Abarth 600e electric SUV arrives with up to 280hp
Abarth, Fiat’s performance brand, has unveiled its most powerful model ever in the form of the 600e.
Based on the Fiat model of the same name, the electric SUV gets a sportier ‘Perfo’ version of the eCMP platform, developed with Stellantis Motorsport engineers, along with an exclusive e-motor tested on the Formula E test bench, delivering up to 280hp of power.
Performance and dynamics are also boosted by a mechanical limited-slip differential, sport brakes, racing-derived tyres, and a battery cooling system.
Abarth said the 600e “sets the new standard for electric hot hatch cars and the sportiveness and electrification of urban cars thanks to its racing attitude”.
Two versions will be available, starting with the standard 600e, priced at £36,975 and delivering 240hp of power and a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds.
The range-topping and fully equipped Scorpionissima ups power to 280hp, giving a 124mph maximum speed, and shaving the 0-62mph time down to 5.9 seconds. Priced at £41,975, it’s available as a limited-edition model with just 1,949 units and two colours up for grabs.
The 54kWh battery is carried over from the Fiat and delivers up to 207 miles of WLTP range.
Both versions come with three driving modes. The default Turismo mode caps power to 150hp for the 600e and 190hp for the hotter Scorpionissima and also limits speed to 93mph. This configuration features a sport accelerator pedal calibration, sport steering calibration, and standard ESP calibration.
Scorpion Street mode comes with 204hp of power for the standard model and 231hp for the Scorpionissima and a maximum speed limited to 112mph.
The Scorpion Track set-up delivers the top performance and is designed for track days with the maximum 124mph available untapped and a higher power of 240hp for the 600e and 280hp for the Scorpionissima. It also includes an aggressive accelerator pedal calibration, sport+ steering and “fun” ESP tunings.
The two versions get 20-inch diamond-alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres while the brakes, jointly developed with Alcon, come from the racing world.
Abarth’s 600e also gains a lowered setup and an enlarged track compared to its Fiat counterpart, giving an additional 30mm on the front and an additional 25mm on the back, while design features include more aggressive bumpers and a bolder spoiler.
Colour choices include Acid Green, Antidote White, Shock Orange and Venom Black for the 600e while the Scorpionissima limited edition will be available in Acid Green and the exclusive Hypnotic Purple.
Equipment includes a 7.0-inch driver’s display and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, upgraded with navigation for the Scorpionissima, plus rear parking aid, rain and dusk sensors, keyless start and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. The Scorpionissima adds in hands-free tailgate opening, cargo flex kit and wireless mobile phone charging.
Advanced driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control, drowsy driver detection and autonomous emergency braking. The Scorpionissima version comes with Level 2 assisted driving, delivering systems such as lane positioning and traffic jam assist and 360-degree parking sensors.
The Abarth 600e will open for orders in the UK in mid-November.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.
