Review: Subaru Solterra

In 2022, almost every fifth newly registered car in Germany was an electric car. Stromer are now established and also big business for the manufacturers. In this respect, it was high time for Subaru, also a electric model bring to. solterra is the name of this freshly launched, first full-powered model from the manufacturer. The Japanese, incidentally largely identical to the Toyota bZ4X, has become an imposing and visually attractive vehicle. But in one aspect that is very important for e-cars, the newcomer is well behind the Expectations .

The five-door is around 4,70 meters long

At 4,69 meters, the SUV crossover is about as long as a station wagon compact class, but at 1,65 meters it clearly towers above such a one. Also thanks to powerful 20-inch wheels, robustness Suggestive plastic panels and somewhat inharmonious proportions, the Subaru stands out conspicuously from other cars in this class. The massive exterior is not an empty promise, because the 450-liter trunk can be generously expanded thanks to a rear seat backrest that can be folded down in two parts. How many liters fit in maximum, Subaru does not reveal. But the space is plentiful. In any case, adults with outstretched legs can stretch out in the XL trunk. Alternatively, enjoy those sitting in the back seat rear guests plenty of knee room, especially despite all wheel drive no cardan tunnel bulge narrows the footwell. And the front seat is anything but cramped.

As usual today, the Solterra also offers several display areas. However, there are also some switches and buttons

The Cockpit offers an unusual mix of modern and classic furnishing elements. As is now customary, there is central im dashboard a large touchscreen for fast and fluid work Infotainment system. Over the steering wheel rim you can see a small but informative color display, which shows details relevant to driving, similar to a head-up display field of vision of the driver. But unlike many other manufacturers, the Solterra still offers all kinds of direct keys. As a result, the workplace is not quite as tidy as is usual with e-vehicles today. Well done are ergonomics, application and material mix of the 61.000 euros we tested Top Features. A price that quality experience in the vehicle does justice, although in this price region there are also interior worlds that have been made even more refined.

Visually, the electrician mimics the robust all-rounder

The Solterra also owes its price, which is not exactly small, to a powerful electric drive with two Engines and a large battery. 71,4 kWh sound like a lot practice ranges, but this promise is not kept. Of course, the large, heavy, all-wheel drive and 160 kW/218 hp Subaru is not quite as efficient as a electrical Small car, what the official WLTP range of 416 kilometers of the version we tested Platinum Plus already suggests. But no matter how hard we tried, in practice we couldn't even begin to penetrate these range regions.

With fully charged Accumulator showed the Board computer up to 390 kilometers radius of action when starting the journey. The first range shock gave us the Air conditioning. If this is activated, more than 20 percent of the range vanishes into thin air at the push of a button, despite the heat pump. 390 became 290 kilometers in one fell swoop. Because one over 300 kilometers long highway tour ahead of us, we switched off the air conditioning again when the outside temperature was 12 degrees. But even with a speed of 100 and in Eco mode, we only got 220 kilometers including a small safety buffer. The lack of reliability of the prognosis was also disturbing. Air conditioning off, maximum 100 km/h, moderate outside temperatures - with other e-cars you can often do more than you initially did Board computer get calculated. But here the opposite was the case. The next charging station stop was always enforced much earlier than one might initially have hoped based on the first on-board computer calculations. In view of such a degression in range, one would Combustion engines suspect a "hole in the tank".

The Solterra certainly stands out with its design and its physical presence

The lowest consumption we measured around 24 kWh per 100 kilometers. will travel pace is increased to a still moderate 120 km/h and the air conditioning is activated, the consumption is around 30 kWh. Even if you're reasonably cheap at home Current fills up, 100 kilometers with the Solterra will cost over 10 euros. We then fast chargers refueling along the autobahn can also cost 15, 18 or more euros. Currently you are there with one Diesel cheaper on the go.

The Solterra weighs well over two tons that of a twin engine all wheel drive to be set in motion. You shouldn't expect savings miracles for that reason alone. However, he also stays driving pleasure manageable. The sprint to 100 km/h takes 6,9 seconds, but the maximum speed is only 160 km/h. At least with regard to the draft, you feel confident to some extent. In the electro scene, however, there are livelier contemporaries. We experienced the standard all-wheel drive as particularly pleasant wintry roads, because the so-called Grip Control takes Snow any horror. Typical for the brand, there is no alternative to all-wheel drive, Subaru does not even offer a front-wheel drive variant, as offered by Toyota for its sister model.

At the front, the Solterra offers comfortable seats and a good amount of space

Fast Shop masters the Japanese but only partially convincing. The best result was a Charge from 10 to 80 percent on a 150 kW hypercharger in 35 minutes, during which 44 kWh flowed into the batteries. The speed with alternating current is disappointing, because that onboard system currently allows a maximum of 7,4 kW.

The Solterra impressed positively with its Equipment, which is already very extensive in the base, which costs 57.500 euros. If you add 3.500 euros, you get full equipment. With eight airbags, Adaptive speed regulator, automatic air conditioning, seat heating, high-beam assistant, 360-degree camera system, electric tailgate, navigation, charging cradle or the panoramic glass sunroof, the Subaru will then also meet higher demands. In addition, the vehicle looks solid, drives quietly, comfortably and given the many assistance systems almost by itself. Actually, the Solterra would be a perfect long-distance car. But instead of penetrating into contemporary range regions as an electric newcomer, the Subaru unfortunately drives even older electric models in this discipline Hoffnungslos after.

Mario Hommen / SP-X