Abarth 500e Review 2024
Abarth 500e At A Glance
Guaranteed to make you smile. Smart interior. Low running costs. More comfortable than a petrol Abarth.
Quite expensive to buy. 164-mile range is less than the Fiat 500 Electric's. Not very practical - especially in convertible form.
Electric cars are dull and dreary, right? They're basically an appliance - all about getting you to your destination in the most efficient manner. That's a notion that's about to be challenged by the brilliant Abarth 500e - arguably the world's first electric hot hatch and certainly an electric car you'd actually look forward to driving every day.
Based on the latest Fiat 500 Electric, the Abarth 500e boasts a power output of 152PS and a 0-62mph time of 7.0 seconds. In the world of fast electric cars, that doesn't sound all that impressive - but the Abarth 500e is about much more than facts and figures.
It's very much an electric car that places the focus on putting a smile on your face. You can tell that just by looking at the pictures - as well as the Acid Green paint of our test car, you can also get the Abarth 500e in bright Poison Blue (our favourite) or Adrenaline Red (as well as Antidote White or Venom Black, if you absolutely must).
The Abarth 500e's also fitted as standard with a special sound generator. When you're idling in traffic, passersby will hear the rumbling noise of an old Abarth exhaust system. This switches to a distinctive roar as you build speed. It's all a little try-hard, perhaps, but you certainly can't describe it as dull.
Out on the open road, the Abarth 500e feels like an enthusiastic little terrier. There are three drive modes to select - dial in one of the sportier ones and it'll dart about from corner to corner, all along its eager steering giving you the confidence to press on.
This doesn't come at the expense of comfort, either - unlike the petrol Abarth 695, the 500e's suspension is surprisingly compliant, especially considering the weight of the electric battery pack.
So what about efficiency? Officially, the Abarth 500e has a range of up to 164 miles. That's quite a lot less than the regular Fiat 500 Electric. There are certainly better options if you're looking for an electric car to eat up the motorway miles, but the Abarth's range ought to be plenty for driving to the office or blatting about town. It's more than the MINI Electric's 145-mile range, too.
Charging the Abarth 500e's battery is quick and easy, with a 7kW home wallbox providing a full charge in around six hours. A public rapid charger will top up the 500e in a little over half an hour.
As you'd expect for a car based on the dinky little Fiat 500, the Abarth 500e isn't the most practical of electric vehicles. It feels pretty cramped for those in the bank and its boot space is pretty limited.
The interior feels well-finished, though, while the new infotainment system and digital dials give the cabin a real lift compared to a regular petrol Abarth.
If you're in the market for a fun little electric car, there's nothing quite like the new Abarth 500e. You'll get more for your money with an MG 4 or Cupra Born, but they're also a bit more grown up (and not necessarily in a good way). It's more charismatic than the MINI Electric, too, while the Honda e looks cool but isn't a patch on the Abarth to drive.
Reviews for Abarth 500e's top 3 rivals
Abarth 500e handling and engines
Abarth 500e 2024: Handling and ride quality
While other electric cars (like the MG 4 and Cupra Born) are good to drive, we'd argue that the Abarth 500e is the first real electric hot hatch. And it really does drive like one.
The steering is quick and responsive, meaning the Abarth 500e feels just as agile as the brand's petrol models. We love the thick, Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel of the Turismo - it makes you feel like you're driving something truly special - while the three different drive modes each noticeably change the character of the car.
Our favourite is the Scorpion Street mode which provides maximum power while also increasing regenerative braking (this uses the electric motor to slow the Abarth 500e down as soon as you lift off the accelerator).
Pleasingly, despite the Abarth 500e's sporty nature, it doesn't feel overly brittle on bumpy roads. We'd say it's more comfortable than petrol Abarths - the suspension hides the weight of the batteries pretty well; you certainly won't have to go hard on the brakes at the sight of an uneven road surface.
Abarth 500e 2024: Engines
The Abarth 500e shares the same electric motor as the Fiat, albeit with power dialled up to 152PS (the most powerful Fiat 500 Electric has 118PS). That means it'll accelerate to 62mph in 7.0 seconds flat - slightly quicker than the petrol Abarth 595, but slower than the Abarth 695.
It feels pokier than that figure suggests, though. It'll sprint from 25-37mph in just 1.5 seconds, which is about a second quicker than the 695, while it'll also accelerate from 37mph to 62mph a full second quicker than the petrol model. That urgency takes a lot of the strain out of hasty overtakes.
While electric cars are often pretty rapid, traditional hot hatch buyers will moan about their lack of character. Abarth has attempted to fix this by giving the 500e a 'sound generator' - essentially a speaker which sounds like the exhaust system fitted to petrol models.
It sounds a bit monotonous at a constant speed but it certainly livens things up when you're in the mood for it... and you can easily turn it off when you're not.
Abarth 500e 2024: Safety
Standard safety and driver-assistance tech on the Abarth 500e includes drowsy driver detection, traffic sign information, autonomous emergency braking and vulnerable road user protection, lane keeping assist, intelligent speed assistant and emergency E-Call assist. The top-spec Abarth 500e Turismo comes with a blind spot warning system, too.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42 kWh Auto | - | 7.0 s | - |
Abarth 500e interior
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3673 mm |
| Width | 1900 mm |
| Height | 1518 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2300 mm |
Abarth 500e 2024: Practicality
You can buy the Abarth 500e as a hatch or convertible model. The former is the most practical, although it's all relative - adults will struggle to squeeze into the back seats of either.
It's spacious enough in the front, although taller adults might find their head brushing the roof - especially in the Abarth 500e Turismo with its standard sunroof.
Both the Abarth 500e hatch and convertible have a small 185-litre boot. Access is much easier in the hatch, thanks to its conventional boot opening - the convertible uses a small saloon-style opening which really limits what you can squeeze into it. We'd be tempted to drop the rear seats and use the Abarth 500e as a two-seater... doing so provides up to 550 litres of luggage space.
Abarth 500e 2024: Quality and finish
Just like the Fiat 500 Electric on which it's based, the Abarth 500e feels much better screwed together than the old petrol Fiat (and Abarth) 500s. The top-spec Abarth 500e Turismo feels particularly special, thanks to its Alcantara trim across the dashboard and steering wheel. Just in case you forget what you're driving, Abarth's scorpion logo is dotted around the cabin - on the headrests, steering wheel, seat covers and pedals.
Abarth 500e 2024: Infotainment
All Abarth 500e models come with a 10.25-inch touchscreen media system in the centre of the dashboard. This features everything you could possibly wish for: navigation, built-in Amazon Alexa, DAB radio and on-board Wi-Fi as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It's a pretty good system to use, with sharp graphics and logical menu layouts. We don't like the heated seat buttons being lumped into the touchscreen display, but at least there's a separate bank of physical buttons for the climate control.
You'll also find a digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. It looks suitably modern for an electric car launched in 2023, although there's perhaps a little more information on display than is really necessary.
Abarth 500e value for money
Abarth 500e 2024: Prices
From launch, the Abarth 500e is priced in the region of £34,000, while you'll pay an extra £3000 for the Cabrio model. The Abarth 500e Turismo is a smidgen over £38,000, while the Abarth 500e Turismo Cabrio is more than £41,000.
Electric cars are always more expensive than their petrol alternatives, but the Abarth 500e's near-£10,000 premium over an Abarth 695 isn't going to convince many petrolheads to make the switch. It also looks expensive compared to other sporty EVs - including the MINI Electric, Cupra Born and the MG4 (the latter especially looks like a bargain compared to the Abarth 500e).
Abarth 500e 2024: Running Costs
The Abarth 500e has an official WLTP range of up to 164 miles, which is considerably less than the regular Fiat 500e (which can manage up to 199 miles). That figure will drop in the real world, especially if you're driving the Abarth 500e with a healthy dose of enthusiasm. You'll still be able to travel further between charges than in a MINI Electric, though - this has an official range of up to 145 miles.
As the Abarth 500e has a relatively small 42kWh battery pack, charging it will be quick and relatively cheap. With 85kW fast charging, it can be topped up to 85 per cent in around 35 minutes.
Tax is currently free for electric cars, although that's set to change in April 2025. Watch out for Abarth 500e models with a list price of more than £40,000 when new (that's the Abarth 500e Turismo Cabrio) - you'll be stung by the government's £325/year premium car tax.
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The Abarth 500e comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, climate control, an electrically operated soft top (on the convertible), keyless start, LED headlights, dark tinted rear windows and cruise control. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, DAB radio and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is also standard, along with a seven-inch digital instrument cluster.
The Abarth 500e Turismo adds 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, an Alcantara dashboard, Alcantara sports seats and an Alcantara/leather steering wheel. The Abarth 500e Turismo also comes with a 360-degree camera, fixed glass roof (on hatchback models), passive entry and keyless go, auto high/low beam, front heated seats, heated door mirrors, a heated windscreen, wireless phone charging and a central armrest with closed console.
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3673 mm |
| Width | 1900 mm |
| Height | 1518 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2300 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1410–1435 kg |
| Boot Space | - |
| Warranty | |
| Servicing | - |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £34,195–£41,695 |
| Insurance Groups | 23–27 |
| Road Tax Bands | Exempt |
| Official MPG | - |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
| Cabriolet | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Entry 155 42 kWh Auto 2dr | £37,195 | - | 7.0 s |
| Scorpionissima 155 42 kWh Auto 2dr | £38,695 | - | 7.0 s |
| Turismo 155 42 kWh Auto 2dr | £41,195 | - | 7.0 s |
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Entry 155 42 kWh Auto 3dr | £34,195 | - | 7.0 s |
| Scorpionissima 155 42 kWh Auto 3dr | £41,695 | - | 7.0 s |
| Turismo 155 42 kWh Auto 3dr | £38,195 | - | 7.0 s |
Model History
May 2023
Abarth 500e priced from £34,195
Abarth has unveiled two new additions to the Scorpion family with the launch of the Abarth 500e and Abarth 500e Turismo. Both new models are available to order in hatchback and cabrio versions in the UK. The “Scorpionissima” launch edition is no longer available to order thanks to significant customer demand.
The new Abarth 500e marks the brand’s entrance into a new era and offers performance and character thanks to new design elements and sporty details.
On the exterior, several design features make the new 500e unique and eye-catching. Starting from the new front bumper, which makes the car even more aggressive, taking inspiration from the past.
Its 17-inch alloy wheels with a new design also give the new Abarth a bolder look, together with the exclusive and sporty lines of the lateral skirt, cool white front DAM, rear diffuser inserts and new Matt Grey mirror caps.
The sporty character is signified by the new Abarth lettering in Dark Titanium Grey on the front and rear. In addition, a new electrified Scorpion signature logo resides on the side of the car.
Sportiness is fully expressed within the cabin. The dark ambience of the pillars and headliner, unmissable sport seats with scorpion stripes embossed on fabric, double stitching and steering wheel wrapped in black vinyl, make the driving environment the most sporty and comfortable in the sector.
In front of the driver are two large screens, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system – Uconnect radio NAV - with new Performance Pages and a 7-inch TFT cluster and dedicated Abarth graphics, as standard. The Performance Pages have been specifically designed for the new electric Abarth and allow customers to keep track of their performance as they unleash the excitement of the drive.
Exclusively for the UK market, the new 500e comes with the Abarth Sound Generator and JBL Premium Audio System as standard.
The new Abarth 500e also creates a specific sound which reproduces a rock guitar chord inside the cabin every time the car is turned on or off. Even the AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alert System) gets a recognisable sound for Abarth fans that reflects the transgressive and unconventional soul inherent to the brand.
The new 500e also combines the Scorpion’s pure sportiness with the typical ingredients of open-air driving, thanks to its Cabrio version, delivering a unique, exciting, and exclusive driving experience for those who crave the feeling of freedom.
New Abarth 500e Turismo: sportiness, style, and the unmistakable Abarth roar
The Turismo is at the top of the new line-up, offering – as always – great performance, a unique style and the original Abarth sound. The interior and exterior details reflect the passions of driving enthusiasts and fulfil the dreams of modern-lifestyle seekers.
The eye-catching exterior is enriched with exclusive 18-inch diamond-cut Titanium Grey alloy wheels which bring the driver closer to the road with their holding performance and aggressive design.
Inside, premium Alcantara provides a dark sporty look and feel. The Alcantara and leather steering wheel and Alcantara embossed dashboard fascia add a further touch of sportiness. The sporty seats with an integrated headrest bring the Acid-Green Scorpion - lasered on the Alcantara – inside and the sporty double stitching provides visual continuity from the seats to the door panels.
Abarth’s signature, the unmistakable Abarth “roar”, accompanies every trip with the 500e Turismo thanks to the Abarth Sound Generator – a standard feature across the new Abarth 500e line-up which faithfully reproduces the sound of an Abarth petrol engine inspired by the famous Record Monza exhaust. Designed to offer all the emotions that every Abarthisti and sportscar enthusiast seeks when driving an Abarth by perfectly combining performance and sound, this innovative sound system enhances the Abarth driving experience.
Furthermore, the new Abarth 500e Turismo comes with a full set of comfort and safety features such as heated front seats, a wireless charging pad, a rear-view camera with 360-degree sensors, heated mirrors and windscreen, keyless entry and go, and a blind spot warning system. A fixed glass roof is standard on the hatchback version of Abarth 500e Turismo.
JBL Premium Audio system
To complete the 360° sound experience of the new Abarth 500e Turismo, JBL is bringing its award-winning sound to the top-of-the-line version.
The vibrant and powerful JBL premium audio system delivers immersive and dynamic sound with clean highs, roaring bass, and well-defined mids to satisfy the most passionate and discerning music fans who love to drive. It features seven optimally placed high-performance speakers including two tweeters, two midwoofers, two rear door full-range speakers, and one trunk subwoofer, plus an eight-channel amplifier.
Extremely refined in both build and performance, the premium audio system is simple and intuitive to use and is equipped with a multitude of advanced technologies. Highlights include Virtual Center technology: an algorithm which ensures that each passenger, regardless of the position in the vehicle, enjoys a coherent sound stage, and Speed Adjusted Volume to maintain the perceived music reproduction level and low-frequency balance at any vehicle speed. The volume and sound spectrum automatically adjust as the speed increases, delivering one more thrill for the driver and passengers.
The 320-watt amplifier lets the intense JBL sound flow through customers’ veins. The JBL premium sound system is perfectly integrated into the car without any major impact on the interior or trunk space.
The new Abarth 500e: more Abarth than EVer
Combining performance, electric power, style and a new powerful sound, the new Scorpion turns advanced technology into adrenaline, and sustainability into performance. Thanks to its electric architecture along with improved weight distribution, instant torque, and a wider wheelbase, the new Abarth 500e is faster than its petrol version and more exciting in both urban and suburban driving, ensuring the best performance.
It is one second faster in urban environments with 50% faster acceleration from 12-25mph than its gasoline-powered counterpart. Outside of city driving, for example on hairpin bends, from 25-37mph it can reach the target speed in just 1.5 seconds - much faster than the petrol version, which lags behind by 15 metres, reaching 37mph a second later.
On the open road, the 500e performs overtaking manoeuvres faster than its petrol version, reaching a speed of 62mph from 37mph one second quicker.
Furthermore, the new Abarth 500e offers great handling and driving dynamics, with a quicker response, better corner entry, and a higher cornering and exit speed. In short, it is more Abarth than ever.
Equipped with a 42-kWh battery coupled with a powerful e-motor, it combines the performance of the Scorpion with the innovation of electric mobility. It features best-in-class acceleration, and, simultaneously, ensures zero emissions. In the end, the new Abarth 500e is thrilling and fast precisely in the conditions where you can really have fun.
With a battery range of up to 164 miles (WLTP) and a supporting fast charging of up to 85kW in direct current (DC), the new Abarth 500e ensures plenty of driving excitement.
Customers can choose from five colours for both the 500e and the 500e Turismo: Antidote White, Venom Black, Adrenaline Red, plus the brand-new Acid Green and Poison Blue, which make the new Abarth 500e stand out from the crowd.
Driving modes
On both the Abarth 500e and 500e Turismo, three exclusive driving modes are available: Turismo, Scorpion Street and Scorpion Track, giving drivers total freedom to fully enhance the sporty set-up and unleash the power of their Abarth.
- Turismo mode allows for smoother acceleration and uses less power for an efficient yet exciting driving experience.
- Scorpion Street mode offers top performance while maximising regenerative braking.
- In both Turismo and Scorpion Street Mode, one-pedal driving is offered. The car decelerates every time you lift your foot off the throttle, making it possible to slow down without even touching the brake pedal while recovering kinetic energy which is converted into electricity to recharge the battery.
- Finally, the Scorpion Track mode is designed for those who are looking for maximum performance without the one-pedal driving function.
Technological and fully connected
The new Abarth 500e is the first vehicle of the Abarth range to offer a fully connected experience thanks to Uconnect Services, which gives customers a complete driving experience with real-time information and onboard security.
All connected services can be also managed offboard through a dedicated app (Fiat app). On board, customers can enjoy the constantly connected and updated navigation system and receive real-time information on traffic, parking, and weather.
Moreover, thanks to Dynamic Range Mapping, it is possible to check the map for the maximum range that could be driven with the residual charge and look for the nearest charging station. The onboard Wi-Fi ensures safety and fun for all passengers, and, thanks to Amazon Alexa, drivers can stay informed and control their smart devices at home without taking their hands off the wheel.
Away from the car, the connected experience continues with the dedicated mobile app. Through a smartphone, it is possible to monitor the vehicle remotely, open and close the doors in a few taps, always know where the car is parked, and find public charging stations. The app also provides direct access to eSolutions Charging services provided by Free2Move eSolutions, where customers can pay for public charging, check their charging history, and remotely manage their private home charger.
Fast recharging speed to quickly go back to fun
To minimise charging time, the new Abarth 500e is equipped with an 85-kW fast-charging system to charge the car’s battery very quickly and guarantee never-ending fun. For example, all it takes is less than five minutes to build up a sufficient energy reserve for daily mileage requirements (around 25 miles), which is less than the time it takes to choose your next destination. When in a hurry, the fast charge reaches 80% of the range in only 35 minutes.
UK Pricing
|
MODEL |
PRICE (TOTAL ON-THE-ROAD) |
|
Abarth 500e |
£34,195 |
|
Abarth 500e Cabrio |
£37,195 |
|
Abarth 500e Turismo |
£38,195 |
|
Abarth 500e Turismo Cabrio |
£41,195 |
