Tag Archives: EV

electric, Motoring, Subaru, SUV/4X4

A capable and stylish 4×4 electric SUV

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Subaru Solterra

By Bill McCarthy

The name Solterra is derived from the Latin words for “Sun” and “Earth,” symbolising, says Subaru, its dedication to providing traditional SUV capabilities within an environmentally friendly framework.

As a result of this, the Solterra, in collaboration with Toyota, has become the brand’s first EV

This partnership combines Subaru’s legendary AWD expertise with Toyota’s proven EV technology, resulting in a capable, tech-packed electric SUV.

Design and practicality

It has an eye catching presence with its high ground clearance (210mm), muscular wheel arches, and a rugged profile that hints at its off-road potential. Aerodynamic touches, such as the twin ducktail spoilers, help balance practicality  with style. 

There are two specifications, Limited and the Touring model driven here.

Both offer a premium feel and are packed with a raft of tech and goodies, with this model adding 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and leather upholstery, while both trims come well-equipped with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 360-degree parking camera for ease of manoeuvring in what is a big motor.

Inside, the SUV offers a spacious, well-appointed cabin, a five-seater with generous legroom and a nearly flat floor, creating an airy and spacious feel.

It is a big vehicle and offers decent stowage and luggage. Space, with 452 litres of luggage space in the boot area and includes a 60/40 folding seatback and a two-position load floor, enhancing both luggage and passenger flexibility. 

The wide tailgate opening, coupled with a low lift-over height, makes loading and unloading easy. Additionally, standard fixed cross-bar mounting points offer more cargo-carrying options for adventurous owners.

Performance

Powered by dual 60kW motors and a 71.4kWh battery, the Solterra delivers a claimed 289 miles of range (WLTP)—enough for decent getaways, but in the real world I struggled to get near that figure, in admittedly unscientific conditions, with wind and rain and higher speed motorway driving helping to eat up the power.

 However, rapid charging is a highlight, with 10-80 per cent charge in under 35 minutes at 150 kW. A preconditioning system optimises battery temperature for faster charging, even in cold weather.

On the road, acceleration is rapid in EV style, hitting 0–60mph in around seven seconds. Handling is decent enough

But this is a seriously capable four-wheel drive vehicle, still something of a rarity with EVs. Its off-road capability is delivered via Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system, combined with its X-MODE, which enhances traction in challenging conditions.

Setting are available for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud –  allowing it to tackle tricky conditions pretty comfortably.

Technology and safety

The inside is dominated a 12.3-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a seven-inch digital driver’s display with real time info. 

The touchscreen also controls infotainment with the Harmon/Kardon eight-speaker system and navigation.

The hi-tech stuff is mated with more traditional, even old fashioned secondary controls, but these deliver a feeling of robustness in the cabin.

The firm’s EyeSight system enhances safety with functions such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. 

Additional safety technologies, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, provide confidence in various driving situations, not to mention a full complement of airbags.

Pricing and updates

Starting at £52,495 for the Limited, it the price puts it among the more expensive options in the electric SUV segment.  Mitigating this is superb Subaru off-road capability alongside premium features. 

For those willing to wait, a refreshed 2026 model is set to arrive in early 2026, promising tweaked styling, faster charging, and an enhanced range of up to 25 per cent.

Verdict

The Solterra is an electric SUV that’s as capable on the rough stuff as main roads. While its price may give some buyers pause, its combination of ruggedness, tech, and practicality makes it a slightly left-field eco-friendly alternative to traditional petrol-powered 4x4s.

Factfile

Subaru Solterra Touring EV

  • Price: £55,495
  • Mechanical: 218PS, 160kW twin-motors, 71.4 kWh battery, driving all wheels via automatic transmission
  • Max Speed: 100mph
  • 0-62mph: 6.9 secs
  • Range: 289 miles
  • Insurance Group: 39
  • C02 emissions: 0
  • Bik rating: 2%
  • Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles
BYD, Motoring, SUV, SUV/4X4

BYD Sealion 7: Rapid Charging and Exceptional Range

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BYD Sealion 7: Tesla Rival with Cutting-Edge EV Tech

BYD’s Tesla rivalling SUV is part of the Ocean Series, it features advanced battery tech, AI, and top-tier performance. It reportedly outsold Teslain the last quarter of 2024 and is now producing battery and charging technology that allows a top up to 80 per cent just five minutes.

Highlights:

  • Blade Battery: Durable lithium iron phosphate (LFP) with extreme stability.
  • Three Models:
    • Comfort (£46,990): 230 kW motor, 82.5 kWh battery, 300-mile plus range.
    • Design (£51,990): 390 kW AWD, 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds.
    • Excellence (£58,990): 91.3 kWh battery, 312-mile range, 230 kW ultra-rapid charging.
  • Fast Charging: 10-80% in 32 minutes (Comfort/Design) or 24 minutes (Excellence).

Design & Tech:

  • Sleek SUV with LED lights, panoramic roof, and rotating 15.6-inch touchscreen.
  • DiPilot driver-assist, vehicle-to-load (V2L), and 12-speaker audio.

Performance:

  • Instant acceleration, smooth ride, and AWD models hitting 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds.
Full review

Sealion SUV already making waves

By Bill McCarthy

BYD, the Chinese car maker, may be an unfamiliar name to many. But if the firm has its way it will be more recognisable name than Tesla. It is growing at scale, with its latest model, the Sealion 7, remarkably, the fourth to be offered the UK in a shade over two years, offering a mixture of cutting edge battery technology and increasing use of AI.

What is clear is that BYD, originally a battery maker, brings real expertise in that field with what it says is the world’s fastest mass-production electric motor, capable of reaching 23,000 rpm.

It is the latest in what BYD describe as the Ocean Series, incorporating the Dolphin and Seal, with a maximum range, depending on model of 312 miles and an an extremely rapid 0-62 mph time of just 4.5 seconds.

Not only that, it is a very capable SUV that has the Tesla Model Y firmly in its sights, having recently surpassed it in sales. Whether that is totally down to BYD quality, or the popularity of Tesla’s owner remains to be seen.

There are three versions: Comfort, Design and Excellence the latter pair both being all wheel drive while entry level is driven via the rear wheels.

  • Comfort: Starting at £46,990, this model features a 230 kW (312 hp) motor and an 82.5 kWh battery, providing a range of up to 300 miles. 
  • Design: Priced from £51,990, it includes a second motor, delivering 390 kW (530 hp) while maintaining the same battery. 
  • Excellence: This top-tier model starts at £58,990 and boasts a large 91.3 kWh battery, extending the range to 312 miles.

Both AWD versions accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds, compared to the Comfort’s 6.7 seconds.

Built on the new Platform 3.0 which is designed exclusively for electric vehicles it features BYD’s compact Blade battery that allows for more cells in a slimmer pack using lithium iron phosphate (LFP), said to be more durable than traditional lithium-ion.

The firm says the cell design ensures high stability, even under extreme conditions like overcharging, crushing, or puncturing.

It looks the part all right, It is a handsome-looking SUV, sporty but aerodynamic and featuring ‘floating’ LED headlights and to the rear, a full-width light signature all set off nicely by stylish 20-inch alloy wheels.

The spacious interior is a comfortable place to be, offering plenty of light from the full length, colour adjustable, panoramic roof. It seats five in comfort and has an eight-way electric driver’s seat and a premium feel to fixtures and fittings. It is dominated by a rotating 15.6 tablet style central screen that controls major functions.

New software delivers better integration of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing direct access to smartphone functions on the 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and head-up display, which shows speed and safety data. 

It also features DiPilot driver-assistance features and a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function for powering external devices.

The new voice control system recognises commands from both front and rear passengers, (although some commands it seemed incapable of delivering) and the infotainment includes with a 12-speaker audio system.

On the road, the car performs well, instant acceleration, while occupants enjoy a comfortable quite ride. Handling is pretty good for such a big car, with little evidence of wallow. The test run was not long enough to determine range, however.

Charging just gets easier. The Comfort and Design models can accommodate DC charger speeds of up to 150kW, enabling a 10 to 80 per cent charge in just 32 minutes, while the Excellence supports ultra-rapid charging of up to 230kW, lopping eight minutes the 80 per recharge time despite its larger battery.