Third-gen Subaru BRZ could go electric
But it’s unclear if it will be an EV from the outset, or if there’ll simply be an electric versionSubaru is reportedly considering a battery-electric path for its next-generation BRZ coupe to get the compact sports car back on the European market.
Speaking to Autocar, Subaru’s global EV product boss, Inoue Masahiko, said an electric BRZ “was under consideration” and that such a product had already been discussed at length for the first and second generations.
“We did consider electrifying the BRZ and GT86, but the win-win relationship is more important, and for the moment we can’t get the kind of benefits for both sides.”
He then described the notion of a hybrid BRZ as “difficult” due to the packaging constraints, even with an all-new platform or design, and that a battery-electric version would be “easier” to develop.
Subaru teased the idea of an electric sports car back in 2023 with the debut of the Sport Mobility concept at the Tokyo motor show, with many theorising it could actually preview an electric third-generation BRZ.
The Japanese brand is going on an EV product offensive in Europe at the moment with the updated Solterra, E-Outback (Trailseeker) and box-fresh Uncharted all about to go on sale, albeit not alongside the BRZ which hasn’t been offered on the continent since 2020.
Its Toyota GR86 twin has, albeit in limited numbers due to the region’s immensely strict emissions and safety regulations, but Subaru simply never bothered.
The brand’s European boss, David Dello Stritto, told Autocar it wasn’t worth the logistical effort to bring “100 examples to Europe” for such a small financial gain.
But the upcoming EV trio will need to earn their keep on the sales charts before any concrete decisions about an electric driver’s or performance car are made, with Stritto making particular mention of the compact Uncharted which is tipped to be the most popular EV in the range.
“We feel very positively about Subaru enthusiasts, but we need to see how Uncharted does first,” he said.
Related: TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Subaru Sport Mobility Concept may preview next BRZ
Related: Subaru Trailseeker EV revealed
Related: 2026 Subaru Uncharted EV unveiled
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