Subaru Unveils the Solterra Electric SUV: Pricing, Specs, and More
Subaru Australia has made an electrifying entry into the electric vehicle market with the long awaited Solterra electric mid-size SUV. After much anticipation, the Japanese automaker has finally confirmed the pricing, specifications, and features for its foray into the electric vehicle (EV) space.
Pricing and Variants
The Subaru Solterra comes in two all-wheel-drive variants. The base 'AWD' model starts at $77,990 before on-road costs and state-based EV incentives, while the top-tier 'AWD Touring' is priced from $83,690. Subaru aims to make electric driving accessible with competitive pricing, aiming directly at the mid-size SUV market.
Performance and Charging
Under the hood, both Solterra variants are equipped with a robust 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a WLTP-certified driving range of 414km. The dual-motor setup provides a combined output of 160kW/337Nm. Notably, the Solterra supports DC fast charging, reaching a peak of 150kW for an impressive 20 to 80 per cent charging time of around 30 minutes. For standard home charging, the estimated time is seven to eight hours using a 7.0 kW single-phase charger.
Unique Features and Subaru's Brand Promise
To uphold the Subaru brand promise, the Solterra introduces its own 'X-Mode' all-wheel-drive control software. This, coupled with 210mm of ground clearance, emphasizes the vehicles capability in various driving conditions. The base AWD model includes a range of features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, heated seats, and a suite of safety features.
Touring Grade Upgrade
Opting for the AWD Touring grade brings additional luxury and technology features, including 20-inch alloy wheels, a premium 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a panoramic sunroof, and 'intelligent park assist.' The touring grade also offers customisation options with two-tone paint schemes for an additional cost of $1200.
Charging Bundles and Ownership Perks
Subaru offers two 'Charging Bundle' options to simplify the charging experience. Bundle 1, priced at $2250, includes a single-phase 7.0kW Ocular LTE Plus Wallbox home charger system. Bundle 2, costing $2645, is a three-phase variant capable of 22kW charging speeds. Additionally, all Solterra variants come with a 2kW AC home charging cable. a 5-year servicing pack, and five years of roadside assistance as standard.
Warranty and Service
The Solterra is covered by a five-year and unlimited-kilometre warranty, with a seperate eight-year/160,000km warranty for the high-voltage battery. Subaru assures buyers that the Solterra will be covered by the same capped-price servicing schedule as other models in its lineup, with pricing beyond the five-year included period yet to be determined.
Availability and Booking
Excitement is building as the Solterra's order books are open, with the first customer deliveries expected before the end of 2023. Subaru has noted limited initial supply but enough to cover "six months of production", without specifying the exact number of units expected during that time. The Solterra steps into a challenging mid-size electric SUV field, competing with established rivals like the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and the recently arrived Ford Mustang Mach-E.
In Summary, Subaru Solterra is set to make waves in the electric SUV market, combining Subaru's signature features with the efficiency and sustainability of electric driving. With its competitive pricing, advanced technology, and Subaru's commitment to service, the Solterra is poised to be a compelling choice for those venturing into the world of electric vehicles.