The Fiat 500 city car is one of the most iconic cars in history, a symbol of Italian style and charm that has been around since 1957. But what if you need more space, range, and versatility than a tiny city car can offer? Enter the 2024 Fiat 600e, a retro electric SUV that aims to bring the same spirit of the 500 to the B-segment.
The Fiat 600e is not a new name for Fiat fans. It was the name of the larger sibling of the 500, a four-door compact car produced from 1955 to 1969 and sold over four million units worldwide. The new 600e is not a direct successor of the old one but rather a homage to its legacy and a tribute to its popularity.
The new 600e is based on the same platform as the Fiat 500e, the electric version of the current-generation 500 launched in 2020. However, the 600e is not just a stretched 500e with a different badge. Its distinctive design, features, and personality make it stand out from the crowd.
Design: A Modern Take on a Classic
The first thing you notice about the Fiat 600e is its retro-inspired styling, which borrows cues from both the original 600 and the current 500. The front end features a round grille with chrome trim and a prominent Fiat logo, flanked by circular LED headlights with eyelash-like DRLs. The side profile reveals a sloping roofline, muscular wheel arches, and chrome door handles. The rear end has a large tailgate with a spoiler, vertical LED taillights, and a diffuser with fake exhaust tips.
The overall shape of the 600e is reminiscent of the old 600 but with a modern twist. The SUV proportions give it a more rugged and dynamic look than the 500e, while the retro details add charm and character. The 600e is available in two trim levels: La Prima and (600e)RED. The former is more elegant and refined, while the latter is more sporty and aggressive.
The 2024 Fiat 600e La Prima trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome accents, and body-colored bumpers. It also offers three exclusive colors: Bianco Ghiaccio (Ice White), Blu Venezia (Venice Blue), and Verde Bosco (Forest Green). The (600e)RED trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, black accents, and red brake calipers. It also offers two exclusive colors: Rosso Passione (Passion Red) and Nero Carbonio (Carbon Black).
The past also inspires the interior of the 600e but with a futuristic touch. The dashboard features a horizontal layout with a large central touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. The center console has a rotary knob for selecting the driving modes and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The steering wheel has a flat bottom and multifunction buttons. The seats are upholstered in eco-leather or fabric, depending on the trim level.
The interior of the Fiat 600e is spacious and comfortable for five passengers, thanks to its generous dimensions. The SUV measures 4.17 meters in length, 1.80 meters in width, and 1.62 meters in height, with a wheelbase of 2.60 meters. It also offers plenty of storage space, with 15 liters of interior compartments and 360 liters of trunk capacity.
Performance: A Zippy Electric Powertrain
The heart of the 600e is its electric powertrain, consisting of an electric motor mounted on the front axle and a lithium-ion battery pack under the floor. The motor delivers 115 kW (154 hp) of power and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque, enabling the electric SUV to reach a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph).
The 54 kWh lithium-ion battery pack gives the electric SUV a range of 400 km (249 miles) in the WLTP combined cycle and more than 600 km (373 miles) in the urban cycle. The battery pack can be recharged using various methods, such as:
- A standard domestic socket (2.3 kW) takes about 24 hours for a full charge.
- A wallbox or public charger (11 kW) takes about six hours for a full charge.
- A fast charger (100 kW) takes less than 30 minutes for an 80% charge.
The 600e also features a regenerative braking system, which recovers energy during deceleration and braking and feeds it back to the battery. The driver can choose between two levels of regenerative braking: normal and high. The latter allows for a one-pedal driving experience, where the driver can control the speed and braking of the car using only the accelerator pedal.
The 600e also offers three driving modes: eco, normal, and sport. Each mode adjusts the car's power output, throttle response, steering feel, and traction control according to the driving conditions and preferences. The eco mode maximizes the range and efficiency of the car, while the sport mode enhances the performance and agility of the car. The normal mode provides a balanced and comfortable driving experience.