Subaru SVX LS-L

Subaru SVX LS-L

The Subaru SVX was one of the most ambitious and overlooked cars of the 1990s. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign, it was intended to showcase Subaru's engineering capabilities and move the brand upmarket. The result was a sophisticated all-wheel-drive grand tourer that was ahead of its time but sadly misunderstood by the market.

The LS-L was the top-specification SVX, powered by a 3,318cc flat-six (EG33) engine producing 230 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 309 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm. This was the largest and most powerful engine Subaru had ever produced for a road car. The flat-six was exceptionally smooth, delivering its power with a refined, muted character quite different from the typical Subaru boxer rumble.

The full-time all-wheel-drive system used a viscous-coupling center differential to distribute power between the front and rear axles. A four-speed automatic transmission was the only gearbox available — a decision that disappointed enthusiasts who wanted a manual, but one that reflected the SVX's grand touring positioning.

Giugiaro's design was distinguished by the unique window-within-a-window treatment. Rather than conventional side windows, the SVX featured a narrow strip of fixed glass above a smaller operable window, creating a distinctive visual signature that was both elegant and functional (reducing wind noise at high speeds). The overall shape was clean and aerodynamic, with a Cd of just 0.29.

The interior was lavishly appointed for a Subaru, with leather seats, automatic climate control, power everything, and a premium audio system. The cabin was quiet and comfortable, making the SVX a genuine long-distance cruiser. Build quality was excellent — as expected from a car that Subaru positioned as their flagship.

The SVX was not commercially successful. Its $30,000+ price tag placed it in territory occupied by established luxury brands, and Subaru's rally-and-economy image did not support a grand touring coupe. Only about 24,379 SVXs were produced from 1991 to 1996.

Today, the SVX is finally receiving the recognition it deserves. Its Giugiaro design, unique engineering, and increasing rarity have attracted a devoted following. Clean examples are becoming difficult to find, and values are beginning to climb.