Subaru Solterra STI: A Performance EV on the Horizon?

Get ready for a potential game-changer in the electric SUV market. Reports from Japan suggest Subaru's Solterra electric crossover could finally receive its highly anticipated STI performance variant in 2025. This exciting development is expected to coincide with a mid-cycle refresh for the Solterra, focusing on enhancing the vehicle's already existing e-TNGA platform.

Handling Over Horsepower: The STI Focus

While the rumors of a supercharged Solterra have circulated for years, the focus for the STI version appears less on raw power and more on refined handling. While the dual electric motors are likely to remain, software tuning is expected to boost power and torque. Subaru's aim is to create a more engaging and dynamic driving experience. To match the improved performance, expect to see a sportier aesthetic, possibly including a more aggressive body kit and eye-catching wheels, echoing the design cues of the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon STI concept.

A Glimpse of the Future: The Solterra STe

While we eagerly await the full-fledged STI model, a sportier Solterra variant, the STe, has already launched in Germany. This version boasts cosmetic upgrades like body-colored panels replacing the standard plastic cladding and stylish 20-inch black alloy wheels. However, this upgrade primarily focuses on aesthetics; the powertrain remains unchanged, delivering a modest 215 hp. This highlights that the upcoming STI will likely offer a significant improvement in performance compared to the existing STe.

What About the Toyota bZ4x?

Given the close relationship between Subaru and Toyota, and the fact that the Toyota bZ4x shares its platform with the Solterra, it's natural to wonder if a similarly sporty variant is in the works for the bZ4x as well. Past discussions between Toyota's Gazoo Racing and the bZ4x's chief engineer regarding a more powerful version hint at this possibility, though concrete details are still lacking.

The arrival of the Solterra STI in 2025 marks a significant step for Subaru in the electric performance vehicle market. While the focus on handling rather than sheer horsepower is a unique approach, the potential for a more engaging and dynamic driving experience makes it a compelling prospect for those looking for a sporty electric SUV.