Subaru Solterra STI: Hotted-up electric SUV reportedly coming

November: Subaru Solterra Australian pricing confirmed

The Solterra has been priced below key electric midsized SUV rivals, with a starting point of $77,990 before on-road charges.

October 2023: Solterra STI flagship in the works?

The Subaru Solterra electric SUV could gain a sporty, rally-inspired STI version in mid-2024.

Japanese publication Best Car [↗] reports the automaker is set to put its Solterra STI concept car – which was revealed at in early 2022 – into production with ‘mainly suspension’ changes.

The concept previewed cosmetic additions to the Tesla Model Y-rivalling medium electric SUV, including; a unique blue exterior colour, cherry red side skirts and bumper accents, gloss black wheels with a red spoke, and a larger rear spoiler.

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The Solterra STI concept was revealed at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon show

Therefore, it could only bring STI (Subaru Tecnica International) parts inspired from its rally motorsports division, rather than a power boost.

The Japanese company already offers a catalogue of STI accessories for most models, ranging from the Crosstrek small SUV to WRX sports sedan.

When Subaru Australia previously confirmed the latest WRX won’t be sold in a STI guise, it said in a media release: “Loyal Australian Subaru fans will be able to continue their love for STI through STI inspired performance and styling parts [and] special limited edition vehicle offerings."

Alongside the Subaru Solterra STI concept, it also revealed the STI E-RA concept at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon show to demonstrate the company’s commitment to the rally badge for electric vehicles.

2024 Subaru Solterra to launch soon

After some delay, the Subaru Solterra electric SUV is expected to launch in Australia before the end of this year.

It’ll likely launch in Australia with a dual-motor all-wheel drive configuration producing 160kW of power and 336Nm of torque.

A 64kWh usable (71.4kWh gross) lithium-ion battery yields up to 460 kilometres claimed WLTP driving range on a full charge. Recharging speeds are capped at 6.6kW AC and 150kW DC.

It shares the same Toyota-developed platform with the Toyota BZ4x and Lexus RZ.