IOL Motoring Staff
We have little doubt that in the back of their minds, Subaru's product planners have fantasised about the Legacy being something of a BMW 3-Series rival.
Though its finely tuned chassis and symmetrical all-wheel drive keep its head held high in the dynamic equation, its conservative styling through the generations has kept its secret well hidden.
Now there's hope that the next-generation of Subaru's flagship sedan could be something of a stunner. The new Legacy Concept, set to be unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 20 November, “hints at the future design direction of Subaru's Legacy model” in Subaru's own words.
Although the concept will most certainly be toned down as it translates into production form, many of its design cues should be present on the next Legacy.
The concept's front end has a more predatory and three-dimensional design than the current Legacy, with an angular headlight structure and a large hexagon grille as seen on the Viziv Concept .
Pronounced wheel arches and a coupe-like sloping roofline lend a sporty flavour to the side profile, while distinctive new taillights at the back follow the same design direction as the headlights.
Subaru has yet to release any pictures of the interior, but the company does promise that it has a “high quality, yet sporty” feel thanks to premium leather in a brown base tone with blue accents. Ahead of the driver is an instrument panel that can be operated similarly to a smart phone or tablet.
What lies beneath the bonnet is also a secret for now, although the new Subaru WRX - also set to be revealed next week - should provide some enticing clues.