The Abarth brand is known for its sporty and spirited versions of Fiat cars, especially the iconic Fiat 500 model. The scorpion logo represents the passion and performance of these small but fierce vehicles, which have a loyal fan base among enthusiasts and racers. But what happens when you take the gasoline out of the equation and replace it with batteries and electric motors? Is it still an Abarth?
That's the question that the new Abarth 500e tries to answer. This is not just a Fiat 500e with some cosmetic tweaks and a badge swap. This is a fully-fledged electric Abarth with a unique design, a bespoke chassis, a sporty suspension, and a powerful drivetrain. It’s also the first Abarth to feature a four-wheel drive system, thanks to the dual-motor setup that delivers a combined output of 268 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque.
The Abarth 500e is based on the new Fiat 500, a completely new generation of iconic city cars that debuted in 2020. The New 500 is larger, more spacious, more technologically advanced, and more efficient than its predecessor, but it also retains the charm and character that made it so popular. The Abarth 500e takes this platform and enhances it with several improvements that aim to make it more fun to drive, agile, and distinctive.
Design: A scorpion with a sting
The Abarth 500e is instantly recognizable as an Abarth, thanks to its aggressive styling cues that differentiate it from the regular Fiat 500e. The front end features a larger air intake with a honeycomb grille flanked by two smaller openings that house the fog lights. The headlights are LED units with a circular shape that echoes the original 500. The hood has two bulges that hint at the power underneath, while the scorpion badge proudly sits on the nose.
The side profile reveals the widened fenders that accommodate the larger wheels and tires and the lowered ride height that gives the car a more planted stance. The door handles are flush with the bodywork, creating a smooth surface that improves aerodynamics. The side mirrors are painted in black, contrasting with the body color. Depending on the trim level, the roof can be either solid or glass.
The rear end is dominated by the large spoiler that extends from the roof to the tailgate, enhancing downforce and stability at high speeds. The taillights are also LED units with a horizontal shape that emphasizes the width of the car. The bumper features a diffuser that integrates two round exhaust tips, which are actually fake since this is an electric car. However, they serve a purpose: they house speakers emitting a simulated engine sound that changes according to the driving mode and speed.
The Abarth 500e is available in three trim levels: Turismo, Competizione, and Rivale. Each one has its own color palette, interior materials, and equipment. The Turismo is the entry-level version, with 17-inch alloy wheels, fabric seats, and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster. The Competizione is the sportiest version, with 18-inch alloy wheels, Alcantara seats, Brembo brakes, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The Abarth 500e Rivale is the most exclusive version, with 19-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, carbon fiber accents, and a numbered plaque.
Performance: A scorpion with a bite
The Abarth 500e is not just about looks. It’s also about performance. The electric powertrain consists of two synchronous motors, one on each axle, that deliver a total of 268 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. This allows the car to sprint from zero to 62 mph in just 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 149 mph.
The battery pack is located under the floor, lowering the center of gravity and improving weight distribution. It has a capacity of 42 kWh, which translates into an estimated range of 199 miles on the WLTP cycle. It can be recharged using either AC or DC power sources, reaching up to 85% of its capacity in 35 minutes using a fast charger.
The Abarth 500e also features a four-wheel drive system that can vary the torque distribution between the front and rear axles depending on the driving conditions and mode. The system has three modes: Normal, Sport, and Drift. Normal mode is the default setting, which prioritizes efficiency and comfort. Sport mode increases the responsiveness and agility of the car, as well as the engine sound. Drift mode allows the driver to have some fun by sending more power to the rear wheels and loosening the stability control.
The suspension system is also tuned for sporty driving, with stiffer springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars. The steering is electrically assisted, with a variable ratio that adapts to the speed and mode. The brakes are ventilated discs on all four corners, with red calipers and Abarth logos. The Competizione trim also features Brembo calipers and larger discs for more stopping power.