Subaru plans to stop selling combustion models powered by its signature boxer engines in Europe by the end of 2027 at the latest, according to a report from German publication Auto Motor und Sport. The decision is tied to stricter European Union emissions standards and requirements for driver assistance and safety systems, which have made it more difficult for smaller automakers to continue selling their vehicles in the region.
Subaru to End European Sales of Boxer-Engined Cars
Subaru has built much of its identity around the boxer engine, a layout the Japanese automaker has championed throughout its history. While other manufacturers have used the design, Subaru is the only carmaker to offer boxer engines across an extensive mass-market lineup, equipping almost all of its cars with the technology.
Although boxer engines are not generally considered easy to work on or maintain, Subaru has continued refining the design to keep it relevant. However, the company now faces regulatory requirements in Europe that its current combustion boxer engines cannot meet, according to the report.
Auto Motor und Sport reported that Subaru officially announced it would end European sales of combustion boxer-engine models by the end of 2027 at the latest. Subaru Germany became the first European market to confirm the change after the publication requested a statement.
Outback, Impreza, Crosstrek and Forester Face Phase-Out
The naturally aspirated Subaru Outback, powered by an aging 2.5-liter boxer engine, will be the first model to leave the European market under the planned phase-out.
The move will also affect Subaru’s e-Boxer mild-hybrid models, including the Impreza, Crosstrek and Forester. Their departure would eliminate most of the brand’s existing European lineup.
From 2028, Subaru’s European offerings will consist entirely of electric vehicles: the Solterra, E-Outback and smaller Uncharted SUV Coupe.
All three remaining models were developed and built using Toyota platforms and electric-vehicle technology. Their Toyota counterparts include the bZ4X, bZ4X Touring and C-HR+.
Subaru Germany Still Relies Heavily on Boxer Engines
A separate report from AutoNext highlights how significant the planned change could be for Subaru in Germany. According to the report, 81% of Subaru Germany’s sales came from internal combustion engine models powered by boxer engines.
At the same time, Subaru’s electric vehicles are gaining ground. The Solterra and Uncharted together accounted for 19% of this year’s vehicle registrations in Germany, according to the same report.
Could Subaru Bring Full Hybrids to Europe?
Subaru has alternatives to an all-electric European lineup. In markets such as the United States, the automaker sells full-hybrid models that it could also introduce in the European Union.
However, Subaru has not confirmed whether its full-hybrid vehicles will be offered in Europe. For now, the reported plan would leave the brand selling only electric models in the region from 2028, ending the European presence of its combustion boxer-engine lineup.
