New odds bringer from Italy
Fiat 600e – the next electric shock follows
On the journey to the electric, zero-emission future, Fiat reopens its history books and uses a legendary name. The 500e is now followed by the all-electric crossover 600e.
Not another retro ride. We’ve already got it all behind us. Ora molto lentemente … just slowly. If anyone is allowed to reach into the clothes box of their own history, then yes, Fiat. Finally, with the 500, the Italians have electrified their biggest icon with great success. Without looking embarrassed or trying.
Many style elements from the 500e go with the Fiat 600e.
(Photo: Fiat_Stellantis)
Now comes the next electric shock. The second electric car from Fiat will be arriving this year. Again with such a famous name on the bow. It will be called 600e, named after the Seicento, which, together with the Cinquecento, made Fiat the lovable popular brand of the common man from the mid-1950s. Since then, Fiat has sold over 20 million cars in the B segment. They know their way around here very well.
Big brother and family friend
This time, too, the 600, which costs around 36,500 euros, takes on the role of the big brother and family friend. At 4.17 meters, it is 54 centimeters longer than the 500e and will inherit the 500X, which is still running for the time being. So it’s more of a small crossover than a classic compact. Fiat calls its new ratings booster “The Italian Upgrade” in the commercials and has bought Leonardo di Caprio in order to present it in a media-effective manner.
Many style elements from the 500e go along. The headlights in LED technology, with the cute googly eyes, the chrome signature, now with the number 600 or the front honeycomb grille. At the back we find very similar taillights with the stylized “E” and the Italian flag embedded in the bumper, patriotism is important for the new Volkswagen.
The five-door has room for five, 385 liters of luggage fit in the trunk, and Fiat generously distributes storage compartments in the interior. At the market launch there are two equipment versions, 600e Red and 600e La Prima, which is lavishly outfitted. The “Fiat” and “600” signs are embroidered into the ivory-colored leatherette seat covers, and there’s even a massage function for the driver.
The equipment line La Prima (from 42,500 euros) is lavishly equipped; the space at the steering wheel even has a massage function.
(Photo: Fiat_Stellantis)
Otherwise, the cockpit looks like a larger copy and paste version of the 500er. Flat-bottomed steering wheel, a 10.25-inch monitor in the center, including a row of mechanical buttons for direct selection of the most important functions. Of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also on board, as well as a whole host of diligent assistants. Blind spot warners are also on board, as is a rear-view camera and a 360-degree assistant. There are 64 different ways to illuminate the interior. Brave new colorful world.
Strategic shell game of the parent company Stellantis
The Fiat 600e has a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 54 kWh.
(Photo: Fiat)
Technically, the 600 benefits from the strategic shell game of the parent company Stellantis and receives the modified eCMP platform (Common Modular Platform), on which the Jeep Avenger is already based, among other things, and which is also intended for the new small Alfa SUV.
The Stromer will roll off the assembly line in Tychy, Poland, where the Polski Fiat 126p was once manufactured, most recently the new Fiat 500 and the Lancia Ypsilon.
At a 110 kW charging station, the battery should be 80 percent full in less than 30 minutes.
Like the Avenger, the 600e has a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 54 kWh. Fiat promises a range of over 400 kilometers in the WLTP cycle and more than 600 kilometers in city operation. With the 110 kW charger, the battery should be 80 percent charged in less than half an hour, with the 11 kW wall box it takes around six hours for the battery to be fully charged. The performance data are also identical to the electric jeep. Means: 115 kW/156 hp, which should be enough for a sprint to 100 km/h in nine seconds.
In some countries also as a combustion engine
And because Fiat doesn’t quite trust the electric boom, especially at home, they also offer the 600 in Italy, Spain and other southern regions with a 1.3-liter combustion engine and 48-volt hybrid technology. Unlike the Avenger, the 600 will only be available with front-wheel drive.
A fully electric Abarth version will follow next year, which should have well over 200 hp. For the time being, Fiat only plans to sell the 600e in Europe. Germany and France are likely to be the strongest markets. The price of the Fiat 600e Red starts at 36,490 euros (600e La Prima from 42,490 euros). It is around 5500 euros more than the 500e and a little more than the current 500X. Unfortunately, prices have never been retro.
