2024 Subaru Solterra STI electric SUV coming with more power – report

A new unconfirmed report out of Japan claims a 2024 Subaru Solterra STI will soon launch, offering a slight increase in performance.

Website and magazine Best Car claims Subaru is working on a sportier version of the Solterra electric SUV – the twin to the Toyota BZ4X – but tuned by its in-house performance-car division, STI.

The latest news doesn't come completely out of the blue, with Subaru showing off a Solterra STI Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon back in 2022 – at the same event Toyota revealed its BZ4X GR Sport concept.

According to the latest report, the Solterra STI will maintain its battery and dual electric motors – however, more power is to be extracted, increasing from the combined 160kW/337Nm in the standard model.

MORE: Toyota BZ4X GR Sport, Subaru Solterra STI electric SUV concept twins revealed

Suspension is also said to be a focus of development on the sportier electric SUV.

While Best Car refers to the vehicle as the 'Solterra STI', given the minor changes, it's possible the model could be released as the 'Solterra STI Sport' – with 'STI Sport' the name applied to overseas models with mainly cosmetic changes.

Another option is the 'Solterra STe' – a badge name trademarked by Subaru in March 2023, with the 'e' suggesting a possible connection with electric cars.

Yet another possibility is Subaru uses the 'tS' badge – seen on the WRX and BRZ in Australia, offering STI-tuned suspension and STI branding.

MORE: Subaru STe trademark hints at high-performance electric cars

The Solterra STI Concept shown in 2022 came with a rear spoiler, a front splitter and side skirts finished in Cherry Red – the official name of the STI pink, borrowed from Japan's iconic cherry blossom trees – as well as black mirror caps, and black 20-inch alloy wheels with Cherry Red accents.

Whatever it's called, Best Car reports the Solterra STI is due to be unveiled in mid-2024, though there's no word yet on whether the sporty electric SUV will be offered to the Australian market.

Subaru just announced it has slashed prices of its Solterra in Australia ahead of deliveries, with the base model starting from $69,990 before on-road costs, while the Solterra AWD Touring is now on sale from $77,990 plus on-road costs – representing price cuts of between $6700 and $8000.