Is Subaru Really Bringing Back the BRZ to Europe—and Will It Be Electric?
What’s Driving Subaru’s Interest in the European Sports Car Scene?
If you’ve spent any time around car enthusiasts in Europe, you know there’s a real appetite for fun, agile coupes. Subaru, a brand that’s built a loyal following with its rally roots and driver-focused machines, hasn’t had a true performance car on the continent since the first-gen BRZ bowed out in 2020. That left a gap—and plenty of fans wondering if they’d ever see a Subaru sports car on European roads again.
So, what’s changed? Subaru’s leadership is openly debating how to reconnect with this passionate customer base. The company’s European boss, David Dello Stritto, has made it clear: Subaru is seriously considering bringing the BRZ back, but this time, it might be powered by electrons rather than gasoline.
Why Didn’t the Second-Gen BRZ Come to Europe?
Let’s rewind for a second. The second-generation BRZ, launched in 2024, was a hit in the US and Japan. But in Europe? It was a no-show. The culprit: increasingly strict emissions and safety regulations. While its twin, the Toyota GR86, did make a limited appearance, the numbers were tiny—barely enough to satisfy demand.
This wasn’t just about red tape. The reality is, selling a niche sports car in Europe is a tough business case, especially when you’re up against regulatory hurdles that make mass-market models far more attractive from a profit perspective.
Could the Next BRZ Be Fully Electric?
Here’s where things get interesting. Subaru’s global EV product chief, Inoue Masahiko, recently confirmed that an electric BRZ is under serious consideration. In fact, Subaru and its long-time partner Toyota have already explored the idea. The challenge? Timing and mutual benefit. Masahiko put it bluntly: “We did consider electrifying the BRZ and GT86, but the win-win relationship is more important, and for the moment we can’t get the kind of benefits for both sides.”
Translation: Subaru isn’t going to rush an electric sports car to market unless it makes sense for both brands and delivers the kind of driving excitement fans expect. But the door is wide open.
What Would an Electric BRZ Look Like?
Subaru has already teased what an electric sports coupe could be with the Sport Mobility concept unveiled in 2023. Think chunky, high-riding, and unmistakably Subaru. While it’s not a direct preview of a production BRZ EV, it signals the brand’s willingness to experiment with form and function.
From a technical standpoint, electrifying a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive coupe isn’t as simple as swapping in a battery pack. Packaging is a real challenge. Masahiko admitted that retrofitting the current BRZ platform would be “difficult,” but designing a new electric version from the ground up would be “easier.” That’s a big hint that if the BRZ returns, it’ll be a clean-sheet design tailored for electric power.
How Does This Fit Into Subaru’s Broader Strategy?
Right now, Subaru’s European lineup is all about family-friendly crossovers and SUVs: the Crosstrek, Outback, Forester, and the new electric Uncharted, E-Outback, and Solterra. The company is in the middle of a major push to establish itself as a serious player in the EV family car market.
Stritto made it clear that any return to sports cars hinges on the success of these new models—especially the Uncharted. If these EVs perform well and build momentum for the brand, it opens the door for more niche, enthusiast-focused offerings like a BRZ EV.
Is There a Business Case for a Niche Sports Coupe in Europe?
Let’s be honest: selling a low-volume sports car in Europe isn’t easy. Stritto was candid about the numbers, saying that bringing “100 examples to Europe” of the current BRZ—like Toyota did with the GR86—just doesn’t make long-term sense. For Subaru, it’s about scale and sustainability. A full-fledged electric sports coupe, designed for the European market from the outset, could change the equation.
What Do Industry Trends and Data Say?
The European EV market is booming. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, electric vehicles accounted for over 20% of new car registrations in 2023—a record high. At the same time, there’s a growing niche for electric performance cars, with models like the Porsche Taycan and Alpine A110 E-ternité proving that driving excitement and zero emissions can go hand in hand.
Subaru’s challenge will be to deliver an electric BRZ that’s affordable, fun to drive, and true to the brand’s ethos. That’s a tall order, but not impossible—especially with Toyota’s expertise in electrification and Subaru’s reputation for engineering cars that punch above their weight.
What Should Enthusiasts Watch For Next?
If you’re a Subaru fan in Europe, the message is clear: don’t give up hope. The brand is watching the market closely, and if its new EVs gain traction, a return to the sports car segment is on the table. The next BRZ could be a trailblazer—not just for Subaru, but for affordable electric sports cars as a whole.
For now, keep an eye on Subaru’s EV rollout and the ongoing collaboration with Toyota. The outcome? It could be game-changing for enthusiasts who crave something different in a world increasingly dominated by crossovers and SUVs.
The Bottom Line for European Drivers
Subaru hasn’t forgotten its roots—or its fans. The possibility of an electric BRZ returning to Europe is real, but it hinges on timing, technology, and the success of Subaru’s broader EV strategy. If everything lines up, we could see a new chapter in the brand’s storied history—one that blends driving passion with a sustainable future. And that’s something worth getting excited about.