The Subaru Legacy has long been synonymous with reliability and innovation. With the launch of its fifth generation on May 29, 2009, Subaru set a standard for mid-size cars that focused on comfort, safety, and environmental performance. This milestone not only celebrated the model’s 20th anniversary but also reinforced Subaru’s commitment to producing vehicles that resonate with both enthusiasts and everyday drivers.
Key Takeaway
- The fifth-generation Legacy introduced the “Grand Touring Innovation” concept, emphasizing comfort and safety.
- Production began at Subaru’s Lafayette, Indiana plant and the Ōta, Gunma plant in Japan.
- Key features included Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and the innovative Lineartronic CVT.
The Grand Touring Innovation Concept
The fifth-generation Subaru Legacy was not just a car; it was an embodiment of the “Grand Touring Innovation” concept. This marked a shift towards a focus on spaciousness, comfort, and advanced safety features. Subaru aimed to enhance the driving experience while maintaining the hallmark characteristics that loyal customers had come to expect.
Spacious Interior
One of the most notable changes was the increased interior space. The 2009 Legacy provided the roomiest cabin in its history, accommodating five passengers comfortably. With a passenger volume of 91 cubic feet, it offered an impressive 11 cubic feet of trunk space, making it practical for families and travelers alike.
Improved Environmental Performance
Subaru aimed to improve environmental performance without compromising performance. This generation employed advanced engineering to reduce emissions and enhance fuel efficiency, making it a more eco-friendly option in the mid-size sedan market. (1)
Innovative Features and Technology
The fifth-generation Legacy was packed with features that set it apart from its predecessors and competitors.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Subaru continued to offer its signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard across all models. (2) This feature provided enhanced traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions.
BOXER Engine
The Legacy was equipped with the well-known Subaru BOXER engine. This horizontally-opposed engine design not only contributed to a lower center of gravity but also improved vehicle handling. The 2.5L flat-four engine produced 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged option for the 2.5 GT S-Package offered up to 285 PS peak power and 350 Nm peak torque.
Lineartronic CVT
The introduction of the Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) was another significant technological advancement. (3) This transmission improved efficiency and provided a smoother driving experience, making it easier for drivers to navigate urban environments or long stretches of highway.
Production Milestones
Subaru’s production of the fifth-generation Legacy began at the Lafayette, Indiana plant for North American models and at the Ōta, Gunma plant for the Japanese market. This dual production strategy allowed Subaru to meet the growing demand for the Legacy while maintaining the quality standards that consumers expected.
Key Dates
- May 29, 2009: Official start of production for the fifth-generation Legacy.
- May 20, 2009: Introduction in Japan prior to the global launch.
- 2009 North American International Auto Show: Unveiling of the concept version, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Legacy.
Variants of the Fifth Generation
The fifth-generation Legacy came in various models, catering to different preferences and needs.
Model Options
- Legacy B4 (Sedan): A sleek four-door option that appealed to traditional sedan buyers.
- Touring Wagon: Perfect for those needing extra cargo space while maintaining the driveability of a sedan.
- Outback: A crossover that offered versatility and off-road capability, appealing to adventurous customers.
Design and Dimensions
With a focus on modern design, the fifth-generation Legacy featured refined aesthetics that appealed to both new and existing customers.
Exterior Specifications
- Length: 189 inches
- Width: 70 inches
- Height: 59 inches
- Wheelbase: 105 inches
- Ground Clearance: 8 inches
Safety and Environmental Performance
Safety remained a top priority for Subaru, and the fifth-generation Legacy was no exception.
Safety Innovations
Subaru equipped the Legacy with advanced safety features such as a 4-wheel brake ABS system and various airbag systems, ensuring passengers felt secure in any driving condition.
Environmental Considerations
The Legacy’s design emphasized reduced emissions and better fuel economy, achieving an average of 20 city and 26 highway mpg. This attention to environmental performance helped Subaru solidify its reputation as a responsible automaker.
Market Impact and Reception
Upon its release, the fifth-generation Legacy received positive reviews from both consumers and automotive critics. It was celebrated for its spaciousness, comfort, and the driving dynamics that Subaru enthusiasts had come to expect.
Awards and Recognition
The Legacy’s introduction at major auto shows, coupled with its innovative features, garnered attention that contributed to its strong sales performance in the competitive mid-size segment.
Conclusion
The fifth-generation Subaru Legacy launched on May 29, 2009, represented a significant step forward in Subaru’s engineering and design philosophy. Its focus on Grand Touring Innovation, spaciousness, and advanced safety features not only celebrated the model’s 20th anniversary but also reinforced Subaru’s commitment to producing vehicles that meet the needs of today’s drivers. With a dual production strategy and a lineup that appealed to various market segments, Subaru ensured that the Legacy would remain a relevant and reliable choice for years to come.
FAQs
On May 29, 2009, Subaru celebrated a production milestone with the launch of their fifth-generation Legacy manufacturing. This marked the start of making the new Legacy BM/BR series, which would be sold from 2009-2014 production years. (4) The cars rolled off assembly lines at both the Subaru Indiana Automotive plant in America and the Ōta Gunma plant in Japan, making this a global manufacturing event.
The Subaru Legacy 2009 came with several engine choices, including a 2.5L flat-four engine that produced about 170 horsepower in the 2.5i model. For those wanting more power, a turbocharged engine option in the 2.5 GT S-Package delivered 285 PS peak power and 350 Nm peak torque (about 175 horsepower). Some markets also got a larger 3.0R model. All used the famous Subaru BOXER engine with double overhead camshaft and 16-valve engine design.
The fifth-generation Legacy featured Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive system that used variable torque distribution to send power where needed. Drivers could choose between a 6-speed manual transmission, a traditional 5-speed automatic transmission, or the new Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). This full-time four-wheel drive system was paired with either an Electro 5-speed automatic or manual gearbox, depending on the model.
The fifth-generation Legacy came as a 4-door sedan or 5-door station wagon, with the Outback crossover version having a higher 8-inch ground clearance. This was the roomiest Legacy sedan ever made, with a 105-inch wheelbase, 189-inch overall length, 70-inch width, and 59-inch height. It offered 5-passenger capacity with 91 cubic feet passenger volume and 11 cubic feet trunk volume, making it notably larger than previous generations.
Before the May 29, 2009 production milestone, Subaru revealed the new model at major auto shows. The fifth-generation Legacy made appearances at both the 2009 New York Auto Show and the 2009 North American International Auto Show. These events helped build excitement for the 20th anniversary Legacy, showcasing its Grand Touring Innovation design philosophy and many improvements over previous models.
The fifth-generation Legacy came in several attractive colors: pearlescent white, camellia red pearl, light grey metallic, crystal black silica pearl, dark amethyst galaxy, galaxy blue silica, and graphite grey metallic. In Japan, the cars used the JDM model code DBA-BM9. A model facelift 2012 would later refresh the design with slight changes to the appearance and features.
The fifth-generation Legacy achieved approximately 20 city/26 highway mpg fuel efficiency with its petrol fuel type engines. The electrical system featured a 110 amp alternator and a battery rated at 490 cold cranking amps to ensure reliable starting. The cooling system held 6.8 quarts of fluid, while the engine’s design included a 99.5 mm cylinder bore, 79 mm stroke, and 9.5:1 compression ratio for optimal performance.
The Subaru Legacy market launch in 2009 represented a significant leap in Subaru Legacy safety features with a 4-wheel brake ABS system and power brake type for better stopping power. The new design balanced Subaru Legacy environmental performance with customer demands for increased interior space. Subaru Legacy innovation, including technical specifications improvements and Subaru Legacy dimensions increases, helped position this redesign as a competitive option while maintaining Subaru Legacy specs that loyal fans expected.
References
- https://www.guideautoweb.com/en/makes/subaru/legacy/2009/ratings/
- https://www.sportsubaru.com/why-all-wheel-drive-.htm
- https://www.sportsubaru.com/subaru-cvt-explained.htm
- https://www.slashgear.com/1686521/subaru-legacy-generations-ranked-reliability/
