform, a new all-electric vehicle architecture, the Solterra is designed to provide an electric offering without compromising on the brand’s distinctive features and abilities, delivering a vehicle that existing customers can feel is truly a Subaru.

Blair Read, Managing Director Subaru Australia, said: “We are excited to confirm Subaru Australia will continue its electrification journey with the introduction of our first battery electric vehicle, the Solterra, in 2023.

“Solterra starts a new era for Subaru by combining electric vehicle technology with Symmetrical All Wheel Drive. This delivers the all-terrain capability Subaru owners have enjoyed for decades.”

“We look forward to sharing more about the Solterra with Australians soon.”

Subaru Solterra sneak preview 2022

e-SUBARU Global Platform

  • Utilizing the know-how cultivated with the highly recognized Subaru Global Platform, Subaru Corporation have jointly developed the e-Subaru Global Platform as a BEV-dedicated platform. The e-Subaru Global Platform enables a driving experience with superior driving dynamics, that brings high stability and handling linearly responds to driver’s steering operation.

First electric vehicle for Subaru, the Solterra, to arrive in Australia in 2023. Overseas model shown.

Solterra Driving Performance/AWD System

  • Subaru’s AWD technology and experience now come to an EV. Due to functions of axle motors at the front and rear, power distribution and brake vectoring are controlled continuously and precisely to maintain grip for each wheel. Grip optimised to road conditions assures stable traction on wet or slippery surfaces.
  • Like the other Subaru SUV models, Solterra features the X-Mode AWD control system that enhances the sense of security on rough roads. By adding the new Grip Control function, which enables the vehicle to run at a constant speed while stabilizing the vehicle even on rough roads, the capability is further enhanced.

Subaru Solterra sneak preview 2022

Solterra Exterior and Interior

  • The seamlessly shaped hexagon grille expresses the energy efficiency of a BEV. The body with the horizontal axis starting from that hexagon and the dynamic fenders bulging out from the inside show the strength as an SUV.
  • Solterra’s cockpit layout represents Subaru’s design philosophy: Visibility, Simplicity and Ease-of-use. Essential information for safe driving is displayed on a low-mounted instrument panel and high-visibility console.
  • High-capacity battery packs are placed under the floor as it is a BEV, and by utilizing that battery as a part of the structure, a low centre of gravity and high body strength and rigidity are achieved.

Subaru Solterra sneak preview 2022

Safety

  • By devising the skeleton shape of each part of the body and optimizing the material strength, Solterra achieves both weight reduction and superior collision safety at the same time.
  • In the event of a collision, the structure that transfers the load to multiple body skeletons efficiently absorbs the collision energy. It protects not only the vehicle occupants, but also protects the high-voltage equipment in the BEV.

More details will be available in the lead up to launch. Interested customers are encouraged to register their interest at https://www.subaru.com.au/solterra.

Subaru Solterra sneak preview 2022

Specification of Solterra (Japan model, in-house measurement)

AWD Model
Length × Width × Height (mm)4,690 × 1,860 × 1,650
Cabin length (mm)1,940
Cabin width (mm)1,515
Cabin height (mm)1,160 (normal / solar roof)
1,145 (glass roof)
Seating capacity5
Wheelbase (mm)2,850
Minimum turning radius (m)5.7
Minimum ground clearance (mm)210
Vehicle weight (kg)2,020 ~
Gross vehicle weight (kg)2,295 ~
Cruising range per charge (WLTC, Japan standard) (km)Approx. 460
MotorTypeAC synchronous electric motor
Maximum output (front motor) (kW)80
Maximum output (rear motor) (kW)80
Maximum output (system) (kW)160
Main drive batteryTypeLithium-ion battery
Total power (kWh)71.4
Total voltage (V)355
AC charger maximum output (kW)6.6
DC charging maximum output (kW)150
SteeringRack Assist Type Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Suspension (Front / Rear)Strut-type coil spring / Double wishbone-type coil spring
Brakes (Front / Rear)Ventilated disc / Ventilated disc
DrivelineAll-wheel drive
Wheel18 inch
20 inch
Tyre235/60R18
235/50R20

The specification mentioned throughout this release is in relation to overseas model and is accompanied by overseas imagery. Australian specification will be confirmed closer to launch.

Subaru Solterra sneak preview 2022

About Rob Fraser 2492 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.