Prior to the 500e, Abarth, Fiat’s sporting brand, was known most recently for its hotted-up versions of the reborn ICE-powered Fiat 500. Together with Fiat, Abarth has already committed to being an EV-only brand by 2027.
The last ICE-powered Abarth 500, the 75th Anniversary limited edition, has already been revealed. Yet after driving the Abarth 500e almost two years ago, the signs were good. Small range aside, the performance electric 500 proved to be great fun to drive.
Following the reveal of the excellent Grande Panda at the start of this year, the Fiat and Abarth brands appear to be having a reset in the UK under Stellantis management, with the next new model for Abarth being its performance version of the 600e.
Design and interior
Big wheels, a chunky body kit, and distinctive rear wing aside (influenced by Abarth race cars of old), the Abarth looks the same as the Fiat 600e. However, underneath the Abarth gets its own all-new platform, the Perfo-eCMP, which the company claims is “designed to deliver an extraordinary driving experience and performance”. The 600e is powered by an electric motor in 240hp (Turismo) and 280hp (limited edition Scorpoinissima versions), which is a joint project with Abarth and Stellantis Motorsport.
Inside, the Abarth isn’t quite as special. The biggest highlight is the sports seats developed by Sabelt, which on top of looking the part, are impressively supportive – and draw your eyes away from the hard, textured plastics.
Performance and drive
The most powerful Abarth ever has its motor mounted in the front, and accelerates to 62mph in 6.2 seconds, or 5.9 seconds for the Scorpoinissima. Top speed for both is 124mph, with up to 234 ft lbs of torque. Despite all this performance, the Abarth 600e still has a WLTP range of 207 miles.
To complete the performance package, the Abarth 600e gets bespoke Michelin tyres, a proper mechanical limited-slip differential, and 380mm brakes and callipers developed by Alcon.
To differentiate the Abarth’s drive further, there are three driving models. Turismo mode provides smooth acceleration and 148hp for the Abarth 600e and 198hp for the Scorpionissima version, combined with 221ft lbs of torque and a maximum speed limited to 93mph. The second driving mode, Scorpion Street, gives 201hp for the standard version, and 228hp for the Scorpionissima with 254ft lbs torque, and a maximum speed limited to 112mph; the third driving mode, Scorpion Track, has a more aggressive accelerator pedal calibration, sport+ steering and specific ESP tunings. Maximum speed in this mode is 124mph, with 254ft lbs of torque, and the full 280hp for the Scorpionissima and 240hp for the standard version.
We drove the range-topping Scorpionissima, and found that Turismo was the best mode for around town, with its lighter steering, and gentler throttle response. The Abarth 600e has a firm, but not uncomfortable ride. Scorpion Street feels sportier and is better suited to fast A roads. On the twisty country roads around the launch venue, the most focussed Scorpion Track mode, with the sharpest steering and throttle responses, was most involving and fun.
It is in the twisties (or on a track!) where you can make the most of the mechanical limited-slip differential. This 600e rotates well, the progressive power can be applied much earlier, plus there’s impressive levels of grip from the special tyres. Corner exits are at a much higher speed than expected. Although, it can feel a bit grabby on cambered roads.
The brakes too, are impressive being well-weighted, with an unusually progressive feel for an EV, plus the regen isn’t as sharp and instantaneous as other performance EVs either.
The biggest elephant in the room, like with the 500e, is the range. Abarth might be claiming 207 miles, but enjoy the performance, and that quickly drops to around 160 miles.
The Abarth 600e is one of the most capable and fun-to-drive EVs on-sale, as long its shortcomings can be lived with.
Positive: Fun to drive, Abarth exterior tweaks sharpen the design, keen performance
Negative: Use all the performance and the range will suffer, interior not as special as the exterior, why isn’t the Scorpionissima a standard model?
Standard equipment: 20in wheels, LED head and taillights, 7in digital cluster, 10in Uconnect touchscreen infotainment, Sabelt front sports seats, multi-function steering wheel, automatic air conditioning.
Engines: Electric: 240hp, 280hp
Equipment grades: Turismo, Scorpionissima
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
| Model | Abarth 600e Scorpionissima 54kWh |
| P11D | £41,740 |
| Residual value | TBC |
| Depreciation | TBC |
| Fuel | £3,434 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | TBC |
| Cost per mile | TBC |
| Range | 207 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £14/£28 |
| Luggage capacity | 360 litres |
| Battery size/power | 54kWh/280hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
