Subaru Solterra electric SUV unmasked

Subaru has previewed its first global electric vehicle, the 2022 Subaru Solterra, by releasing pictures that provide a good look at the all-new mid-size SUV.

Created as part of a joint-venture with Toyota, our first glimpse of the Solterra suggests that Subaru's first EV will be near identical to the Toyota bZ4X that was designed and developed alongside it.

Despite the similarities, only the Toyota bZ4X has been confirmed for Australia in 2022, when it will become Toyota Australia's first EV.

Subaru Australia, meanwhile, says there are currently no plans to bring the Solterra Down Under, with its first mass-market battery-powered vehicle set to be sold in the US, Canada, China, Europe and in its home market of Japan.

However, a spokesperson told carsales today that the company is still working with the factory to secure local supply.

“The Subaru factory in Japan confirms there is no timeline for the electric Solterra vehicle for Australia. However, we are very interested and future electric projects form part of ongoing dialogue between Subaru Australia and the factory,” the spokesperson said.

Destined to go on sale in the first half of 2022, both the Toyota and Subaru clones ride on the former's dedicated e-TNGA architecture.

As part of the joint-venture, Subaru's engineers were drafted in to help share the car-maker's famed all-wheel drive technology.

Like the bZ4X, which is about the same size as a Toyota RAV4, the Solterra gets a long wheelbase and short overhangs that are claimed to offer space akin to a large SUV.

Inside, our first look at the Solterra's cabin reveals it will be dominated by a huge widescreen infotainment system that features a single piece of glass that appears to 'flow' like the latest Mercedes-Benz S-Class to surround the rotary gear selector.

Instead of buttons it looks like the Subaru will get touch-sensitive surfaces for a clean, minimalist look.

Ahead of the driver there's a new multifunction steering wheel, plus a fully digital instrument cluster.

New tech introduced includes Subaru's latest EyeSight driver assist safety suite, plus solar panels that help recharge the batteries and run the climate control when parked.

Both power and range have yet to be confirmed for the pure-electric SUVs.

Since Toyota Australia has already admitted its bZ4X will be "expensive" when it makes its debut here in the middle of 2022, it's thought the Subaru will not undercut its sibling and the Solterra will aim squarely at more expensive versions of the upcoming Tesla Model Y.