Subaru’s first electric car in the test: here the Stromer from Japan weakens

There is the next new addition to the charging station: Subaru is one of the last manufacturers to offer us an electric car. The first electric vehicle from the Japanese bears the name Solterra and will be available from dealers around the turn of the year for a minimum of 55,900 francs. As a crossover in the upper middle class, it competes with models such as the Nissan Ariya or the VW ID.5.

Good off-road capability, many assistance systems

However, the first reference for the angular coupe with four doors, flared fenders and visibly increased ground clearance is the Toyota Bz4X. Subaru borrowed the Solterra from him, changing little more than the tuning, equipment and brand logo.

Not a bad choice at first glance. After all, the Japanese have positioned their electric debut as a serious SUV that doesn’t just stretch for a trendy look. That’s why Subaru has four-wheel drive – unlike Toyota even standard – some electronic driving aids for off-road use and such a robust construction that the Stromer can even wade through water.

With its most important electrical data, the Solterra belongs to the middle segment of the market: The battery in the car floor has a capacity of 74 kWh and is sufficient for more than 400 kilometers in the best case scenario. Theoretically, it can be charged up to 150 kW and does the first 80 percent in about 30 minutes. But in practice, and certainly in winter, this hardly works and you have to take noticeably longer breaks into account.

To make sure they don’t happen too often, the Solterra helps save electricity with a smart brake pedal: there are different levels of recuperation that allow you to protect the conventional brake and recover a lot of energy. The battery powers an 80 kW/109 hp electric motor per axle, which accelerates the Solterra from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. However, the top speed is limited to 160 km/h. This puts the Subaru on par with most of its competitors, who only run their sport versions slightly faster.

Like all electric cars on a so-called skateboard platform, the Solterra also offers an above-average amount of space: Because the wheels are no less than 2.85 meters apart at a length of 4.69 meters, adults can still sit very comfortably in the back. The trunk, on the other hand, is quite average at 441 liters. And the Japanese completely omitted the frunk under the hood.

The Solterra looks fresh and modern with its digital cockpit, which sits low behind the wheel, and the large touchscreen next to it. That’s especially true when you compare it to more outdated models like the Impreza or the Outback. The voice control is always intelligible. And its army of assistance systems is state-of-the-art, even if the attention monitoring warns the driver a little too often.

Which is annoying with the Solterra

At a crucial point, however, the Solterra makes another real mistake. The navigation is in no way designed for electric driving. It does not take range into account when planning the route, nor does it suggest suitable charging stops on long journeys. And how long it takes to arrive with the remaining range also remains a secret. Older and cheaper electric cars do this much better: while they often offer their drivers a sophisticated charging strategy, the Solterra leaves its drivers alone. The wilderness excursion quickly becomes a very special kind of adventure.

Conclusion: followers instead of pioneers

Whether with a boxer engine like the Impreza or now also with an electric motor – Subaru remains a quirky brand that also offers a few extras at the charging station. Strictly speaking, these are also the responsibility of cooperation partner Toyota. With a mediocre charging performance, at least in winter, and especially with the unsatisfactory navigation, the latecomer is a follower at best. Because when it comes to developing off-road e-models, others are already way ahead.

(t-online/dpa)