Subaru has begun teasing the arrival of the all-new, seventh-generation Legacy, which is set to make its global debut at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. Much like recent Subaru models that were redesigned – XV, Impreza and Forester – the design changes aren’t as drastic as you might expect.
Looking at one of the teaser images, you’d be forgiven for mistaking the car for the sixth-generation model. However, while the silhouette remains recognisable, there are some changes from the previous Legacy that are quite apparent.
For starters, the design of the headlamp clusters is now sleeker than before, with a tapered protrusion leading up the fender. Subaru’s signature C-shaped LED daytime running lights are still present, and they appear to be complemented by a smaller element below the repositioned main lighting unit.
Elsewhere, there’s a six-point grille that is already present on the current model, and based on previous spyshots of development test mules, the rest of the new Legacy’s face is pretty much indistinguishable to before.
Along the sides, the primary character line has been slightly levelled out, but continues to link the rear taillights to the door handles and front wheel arch. The side mirrors have also been repositioned closer to the A-pillars compared to the predecessor car.
While there are no official photos of the vehicle’s rear, development cars indicate there will be new taillights and what appears to be a larger boot aperture in an otherwise identical rear end to before.
Despite the familiar styling, the Legacy rides on the company’s Subaru Global Platform (SGP), which should result in better driving dynamics and better cabin space. On the mention of the latter, the new Legacy’s revised interior is significantly different from its predecessor.
Dominating the dashboard is a large touchscreen that is linked to the car’s infotainment as well as HVAC systems. The space above the screen is now home to what is likely a secondary screen for display vehicle information, much like in other SGP-based Subaru vehicles, while on either side are physical controls and the air-con vents.
Further down, there’s a brand-new gear lever design with additional controls to the right of it. Unlike the previous Legacy, the large cubby space beneath the air-conditioning controls has been severely diminished, and the cupholders look to be pushed further back down the centre console.
As this is a Subaru, expect a four-cylinder boxer engine to be present under the hood, probably the 2.4 litre turbocharged unit from the Ascent. Ancillary components include the company’s Lineartronic CVT and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
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