Subaru’s first battery electric model the Solterra SUV is due to land before the end of the year, wearing an $80,000-plus price tag which makes it the most expensive model in the Japanese brand’s Australian portfolio.

Subaru Australia recently opened the order books for its new all-electric model, after initially extending an exclusive pre-order invitation to customers that had registered their interest.

Available in a choice of two grades, the Solterra AWD starts at $77,990 (MRLP), rising to $83,690 for the Solterra AWD Touring, the new Subaru EV sits well north of the next most expensive model in the brand’s local lineup, the turbocharged Outback Touring XT costing $55,990.

That puts the Solterra roughly on a par with the Tesla Model Y Long Range electric, although the Tesla can also be had in a more-affordable rear-wheel drive configuration from circa $65,500.

The Solterra’s dual-motor drivetrain delivers combined outputs of 160kW/337Nm, which falls short of the entry-level Tesla’s 220kW/420Nm, while the electric Subaru’s claimed WLTP test range of 414km also falls short of the Tesla’s 510km.

Despite this, Subaru’s reputation for good service and reliability, along with the new model’s state-of-the-art technology and futuristic aero-inspired design, is likely to make the Solterra an intriguing proposition for buyers considering making the switch to electric.

So too the promise that, like other Subaru SUVs, the Solterra offers above-average all-terrain capability thanks to dual electric motors mounted front and rear, all-wheel-drive grip, an enhanced X-Mode traction control system and a handy 210mm of ground clearance, not far short of the tall-riding Outback’s 213mm.

The Solterra’s attractive ownership package also includes a five-year warranty, five-year service plan, five-year roadside assistance, carpet mats, cargo tray and a 2.0kW AC charging cable with 8 amp wall plug, all included in the price.

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Subaru says the Solterra’s final specifications are yet to be finalised but indicative features of both models include a powered tailgate, LED headlights and fog lights, digital rear-view mirror, 12.3-inch high-definition central touchscreen, 7.0-inch digital instrument panel, heated front and rear outboard seats and a heated steering wheel.

The higher grade Solterra AWD Touring adds a premium Harmon Kardon audio system, wireless Qi charger, synthetic leather seat trim, driver and passenger-powered front seats with door mirror memory setting for the driver and 20-inch alloy wheels in place of the base model’s and 18-inch alloys.

The Touring also gets additional safety features in the form of intelligent park assist.

Safety is well catered for with both variants featuring Subaru Safety Sense and Vision Assist technology.

The former includes adaptive high beam, radar cruise control, emergency driving stop, emergency steering assist, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, low-speed acceleration suppression, pre-collision system and road sign assist.

Additional safety features of Subaru Vision Assist include blind-spot monitor, 360-degree view monitor, park brake support, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors and a driver monitor featuring distraction and drowsiness warnings.

Subaru says that charging the Solterra’s 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery from 20–80% via a 150kW DC charger takes about 30 minutes or seven to eight hours when using a single phase 7kW AC charger for the same 20–80% charge.

Subaru is also offering two different charging bundles, including a 7kW single-phase Ocular LTE Plus Wallbox for $2,250 RRP including GST and standard installation, or an Ocular LTE Plus Wallbox Three-Phase (22kW) for $2,645 RRP (including GST and standard installation).

While the Solterra SUV may be Subaru’s first battery electric vehicle (BEV) it certainly won’t be its last, with the brand promising additional hybrid and BEV models in the future.