Solterra

Make
Subaru
Segment
SUV

Subaru has officially unveiled the Japanese market Solterra, its first electric vehicle, during a live streaming event held in Japan. The US-spec version will debut next week at the LA Auto Show. Aside from the JDM model's right-hand-drive setup, the overall interior design is not expected to be any different. The instrument panel is mounted low to help maximize space.

The exterior design, teased multiple times, looks exactly as we expected. There's a hexagon-shaped grille, boomerang taillights, and bulging fenders for a more aggressive look. The Solterra, like its Toyota bZ4X corporate twin, rides on the new e-Subaru Global Platform jointly developed with Toyota. Aside from minor differences such as badging, the two vehicles look nearly the same.

In Japan, the Solterra in all-wheel drive only. The US-spec version should be as well, though the bZ4X could have a less expensive FWD trim. Subaru says the Solterra features a new system capable of driving the front and rear wheels with separate motors, one at each axle. Each motor produces 107 horsepower for a total output of 215 hp. It also comes with the X-Mode AWD control system found on other Subie SUVs. Along with a new grip function, drivers can tackle rough roads with ease by running at a constant speed while still maintaining stability.

Subaru hasn't divulged full details just yet (that'll come next week), but one important point mentioned is a new safety structure. If there's a collision, the structure transfers the load to multiple body skeletons in order to more evenly absorb the crash. Not only does this protect the occupants, but also the 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Total range is around 285 miles on Japan's WLTC standard. Official EPA ratings have not been announced. A set of 18-inch wheels are standard and 20-inchers are optional with the AWD version. A charging time was not given but the Solterra can charge at 150 kW, so figure around 30 minutes to achieve an 80 percent charge. The Solterra, like most EVs, is a heavy thing, tipping the scales at 4,453 pounds. It measures 184.6 inches long, 73.2-inches wide, and 65 inches tall.

No word on pricing just yet but that'll be revealed closer to the on-sale date. When will that be? Sometime in the middle of next year. We'll have more details next week from the showroom floor of LA.