Solterra – travel in Subaru’s first electric car

Hamburg. The new model has permanent all-wheel drive and was developed in collaboration with Toyota. A practical exam reveals strengths and weaknesses.

whose logo Subaru on a car, he is always right when he buys a car for a A four-wheeled vehicle it holds. All-wheel drive has been the brand’s USP for decades, a unique selling point. There are a few variations in the model range, but they are rarely found on German roads.

Subaru Solterra is the sister model of Toyota bZ4X

For a long time, the Japanese niche manufacturer made its own way with combustion engines, but now it is the end of it. The Electric Age hard work not to be left behind. That’s why Subaru decided to go with the first electric model, the singleto acquire knowledge of Toyota and modify the electric car which is also available there. The sister model is called bZ4X, a name that sounds like a randomly generated password for a computer.

But Subaru is not a beggar here as it has long been financially tied to Toyota. Collaboration was necessary to get the financial needs for development and manufacturing costs for new models under control. Especially when it comes to power supply, the Japanese want and need to work together to shape the Asian continent against China and Korea, because they have already made a lot of progress there.

With a height of 4.69 meters there is a lot of space, but only for the feet

Unlike the Toyota, the 4.69 meter long Solterra basically has two electric motors. System output is said to be 160 kW/218 hp, distributed equally across the front and rear axles. This means that the crossover model, which aims to be more of an SUV than a coupé-sedan, is well motorized. The car reaches 100 km / h from a standstill in just 6.9 seconds And you immediately feel the smooth power the electric car can develop when it counts. There are different driving modes, from Eco to Normal to Power. The recovery force in single pedal mode can be adjusted in four levels. And all-wheel drive can also be adjusted depending on the surface. Ground clearance is 21 cm, which helps if the route involves a dirt road.

Blick ins Cockpit from Subaru Solterra.
© PR |

Like many other electric vehicles, the Solterra is not a highway rush car. First, the speed limit is 160 km / h, and anything more than 130 km / h is nothing more than a big invitation to stop at a charging station soon. The 71.4 kWh battery is advertised as having a standard range (WLTP) of 416 km, but such values cannot be achieved when driving at high speeds – not even close. It’s a difference, a big difference for gasoline engines, in the city: Here we managed about 14 kWh per 100 km according to the on-board computer when driving carefully.

Charging via a Type 2 plug takes a very long time

If you take it easy with a combination of routes, you can plan on average at least 300 kilometers per charge cycle, maybe even 350 (you never drive an electric car completely empty and it is better not to charge for more than 90 percent). That’s not ideal, but it’s normal for the class. Solterra is charged up to 150 kW, where “up to” is an important limitation. Charging follows a dynamic curve, depending on charging conditions, outside temperature and often the number of other users in the vicinity. So you should expect a good half hour on the fast charger to get the battery back to range. It takes longer on one of the 22 kW in-town chargers or a home wall box here, only a maximum of 7 kW is available via a type 2 socket, usually less. Since you’re only allowed to park on the many poles in Hamburg for a maximum of three hours, this is a real problem.

In terms of the engine, as with almost every electric car, driving is a pleasure; this. What was a little annoying in the test car was the occasional hum, caused by the driver’s on-board monitor. This checks if the person behind the wheel is always looking at the road, but the system tends to be a little hesitant. If you reach high speed, the noise is similar to a gasoline engine, including the sound wind. Steering feels good, not as defined as in some US models.

The Solterra offers ample space inside, especially for the legs. However, there should be no big basketball team seats in the back, because the gently sloping roofline blocks the sleeping quarters. Especially if, as a test car, a panoramic glass roof is installed (which cannot be opened). The back can be closed in two steps. The trunk has a capacity of 450 liters and there is cable space under the loading floor. No extra trunk in the front for cables or small items.

Subaru Soltera has many support systems

There are enough shelves. The phone charges wirelessly under a transparent cover, where you can easily forget it once you’re out and about. The displays in the digital cockpit can be changed using a button on the steering wheel. The camera not only provides a rear image when reversing, but also a bird’s eye view image.

Adjusting the steering wheel is a bit tricky, you have to find the best solution for you that does not include a display. Most functions are controlled via the touch screen and the many buttons on the steering wheel. You should take your time to try everything. There is also a range of support systems on board, so nothing is missing. However, the driver should not rely blindly, for example, it is not always recognized correctly.

Subaru Solterra Platinum plus: Detailed review

Driving behavior +++-

Strong power delivery, stable chassis

Performance +++-

Two electric motors, 160 kW (218 hp), Vmax: 160 km / h

consumption ++–

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