This is why we have the Subaru BRZ and now this new EV, the Solterra.
When a large car manufacturer decides to work with a one of the smallest (in volume) car manufacturers in the world, there must be a great reason.
Meet the all new Subaru electric vehicle that has been jointly developed with Toyota (probably still the biggest car manufacturer in the world).
This is now the first Toyota co-developed vehicle with Subaru as there was the popular BRZ sports car as well.
Meanwhile, utilizing the know-how cultivated with the highly recognized Subaru Global Platform, Subaru has jointly developed the e-Subaru Global Platform together with Toyota Motor Corporation as a BEV-dedicated platform.
This is why we have seen the arrival of the Toyota bZ4x electric crossover.
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.
In developing Solterra (which looks like a face-lifted version of the award winning Subaru XV), the brand’s first BEV to be launched globally, Subaru aimed to exceed the various customer expectations for BEVs and make it a practical vehicle so that customers can choose it comfortably and confidently, as the vehicle will be the cornerstone of Subaru’s future BEVs.
At the same time, as a Subaru SUV, Subaru aimed to make it a vehicle that existing Subaru customers can feel that it truly is a Subaru.
By filling it with new values that a BEV can offer and the value of ‘enjoyment and peace of mind’ that Subaru have cultivated over many years, Solterra has been built as an authentic SUV in an environmentally friendly package that can be used with peace of mind like the existing Subaru SUV models.
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.
Low instrumental panel and top mounted meters, a first for Subaru, located on the instrumental panel and visible above the steering wheel realized the spacious interior.
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 center of gravity and high body strength and rigidity are realized.
Subaru Legendary AWD System
The Subaru Solterra has adopted a new system that drives the front and rear wheels with separate motors. Taking advantage of the expertise in AWD technology precisely controlling the four tires that Subaru has accumulated over many years, the agile response of the electric motors and the flexible driving force distribution between front and rear, Solterra fully utilizes the grips of the four wheels and offers a driving with confidence and peace of mind.
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.
By devising the skeleton shape of each part of the body and optimizing the material strength, Subaru 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.
