Will you need to wait for a 2024 Subaru Solterra? Brand weighs in on supply, but rules out more variants for now

Subaru’s first EV is finally here, but will you need to wait for one as has been the case with many electric models already in market.

Speaking to CarsGuide at the Solterra’s Australian launch, Subaru Australia’s Managing Director, Blair Read, explained the brand has sufficient coverage for “a couple of months of pre-orders".

“Supply is reasonable” he said, “We can’t comment yet on volume for the full year because we’ve got access now to a further volume opportunity [from the factory] for later this year. Supply is improving and that has helped the situation.”

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Reception to the Solterra so far has been what Read describes as “about what we expected”.

“That was one of the primary motivators for making that price-change - loyal customers were already interested, and we wanted to make sure they were the first to find out. There are two lots of people - those who have been waiting and are keen, and those who want to touch and feel and see it for themselves.”

“We’ll have some demos arriving in dealerships now - so that opportunity to experience it will be there”

“Certainly there’s a lot of excitement when introducing a new technology. This is our first battery electric and the customers are excited to see it.”

Subaru's first electric vehicle has arrived, but wait times may vary. (Image: Tom White)

But what if you were to order now? Would there be a wait? Despite supply being seemingly adequate, it might depend on what spec you order it in.

According to Read, “Allocations are based on a pre-order system. Dealers can pre-order the car to a future fulfilment and we’re not allocating cars per dealer, it’s a queue. You can place an order today, but the wait time for delivery might depend on spec and colour and those sorts of factors.”

Read also added that the brand was not planning on adding extra variants below or above the two launch grades. “Not at this stage, and certainly not this year.” he said.

The Solterra EV will be offered in two grades. (Image: Tom White)

The Solterra arrives in two variants, the base AWD starting from $69,990, before on-roads, or the top-spec AWD Touring which starts from $77,990. Both grades scored a 10.3 percent discount at the last second just days before the launch, in what Read says was a reaction to the ‘dynamic’ mid-size electric SUV space.

“We worked with Subaru Corp [Japan] to get that price down. [The timing] was driven by being ahead of those first deliveries. That initial price we announced was four or five months ago, but the market is very dynamic with new competitors coming all the time, so you have to be adaptable to meet customer expectations.”

The Solterra isn’t the only EV in this space to get a discount in the last few months, with the Ford Mustang Mach-E also copping a price-cut of up to $7000 in recent months. The same goes for the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 which scored new variants with smaller batteries, bringing cost-of-entry for the Korean pair down significantly.

The Solterra was rated a maximum five ANCAP safety stars. (Image: Tom White)

Similarly, the Tesla Model Y’s entry price has come down from its initial launch point (originally $72,300, now just $65,400), as the EV-only specialist strives to keep its competitive edge while legacy automakers begin to close the gap on price, driving range and performance.

Perhaps the most difficult sticking point for the Solterra is its platform-mate, the Toyota bZ4X, managing to undercut it by a small margin, although you’ll have to settle for front-wheel drive in its most basic form which can be had for $66,000.

The Solterra and bZ4X were rated a maximum five ANCAP safety stars just prior to their tandem launches with high scores across all categories.