Overview
The Abarth 500e transitions the legendary Italian performance brand into the electric era, serving as a hot-hatch evolution of the popular Fiat 500 Electric. Available as both a standard three-door hatchback and a fabric-roofed convertible, it sacrifices pure outright utility in exchange for a punchy personality and a playful character suited for city streets and tight B-roads.
Design
Building heavily on the retro-modern shape of the standard Fiat 500 Electric, the Abarth variant adopts a significantly more aggressive visual identity. The exterior styling features a deeper front bumper, prominent side skirts, a redesigned rear diffuser, and unique 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheel options. The traditional chrome detailing is swapped out for titanium grey accents, and the iconic Abarth scorpion branding is modernised with an electrified lightning bolt across the car. Distinctive split LED headlights give the front end an assertive look, while the transparent indicator protrusions pay homage to classic design elements.
Interior
The cabin elevates the Fiat's layout with a heavily driver-focused, premium treatment. The standard model includes a Matt Grey dashboard finish, which upgrades to a rich Alcantara wrapping on high-spec variants alongside aluminium sports pedals. The driving position is low and well-anchored, featuring supportive, high-backed front bucket seats with integrated headrests and contrast stitching. A three-spoke sports steering wheel frames a 7-inch TFT digital instrument cluster, which sits alongside a crisp 10.25-inch central infotainment touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Performance & Powertrains
The FWD layout uses a 42 kWh lithium-ion battery and upgraded electric motor developing 152 hp and 235 Nm of instant torque, propelling the 1,410 kg hatchback from 0-62 mph in 7.0 seconds before reaching a limited top speed of 96 mph. The combined driving range is rated at just 157 miles, stretching out to just 208 miles in city driving. Drivers can select between 3 unique driving modes: Turismo, which caps outputs slightly for smoother progress; Scorpion Street, maximizing performance alongside heavy regenerative braking; and Scorpion Track, releasing total performance with minimal energy recuperation. Rapid charging speeds peak at 85 kW, translating to a 10% to 80% charge time of approximately 25 minutes. An integrated, switchable external Acoustic Vehicle Alert System sound generator can replicate the signature raspy growl of a petrol-powered Abarth exhaust system.
Practicality
Being a small car, the little space available is left for the front passengers, leaving the 2 rear seats best suited for shorter trips or small children. Rear access requires tilting the front seats forward, creating a tight entry path that is further constrained on the convertible model due to its smaller, top-hinged boot opening. Storage volume inside the luggage compartment stands at a modest 185 litres with all seats upright, which can be extended up to 550 litres by folding down the rear bench. There's also no frunk, meaning charging cables must share space with luggage in the rear.
Buying
Pricing for the entry-level Abarth 500e starts from £27,995, while step-up Turismo trim packages push prices higher, and opting for the Convertible adds roughly £3,000. Stepping up to the Turismo trim brings 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, heated Alcantara sports seats, a 360-degree parking camera arrangement, blind-spot monitoring, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the cheapest model for maximum value. However, much better rivals are out there such as the Renault Twingo E-Tech if you want something small, or the Alpine A290 or Cupra Raval RZ for something much more sporty.