New Legacy B4 Sedan & Touring Wagon!!

Here they are. I actually took these 2 days after the new Legacies came out in Japan back at the end of May. But hey it's better late than never.

First up, we have the Touring Wagon BR9 (no idea why Subaru skipped "Q"). For the new generation, all JDM spec Legacies get a 2.5 motor, whether N/A or turbo. The N/A engine makes around 168hp while the GT makes about 281 (nice!). As you'll see from the pix in a separate post Subaru has already swapped the location for the turbo completely...from next to the firewall on the passenger side to the front of the motor near the bumper! I'm no engineer so I'm not quite sure the reason behind this move or the benefit. You gearheads feel free to chime in but please do not turn this into a flame war.

Subaru did a good job trying to prevent the 5th generation Legacy from turning into a hog like so many other newer models out there on the market. The lightest N/A wagon weighs 3263 lbs. and the lightest GT is at 3329 lbs. The lightest N/A sedan weighs 3175 lbs. and the lightest GT is at 3263 lbs. But I'm sure the U.S. version will be somewhat heavier thanks to DOT regulations.

By the way, on that day the dealer I went to only had a N/A for the wagon and they didn't have any models with the 6speed MT.

Part 2: random close-up shots of the exterior

Overall you can feel Subaru has made the BM9 / BR9 more grown-up.





The rear roof spoiler has shrunk, making the wagon less "sporty".





Legacy's trademark "pillarless" D pillar is gone. I feel the wagon now looks kind of like any other sport-ute from this angle.

Part 3: interior shots

Subaru has upped the luxury factory and interior space is noticeably bigger. But note the lack of a real handbrake. Windows come with frames now. Also the awesome truly panoramic moonroof previously available on BP is no more. There's only a typical standard sized moonroof in its place.











Ample legroom in the back.









At least the new shock supported hood is a welcome addition.

The framed windows and tiny sunroof are pretty bad.

The D-pillars are AWFUL!

Part 4: BM9 B4 Sedan

The dealer had a turbo GT on the lot. To be honest I'm not all that thrilled about the front of the new Legacy (too angular), but I do dig the rear on the sedan. It reminds me of the current generation BMW 1 & 3 series.

Part 5: engine compartment shots

Is it just me, or does the engine cover on the new BM9 / BR9 look cheaper?





Take a close look at the new home for the turbocharger.





Shape and size of the hood scoop appear to remain unchanged. I was wishing for a redesign more like what's on the current generation WRX.



"Guide" for the intercooler on the underside of the hood.

thanks for the pics

i reallly like the OBP Sedan <3

Yeah. The more pics I see of the Sedan, the more I like it. I gotta see one for real. God I want to see a spec.B, 300HP version of this car.
-joe-

why did Subaru do away with the electroluminescent gauges? It's such a step backward.

Hmm...... I'm still glad I have the 08 model.
It a NEW car but for some reason, it just don't feel or look NEW.

Thank you for the detailed pictures.

You're welcome. I like some parts on the new Legacy but given the chance I'd most likely still hang on to my BP5.

It sounds like a POS, it looks like a POS, I say the new Legacy is gonna be a POS.

I am utterly perplexed by the new turbo location ... I wonder what the reason/benefits are. It also looks like there's a HUGE motor mount right where the turbo sits. Again, interesting stuff.

-Sergei

I like that the BM/BR gained substantial interior volume (9 cubic feet sedan/8 cubic feet wagon) over the BL/BP with only a negligible gain in curb weight. However, neither the BM nor BR are as good looking as the outgoing BL/BP. And, we don't get the touring wagon in the U.S.

Originally Posted by sactojesse

I like that the BM/BR gained substantial interior volume (9 cubic feet sedan/8 cubic feet wagon) over the BL/BP with only a negligible gain in curb weight. However, neither the BM nor BR are as good looking as the outgoing BL/BP. And, we don't get the touring wagon in the U.S.

Yeah that's unfortunate. There just aren't many people in the States that think wagons are cool or sporty, unlike the rest of the world.