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Text by Dubspeed Media Staff, Carl Modesette
Photos by Zerin Dube

“Having your cake and eating it too.” “The best of both worlds.” Clichés like this come to mind when considering a performance-oriented four-door sedan, illustrating the inherent dichotomy between performance and practicality. In recent years, as engine technology has shattered the wall separating power output and emissions compliance, this paradigm is beginning to shift. Perception is still playing catch-up, however, as most people are still surprised when something practical proves itself to be at the same time exciting, enjoyable, even exhilarating.

Why we’re still surprised is yet a mystery. Cars that combine elevated levels of performance in a practical package aren’t new – Audi S-cars, BMW M-cars, and Mercedes AMG cars have been with us for well over a decade, if not two. However, cars that manage to combine performance and practicality AND still remain affordable are the rarity. Think about the Taurus SHO or the Impala SS – these are the cars that were attainable to the average Joe, cars that allowed the nine-to-fivers to blow off a little steam on the afternoon commute and still be utilitarian enough to take a client to lunch or pick up the kids from baseball practice. While the aforementioned examples may have gone the way of the Dodo, we plebeians can rest comfortably knowing these cars still exist, most recently in the form of Subaru’s Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B.

Exterior

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At first, second, and third glances, you’ll have a really tough time picking the spec.B apart from any other standard-issue Legacy GT. Subaru chooses the exterior color for you, one they call Titanium Silver Metallic. While exclusive to the spec.B, there’s nothing about it that screams for attention, which adds a bit of mystery to this special edition. Also exclusive to the spec.B are a tasteful set of sideskirts inlaid with chrome at the upper edge, adding the subtlest touch of Grand Touring luxury. The final, and perhaps most noticeable exterior feature of the spec.B is a unique set of 10-spoke, 18-inch wheels shod with Bridgestone RE050 215/45 summer rubber. Simplicity is the theme here, nothing detracting from the already subtly sporty looks of the Legacy GT’s exterior. The small yet functional hood scoop feeds the intercooler hiding beneath, and lends a family resemblance to the popular Impreza line. Still around from prior generations are the frameless windows, and while they seem to seal well, their flimsy nature detracts from what otherwise appears to be a solid design.

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Interior

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The cabin is where Subaru chose to be a bit bolder on the styling front, which is fitting as that’s where driving enthusiasts spend most of their time. Striking Brick Red leather upholstery and floor mat piping contrasts well with the silver exterior and blends tastefully with the charcoal and aluminum palette of the interior. Enthusiasts will appreciate the MOMO steering wheel with redundant audio controls and aluminum pedal covers, both of which are practical additions to the spec.B’s character. The interior is also the only place you’ll find any spec.B badging, an individually-numbered plaque at the base of the shifter noting its exclusivity. Included in spec.B trim is a touch-screen GPS navigation system, normally a $2,000 option – but only on automatic-transmission-equipped models. Other accoutrements include dual-zone climate control, power-adjusted and heated front seats, and a power moonroof.

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Interior room is ample front and rear, and a cavernous trunk promises to swallow plenty of luggage, a pair of golf bags, or a Saturday’s take from the mall. Materials choice is good throughout the interior, although some of the plastic feels a bit too…plasticky. I must question Subaru on the placement and ergonomics of the emergency-brake handle, for when applied, it swings upwards and toward the driver. Upon ingress, I’d constantly jam my thigh between it and the steering wheel. Another disappointment was the lack of one-touch auto-up and auto-down on the power window controls - only the driver’s window has auto-down functionality. While the electro-luminescent gauge cluster looks fantastic, there’s a bit too much glare in direct sunlight that hampers readability. Finally, the separate key and keyfob are a bit disappointing, especially when so many manufacturers are able to combine them into one unit. Unlocking all doors at once using the keyfob can be a challenge – normally you’d expect to press the “unlock” button twice in rapid double-click style, however the Legacy’s brain apparently can’t keep up. To grant access to your fellow passengers, you’ll need to press once, pause, and then press again.

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Drivetrain

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The spec.B makes use of the already exhilarating engine found in the base Legacy 2.5 GT. Producing 250 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 250 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm, the turbocharged flat-four never leaves you wanting for more power. Off the bottom, there’s still a hint of turbo lag, but once the 13.5 psi of peak boost comes on, it’s a bull rush to the 6500 rpm redline. Pay close attention to that tachometer, for that redline is an absolute maxima. If you get a bit complacent during wide-open-throttle upshifts, you’ll meet a brick wall of a rev limiter that bogs you down until revs return to the green zone. Maybe it’s my American bent towards leniency, but I’d prefer a softer rev limiter for a few hundred rpm before my accelerative privileges are so harshly revoked.

Also carried over from the base Legacy is Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This system employs a viscous-type locking center differential with torque distribution normally configured at a 50/50 split front-to-rear. A viscous-type limited slip rear differential is also standard. Shifting is accomplished by a 5-speed manual transmission, which by today’s standards would appear outdated, however the ratios are very well spaced – 60 mph in top gear only requires 2500 rpm, and the 0-60 mph sprint requires only one gearchange, while most cars require two. The shifter seems tall at first, but throws are short and comfortable, if not a bit rubbery feeling at times.

The namesake of the spec.B is a sport-tuned Bilstein suspension with inverted front struts, aluminum-alloy front control arms, and aluminum-alloy rear arms and upper links. Despite all that verbiage, the ride quality is far from punishing. In fact, you’ll hardly notice that you’re driving a “tuned” suspension – the ride is firm, yet pleasantly comfortable. In the twisty bits, the spec.B can hold its own with other sporty AWD sedans, albeit with much greater effort. Body roll is quite pronounced, as is dive under braking and squat under acceleration. You’d almost wonder why Subaru didn’t get more aggressive with the suspension tuning, but in the absence of yaw and traction control, the overall package is quite forgiving – the spec.B is a car you can immediately acclimate to and drive quickly. And in the real world, most folks would gladly sacrifice racetrack-readiness for Grand Touring comfort.

Overall the drivetrain performs exceptionally well – 60 mph can be achieved in the low 5-second range, and the quarter mile rips by in less than 14 seconds. Much of this class-leading performance derives from the spec.B’s relatively low weight – at just under 3400 pounds in fighting trim, this AWD sedan undercuts all of its competition by 2-400 pounds. However, despite the dreams of enthusiasts, our world isn’t connected by dragstrips and S-curves. Once warm, the 2.5-liter four idles at an amazingly low 5-600 rpm. While perhaps great for emissions and fuel consumption, there’s precious little torque available at such low rpm for parking space maneuvers – leading to frequent and annoying stalls. Engaging reverse can also be troublesome unless the car is at a complete, dead stop - expect to grind reverse gear otherwise. There’s also a moderate degree of gear whine present above 3,000 rpm, but this is easily drowned out by the characteristic thrum of Subaru’s pancake four. Fuel mileage is advertised at 20/26 mpg, yet with boost comes a thirst for fuel, leading to an observed 17-18 mpg in mixed driving.

The Bottom Line

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While the spec.B may not have the panache and grandeur of its German rivals, it offers outstanding performance at a low price, which is quite refreshing in today’s market. The spec.B stickers at $34,620 with no additional options available – or really necessary. Better yet, the standard Legacy 2.5 GT Limited (with the same 250-hp engine) can be had for only $28,795. In a market nearly devoid of good values, the Legacy GT – in Limited or spec.B trim – stands out as a true bargain.

Filed Under: Subaru, Reviews, Legacy