Subaru Performance-E STI Concept Combines Performance and Electric

TOKYO—Subaru's giving us another glimpse of a potential high-performance electric model, and we... kinda dig it?

Subaru didn't just tease enthusiasts with a practically production-ready WRX STI-like hatchback at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. The brand also looked a little further into the future, with a low-slung, angular hatch that could preview an STI-badged electric model. Say hello to the Performance-E STI Concept

Right up front, let's clear this up: there is almost no info on the Performance-E. All we know is that it would have electronic all-wheel drive, which suggests at least two electric motors, one working each axle. There's no interior, and it's clear the concept is a very early idea of a future model, with a finish that still looked a little rough in spots. Nonetheless, we dig this altogether edgier look from the brand, with sharp creases and a low, mean nose. There are nods to the past too, in the way the pink STI logos sit low in the front fascia a la 22B. The Performance-E takes the proportions of the current Impreza and fun-house-mirrors them, stretching it lower, longer, and wider, with a mean stance atop hilariously OTT wheels. Those things wouldn't look out of place in Forza Horizon.

The back end sees the oh-so-common full-width taillight treatment, and the increasingly common spelled-out brand motif too. A huge diffuser pulls the car's visual weight downward, and while it looks like there's an STI-typical big wing from other angles, here we see that they're just winglets, and most of the central section is removed. We dig that lip spoiler, though.

Like we said, there isn't much info here, but we're excited to see Subaru thinking about how the STI name can be reimagined in the electric era. You have our attention, Subaru.

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