It was only a couple of days ago when Toyota unveiled the bZ4X in production guise and now Subaru is announcing when it will debut the mechanically related Solterra. The final teaser for the all-electric SUV includes November 11 as the debut date for what will be the company’s very first global EV. It will share the platform and powertrains with the Toyota version, which in turn uses Subaru’s all-wheel-drive system tailored to fully electric applications.
Subaru has been tight-lipped about the technical specifications of the Solterra, but we’re expecting the specs to mirror those of the bZ4X. Toyota’s version of the zero-emissions SUV will come in both rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations with a choice of single- and dual-motor setups, respectively. The FWD model will rely on a single motor rated at 201 horsepower (150 kilowatts) whereas the AWD model will have a pair of 80-kW motors for a total of 215 hp (160 kW).
In terms of performance, the Subaru Solterra could match its equivalent Toyota version, which goes from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.4 seconds for the FWD model and in 7.7 for the more powerful AWD variant. If you’re wondering about weight, the single-motor bZ4X weighs 4,233 pounds (1,920 kilograms) while the dual-motor model is heavier, at 4,420 lbs (2,005 kg). Bear in mind these specs apply to the electric SUV due to be sold in Japan.
The Solterra could have a similar lithium-ion battery as the bZ4X, which features a 71.4-kWh pack providing a maximum range of 450 kilometers (280 miles) based on the WLTP test cycle. Once you’re out of juice, recharging at the maximum 150 kW will replenish the battery to 80% in just 30 minutes.
While the Solterra will be heavily linked to the bZ4X underneath the skin, we strongly believe Subaru has come up with a significantly different design inside and out to separate its version from the Toyota model. Their sizes are probably going to be quite similar, so the Solterra should be roughly 4,690 mm (184.6 inches) long, 1,860 mm (73 inches) wide, and 1,650 mm (65 inches) tall, with a wheelbase measuring 2,850 mm (112 inches).
Built on a dedicated EV platform with a flat-floor layout, the Toyota bZ4X is scheduled to go on sale in mid-2022, and chances are the Subaru Solterra won’t be too far behind.
Source: Subaru
