Subaru made the worldwide unveiling of its first ever electric SUV last week. Developed in partnership with Toyota, the Solterra will be a general product targeting the Volkswagen ID.4 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, to name a few.
Based on dimensions similar to those of the Forester, except for its wheelbase which is 18 cm longer, this new model presents slight differences visually when compared to the bZ4X, its close cousin from Toyota. Subaru is betting on a more defined grille, seeming to want to spare the sensitivities of customers hesitating to make the leap to electric.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUBARU
The Subaru Solterra
On a strictly technical level, the Japanese manufacturer is building its Canadian offer around all-wheel drive, a position that Subaru holds dear. Two engines with a combined power of 160 kW (215 hp) will be placed on each axle to move the SUV. We therefore do not rely on performance as a business card, no doubt to promote autonomy.
The energy will be stored in a 71.4 kWh battery compatible with recharging up to a power of 150 kW. This is equal to the possibilities of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, but lower than those of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 which can reach 350 kW, with compatible terminals. Subaru advances a range of 460 km, according to the protocol more optimistic than ours WLTC. Note, however, that these technical data relate to the Japanese version of Solterra.
We will know more this week about the North American version that will be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show.