Fiat has started the production of its new electric SUV, the Fiat 600e, at its plant in Tychy, Poland. The 600e is a modern reinterpretation of the iconic Fiat 600, which was launched in 1955 and became a symbol of Italy’s post-war economic boom. The 600e aims to combine the retro charm of the original model with the latest technology, comfort, and sustainability.
What is the Fiat 600e?
The Fiat 600e is a compact crossover SUV that is powered by a single electric motor with 154 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. It has a 54 kWh battery pack that provides an estimated range of 250 miles on the WLTP cycle. It can be recharged from 0 to 80% in about 30 minutes using a fast charger (up to 100 kW) or in about six hours using a wall box (up to 11 kW).
The 600e is based on the Common Modular Platform (CMP) developed by Stellantis, the parent company of Fiat and other brands such as Jeep, Peugeot, and Citroen. The CMP platform is designed to accommodate different types of powertrains, including electric, hybrid, and combustion engines. The 600e shares some components and features with other models built on the same platform, such as the Jeep Avenger and the Peugeot e-2008.
The 600e is available in three trim levels: Pop, Lounge, and Dolcevita. The Pop is the base model that comes with LED daytime running lights, manual air conditioning, cruise control, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, and rear parking sensors. The Lounge adds LED headlights and taillights, automatic climate control, wireless smartphone charging, keyless entry and start, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera. The Dolcevita is a top-of-the-line model that features chrome exterior details, a panoramic sunroof (or a soft top for the convertible version), leather seats with a heating function (for the front ones), ambient lighting, and adaptive cruise control.
The interior of the 600e is similar to both the new Fiat 500e and the Jeep Avenger, borrowing the steering wheel and climate controls from the former and the center console from the latter. The dashboard has a curved shape that mimics the front grille and a digital instrument cluster that displays various information such as speed, battery level, range, and driving mode. The infotainment system consists of a 10.25-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly. There are also USB Type A and Type C ports in the front and rear for charging devices.
The cabin is spacious and airy, thanks to the large windows and the optional panoramic sunroof. The seats are upholstered in eco-leather or fabric with contrasting stitching, and the door panels feature colorful inserts that match the exterior color. The seats also have the Fiat monogram embroidered on them. The central tunnel offers up to 15 liters of storage space for personal belongings. The trunk has a capacity of 360 liters, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats.
What makes the Fiat 600e unique?
The Fiat 600e is not just another electric SUV on the market. It has a distinctive personality that reflects its heritage and its vision for the future. The exterior design of the 600e is inspired by the original Fiat 600, which was a small and affordable car that revolutionized mobility in Italy and Europe in the second half of the 20th century. The new model pays tribute to its predecessor by adopting some of its signature elements, such as the circular headlights, the smiling grille, the two-tone paint scheme, and the “600” badge above the front grille.
The new model also adds some modern touches that enhance its appeal and functionality. For example, it has LED lights that improve visibility and efficiency, diamond-cut alloy wheels that enhance its style and performance, and a charging port cover that hides behind the “600” badge. The new model also has a more muscular and dynamic shape than the old one, with pronounced wheel arches, sculpted sides, and a sloping roofline.
The interior design of the 600e also combines retro flair with contemporary sophistication. It has a dashboard that resembles the front grille of the car, with circular air vents and chrome accents. It also has a two-spoke steering wheel that recalls the one used in the original model. However, it also has a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment system that offers state-of-the-art technology and connectivity. It also has ambient lighting that can be customized with eight different colors to create different moods.
The new model also offers some features that are unique to Fiat or to this segment. For example, it has an Italian Day Spa function that allows the driver to enjoy a massage while driving, as well as adjusting and heating the seat as desired. It also has a Color Therapy function that allows the driver to choose from eight different colors for the radio and the ambient lighting, creating up to 64 combinations to improve their well-being. Moreover, it has a Keyless Entry function that recognizes the driver as they approach or move away from the car, opening or closing it automatically.
Another distinctive feature of the 600e is its color palette. Fiat has decided to not offer any grey color for its new model, as it considers it boring and depressing. Instead, it has created four colors that are inspired by the natural beauty of Italy: orange (Sun of Italy), green (Sea of Italy), sand (Earth of Italy), and blue (Sky of Italy). These colors are meant to convey a sense of joy, optimism, and vitality. They are also exclusive to the Dolcevita trim level, which is the most premium and luxurious one.
How much does the Fiat 600e cost?
The Fiat 600e is not yet available for sale, but Fiat has started taking pre-orders for it in some European markets. The official prices have not been announced yet, but they are expected to start from around €35,950 ($41,500) for the Pop trim level, which is about €10,000 ($11,500) more expensive than the comparable Fiat 500X. The Lounge trim level is expected to cost around €38,950 ($44,900), while the Dolcevita trim level is expected to cost around €41,950 ($48,400).
These prices are before any government incentives or discounts that may apply in different countries. For example, in Italy, buyers can benefit from a €6,000 ($6,900) eco-bonus if they scrap an old car or a €4,000 ($4,600) eco-bonus if they do not. In Germany, buyers can benefit from a €9,000 ($10,400) subsidy for electric cars. In France, buyers can benefit from a €7,000 ($8,100) bonus for electric cars.
The first deliveries of the new model are scheduled to commence in early 2024. Fiat plans to sell the 600e exclusively in European markets, as it does not intend to bring it to the US or other regions. The US market will receive the new Fiat 500e instead, which is a smaller and cheaper electric car that was launched in 2020.
Conclusion
The Fiat 600e is a new electric SUV that revives a classic name and offers a unique blend of retro charm and modern technology. It has a range of 250 miles on a single charge, a fast charging capability, and a spacious and stylish interior. It also has some features that set it apart from its competitors, such as the Italian Day Spa function, the Color Therapy function, and the exclusive colors inspired by Italy. The new model is expected to cost around €35,950 ($41,500) before incentives and discounts and will be available in Europe from early 2024.
The Fiat 600e is a promising addition to the growing segment of electric SUVs and a testament to Fiat’s commitment to electrification and sustainability. It is also a tribute to Fiat’s heritage and identity as an Italian brand that makes cars that are fun to drive and fun to look at. The new model aims to appeal to both nostalgic fans of the original 600 and new customers who are looking for an electric car that stands out from the crowd.
