Subaru Solterra EV Excluded From VIP Pricing

Subaru is excluding its first EV from one of its best discounts. According to a letter sent to dealers, the all-new Solterra is excluded from the Subaru VIP Pricing Program. The discount, which promises invoice or below-invoice pricing, could make it harder to get a deal on the highly-anticipated electric vehicle next year.

The letter, dated December 7th, says all Solterra models are excluded from its VIP Program. On nearly every other vehicle, the deal promises haggle-free pricing in addition to other Subaru incentives. While the Solterra is expected to qualify for plug-in rebates, the VIP Pricing exclusion could be an obstacle for some buyers.

Subaru offers VIP Pricing to a number of affiliated organizations. For example, the website for the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) says those who've been a member for at least 6 months may qualify for the discount. At the moment, the Solterra is just one of 2 vehicles excluded from the deal; the other is the WRX STI.

Due for release next year, the 2023 Solterra will offer an estimated range of over 220 miles. Separately, Toyota will introduce an SUV jointly developed with Subaru called the Toyota bZ4X. In Toyota's case, the SUV will eventually launch a whole family of "bZ" (Beyond Zero) models over the course of the next several years.

Considering Subaru doesn't offer rebates like most of its competitors, the lack of VIP Pricing could make it harder to get a deal. Fortunately, the vehicle is expected to qualify for a $7,500 federal tax credit as well as state incentives like the California Clean Vehicle Rebate and Clean Fuel Reward once it eventually goes on sale.

Discounted pricing programs don't get much attention but can make it easier to get a deal. For example, Ford Plan Pricing offers a haggle-free discount on popular models like the Mustang Mach-E. However, as we discovered this fall, there can be occasional quirks like how the F-150 Lightning is excluded from X-Plan Pricing.

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