Subaru Legacy (fourth generation)

Fourth generation
Fourth generation
Overview
Production	2003-
Body and chassis
Body style	"B" pillar Hardtop and Wagon
Layout	All-wheel drive
Related	Subaru Outback; Subaru Tribeca; Subaru Baja; Subaru Exiga
Powertrain
Engine	2.0i DOHC 165 hp (123 kW) H4 (JP, ROW except NA); 2.0t DOHC Dual AVCS 280 hp (210 kW) H4 (JP, RHD export until 2006); 2.0td 148 hp (110 kW) H4 (EU); 2.5i SOHC 175 hp (130 kW) H4; (ROW except JP); 2.5t DOHC AVCS 250 hp (190 kW) H4 (US, CA, RHD export) ; 3.0i DOHC AVCS 250 hp (190 kW) H6 (Worldwide);
Transmission	4-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic; 5-speed manual; 6-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	105.1 in (2,670 mm)
Length	186.2 in (sedan); 188.7 in (wagon); 188.8 in (2008-present wagon)
Width	68.1 in (1,730 mm)
Height	58.1 in (1,480 mm) (wagon); 56.1 in (1,420 mm) (sedan); 56.5 in (1,440 mm) (Spec B Sedan)
Curb weight	3,500 lb (1,600 kg) max

Chassis code
- BL - Sedan
- BP - Wagon

On May 23, 2003, Fuji Heavy Industries debuted the redesigned Legacy, known as the BL for sedan models and BP for wagons. It was released worldwide in 2004, with Subaru of America commencing production in January 2004 for the United States and Canadian markets. The large red plastic rear trim piece that first appeared in 1989, on both the sedan and wagon, with the word "Subaru" or "Legacy" (depending on the market) has been removed. The Subaru star logo reappears on the back of sedans and wagons, which was removed in MY 1992, with a blue background.

Lance Armstrong was used as an spokesman for both the sedan and wagon, and Sheryl Crow sang her 1996 hit "Everyday Is a Winding Road" in USA market commercials.

The chassis was redesigned and made stiffer, and it marked the return of a turbocharged engine to North American Legacies, featuring a 2.5 liter unit derived from that of the North American Impreza WRX STI. Due to advancements in turbocharger technology and tightening emission standards, the twin-turbo setup was dropped from the lineup. Turbocharged models and the H6 offered Subaru's first 5-speed automatic transmission, featuring SportShift technology licensed from Prodrive, Ltd.

Normally aspirated models received the gauge cluster from the earlier turbocharged BL Legacy, and turbocharged models were updated with the SI-Drive adaptive throttle system, and updated gauges, showing realtime fuel consumption. SI-Drive is a system that alters the shift profile, and has three settings: Intelligent, where the shifting of the automatic transmission happens much sooner in the torque band. Sport: The shifting happens much later, giving the vehicle a sporting nature. Sport# (sharp): This profile raises the shift point a touch more, for very sporty shifting.

On October 19, 2004 the Japanese-spec sedan and wagon were available as the B4 3.0R Spec B with a 6 speed manual transmission.

During MY 2005, Subaru introduced Active Valve Control System, or AVCS on both the 2.5 Flat-4 and 3.0 Flat-6 engines as standard equipment.

European models have not featured a turbocharged gasoline engine due to emission standards, while RHD export markets initially received 2.0 liter engines derived from Japanese Domestic Market models, later updated to the 2.5 liter engine found on USDM Legacies.

The BL/BP Legacy was refreshed in 2006, with an all new grille, bumper and taillights.

As of the 2008 model year, the Legacy wagon and Outback sedan were discontinued in the United States, leaving the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon. The Legacy wagon was not discontinued in Canada. 2008 also brought the 3.0 L Flat-6 engine to the North American Legacy sedan. The Flat-6 has been available in the Outback sedan wagon since 2000.

USA Trim level designations have been updated and are listed in order of least expensive:

2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5 GT Limited., 3.0R, 2.5GT Spec.b

In 2006, the trim level 2.5 SE was slotted between the 2.5i and the 2.5i Limited and the GT spec B was added.

In 2007, the 3.0R was added with the 6 cylinder engine for the USA market.

For 2008, the 2.5i USA model has been certified PZEV emissions, and a badge has been attached to the rear of the vehicle on the bottom right hand side of the tailgate or trunklid. All other models are certified LEV2.

Newly standard on select 2009 Legacy models, the 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is custom-optimized for the dimensions of each vehicle's interior.

European Legacy have three trim levels: the 2.0R, the 2,5 and the 3.0R spec B. In Japan, the Legacy comes in three variations: Legacy Touring Wagon, Legacy B4 sedan and Legacy Outback. The JDM Outback engine choices are either the 3.0 or 2.5 DOHC.

EyeSight

On May 10, 2008, the Japanese-spec Legacy can be fitted with a new safety feature, called EyeSight. It consists of twin cameras, one on each side of the rear view mirror, that use human like stereoscopic vision to judge distances and generally keep tabs on the driver. The system can can help you keep your distance on the highway, a lane departure warning system, a wake up call should everyone pull away from the lights but you, and even keeps an eye out for pedestrians. ^[1] ^[2]SI-Cruise has been integrated into the EyeSight feature as a driver safety aid.

STI S402

Subaru released a limited edition Legacy STI S402 (402 is the number of vehicles that were built) for the Japanese market only in May 2008. The engine is the 2.5 liter boxer turbo good for 285 hp (213 kW) and 292 lb·ft. of torque. Past generations of the STi S-series were sedan only, but the S402 includes the wagon as well. ^[3]^[4]The S402 received BBS wheels, found on the Impreza type RA-R and Brembo brake calipers. Improvements are made to the suspension and engine management computer. A special serial number plate is added to the center console and engine bay VIN plate.

Liberty GT tuned by STi

Subaru released a special version of the Liberty sedan and wagon, tuned by STi. Modifications have been made to such items as the brakes, suspension, engine, and interior, with only 250 examples being sold in Australia.^[5]

Diesel

The flat-4 diesel engine is offered in both the Legacy and Outback sedans and wagons, identified as the Subaru Legacy 2.0D the vehicle was released in the EU starting March 2008. The vehicle is offered with a 5 speed manual transmission only.

The official introduction of the Legacy and Outback diesel was at the Geneva AutoShow in March, 2008. ^[6]^[7]^[8]

According to the Subaru Insiders on-line newsletter dated March 2008, Subaru is "currently making modifications to the diesel so it meets the more stringent U.S. standards. Subaru diesel models should be domestically available in two to three years."