Performance-E STI revealed: what Subaru will show at the Tokyo Mobility Show 2025
I’ve always had a soft spot for Subaru’s rally heritage, so I’ve also been disappointed by how slowly the brand has embraced full battery-electric. That’s why I’m genuinely excited for late October: Subaru is bringing an all-electric Performance-E STI concept to the Japan Mobility Show 2025 in Tokyo. Here’s everything confirmed so far, plus what’s (carefully) rumored.
Low-slung front, slim LED signature, and bronze STI-style wheels hint at an aero-first performance EV.
Final design and specs to be revealed at JMS 2025
What’s officially confirmed
World premiere: Subaru will unveil the Performance-E STI (a BEV) as the centerpiece of its “Performance Scene” booth concept. Press days: Oct 29–30; public days: Oct 31–Nov 9 at Tokyo Big Sight. A Subaru press conference is slated for Oct 29 at 12:30 JST, with an English-subtitled livestream on Subaru On-Tube.
Performance-E STI (BEV): Subaru says the EV concept “represents the future of the Performance Scene,” highlighting thrilling proportions, outstanding aerodynamics and practicality, a driver-friendly layout, and a comfortable, spacious interior, with new technologies aimed at intuitive, exhilarating driving. (No hard specs yet.)
Adventure-side exhibits: Subaru will also show the Trailseeker BEV prototype (Japan premiere) and Wilderness versions of the Forester and Outback as reference displays, plus the 1983 GL Family Huckster built by Subaru of America/Hoonigan.
Performance-E STI
What’s not yet confirmed (but everyone wants to know)
Battery, motors, AWD layout, output/torque, 0–100 km/h, top speed, charging (AC/DC rates), pack size/chemistry, Cd, curb weight, dimensions, interior tech. Subaru hasn’t published any of these numbers yet. Expect clarity only at or after the booth reveal/press conference.
Marked as Unverified
High output claims: One Australian report references a 643 kW four-cylinder boxer—but that figure might be tied to the GL Family Huckster reference exhibit .
Subaru WRX Rally Car
Why this matters (and why I’m excited)
Subaru has been a late mover on full EVs, and fans (me included) have long wondered what an electric STI would feel like. If the Performance-E STI turns out to be more than a styling buck—if it showcases real calibration and a dual-motor AWD future—it could be the moment STI pivots from turbo lag to torque-on-tap while keeping that rally-bred, confidence-in-slippery-stuff DNA intact. Media coverage hints at exactly that vibe, even if the spec sheet is still under wraps.
When and where to see it
Show: Japan Mobility Show 2025 (Tokyo Big Sight) — Press: Oct 29–30; Public: Oct 31–Nov 9.
Subaru press conference: Oct 29, 12:30 JST at Subaru booth (East Exhibition Hall 5); English-subtitled livestream on Subaru On-Tube.
Sources
Official Subaru: “Outline of Subaru’s Japan Mobility Show 2025 Exhibit” (press schedule, concept description, Adventure Scene lineup, Huckster mention).
Japan Mobility Show 2025 site (dates, venue).
Hero image credit: Subaru Performance-E STI concept — EV Man Japan AI-enhanced render based on Subaru’s official teaser.
