Skip advert
Advertisement

Abarth 600e to be brand’s most powerful car ever

The hot all-electric crossover will come with 237bhp and an “optimised chassis”

Abarth is ready to extend its reach into the all-electric crossover market by giving the new Fiat 600e more fire power and a driver-focused set up. 

This is our first official look at the Abarth 600e, and while it’s still heavily camouflaged, we can spot a few distinct details that’ll differentiate it from the standard Fiat model. It’ll retain the Fiat 600e’s retro-inspired rounded styling, but wear a few obvious styling tweaks – like revised bumpers front and rear, a big rear spoiler and larger alloy wheels. 

Sitting on the eCMP platform that underpins many other all-electric vehicles from parent company Stellantis (such as the Vauxhall Mokka and Jeep Avenger), the Abarth 600e will see power boosted to 237bhp – likely from a single front-mounted electric motor. The 0-62mph time will drop drastically from the Fiat’s nine-second figure. To help translate the extra power into forward momentum in the bends, a limited-slip differential has been added.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Abarth says it’s made so many changes to the platform it’s been renamed to ‘Perfo-eCMP’. Despite this, we expect the hot 600e to feature the same 54kWh battery as the Fiat, which will likely mean a decrease in range over that car’s 252-mile maximum. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Accompanying the news was a short video of the hot crossover testing on track, with the sound generator providing a similar synthesised engine noise to the one found on the smaller 500e

The film also demonstrates the 600e’s ability to lift a rear wheel into a corner – a sign that Abarth has done work to strengthen the crossover’s chassis. The maker has kept tight-lipped on what changes it’ll bring to the 600e’s suspension, but firmer springs, a lowered ride height and thicker anti-roll bars are likely. We can see it’ll gain an upgraded brake system too. 

The Abarth 600e will gain “high-comfort seats with racing ergonomics” designed to provide a mix of comfort and support. Judging from Abarth’s previous creations we should see some vibrant colours for the exterior, and upgraded stitching and upholstery inside. 

We should see the Abarth 600e arrive later this year where it’ll have competition in the form of the Hyundai Kona Electric N Line, MINI Aceman and in time the all-electric Ford Puma. Pricing should easily eclipse the £36,995 figure of the current range-topping Fiat 600e La Prima; we expect the base Abarth 600e to cost £40,000 or more.

Now read our review of the Abarth 500e...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Fiat 600 petrol lures buyers with £9,000 saving over 600e EV
Fiat 600 Hybrid - front
News

New Fiat 600 petrol lures buyers with £9,000 saving over 600e EV

The mild-hybrid version of Fiat’s new small SUV starts from £23,965 – close to £2k less than the facelifted Ford Puma
6 Mar 2024
Fiat 600e review
Fiat 600e UK - front
In-depth reviews

Fiat 600e review

The Fiat 600e looks the part, has a comfortable ride, and provides plenty of equipment for a reasonable price
6 Mar 2024
New Fiat 600 Hybrid: little SUV gets electric boost next year
Fiat 600 hybrid - front
News

New Fiat 600 Hybrid: little SUV gets electric boost next year

Fiat has taken the covers off its hybrid-powered 600 crossover
19 Sep 2023
New 2023 Fiat 600e priced from £32,995
Fiat 600e Red and 600e LaPrima - front
News

New 2023 Fiat 600e priced from £32,995

The all-electric Fiat 600e small SUV aims to combine retro design with the latest technology
18 Sep 2023

Most Popular

Cheap EV charging comes to public chargepoints via new ‘Plunge Pricing’ app
Octopus Energy’s Electroverse
News

Cheap EV charging comes to public chargepoints via new ‘Plunge Pricing’ app

Octopus’ ‘Plunge Pricing’ events promise to save electric car drivers an average of £6.50 per charge
17 May 2024
Skoda Scala vs Citroen C4 2024 twin test: which is the best-value family hatchback?
Skoda Scala and Citroen C4 - front tracking
Car group tests

Skoda Scala vs Citroen C4 2024 twin test: which is the best-value family hatchback?

The revised Skoda Scala takes on Citroen’s C4 in the battle to be the best-value family hatchback
18 May 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric at an unbeatable £201 a month
Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer front cornering
News

Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric at an unbeatable £201 a month

Our Deal of the Day selection for 18 May will appeal to those who want an all-electric family car that’s not a SUV
18 May 2024