Images of the 2015 Subaru Legacy have leaked out.
Just last week we were showing readers a teaser image of the 2015 Subaru Legacy sedan scheduled to make its world debut at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. Now, just a couple days before the Legacy’s formal unveiling some undisguised shots of the sedan have begun to leak out on the web.
While Subaru so far has no comment on the images we’ve been advised that these are the real deal, and you can see the clear evolution from the Subaru Legacy Concept that the Japanese maker revealed at the L.A. Auto Show last November.
The production car isn’t quite as dynamic and aggressive but it does pick on the the concept’s more distinctive elements, starting with the more aggressive “hawkeye” headlamps and revised hexagonal grille.
Gone are the bulbous fenders of the outgoing Legacy. And the overall look is much more refined and well integrated. To date, however, the only thing Subaru is saying is that, “The all-new Legacy offers a sleeker, more coupe-like profile with a faster windshield rake angle and narrower A-pillars that create a sporty and modern sedan.”
The new sedan follows the debut of a coupe concept Legacy at the LA Auto Show last November.
(For more on the Subaru Legacy Concept, Click Here.)
With the overall look of the production model toned down – as is routinely the case as show cars evolve into showroom models – the 2015 Legacy loses the grand 21-inch wheels and tires, among other things. But it does get two extra doors missing on the LA concept vehicle.
Perhaps more significant than the exterior redesign, Subaru has given the interior of the 2015 Legacy a makeover. The Japanese marque has traditionally opted for basic, functional cabins that do their job but which haven’t exactly offered a sense of luxury.
The new design – which includes a revised steering well and new touchscreen infotainment system — is decidedly more upscale in appearance while seeming to retain the ergonomic layout that Subaru customers appreciate.
(Click Here to check out the all-new 2015 Subaru WRX STi.)
The 2015 Legacy cabin has a more refined feel.
As for powertrain and other details, well, it appears we’ll still have to still wait for Chicago to find out more. But we’re expecting to have the powertrain options include, among other things, the familiar Subaru 2.5-liter boxer four engine. One big question is whether the maker will continue offering its six-cylinder package considering so many competitors are migrating to a four-cylinder-only midsize strategy.
The new look for Legacy comes at an appropriate time, the Subaru sedan celebratingits 25th anniversary. While it isn’t a chart-topper, the outgoing version has been a strong seller and a key reason why the little Japanese maker has steadily gained ground in recent years. Notably, Subaru was the only brand on the U.S. market to post increases in both sales and market share during the worst of the American automotive recession.