All-electric Fiat 600e debuts with its eye on luxury
Fiat, the once iconic Italian automaker, has entered the electric B-segment market with a bang, presenting the all-new Fiat 600e. The all-new is a bit of a stretch here, it’s more of a renewed 600 banking on an iconic name. The New Fiat 600e is a clever attempt at melding contemporary functionality with classic Italian looks.
Fiat touts a luxurious and eco-friendly driving experience, while talking about a comfortable, spacious interior.
With a length of 164.17 inches and claimed class-leading front storage, the New Fiat 600e promises to accommodate five passengers. Offering more than 249 miles in the WLTP combined cycle and over 373 miles in the urban cycle, this vehicle caters to city dwellers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
While its exterior draws from the design language of its predecessor, the New Fiat 600e's interior is a welcome step in the direction of modernization. Color lighting and massage functions promise a comfortable ride, while the Level 2 Assisted Driving technology makes those long rides a far less tiresome experience.
The New Fiat 600e will be available in two electric versions: the luxury 'La Prima' and the socially conscious (600e)RED - the brackets are not a mistake, that’s what the special edition is called. It marks Fiat's ongoing commitment to ethical mobility solutions, representing a strategic partnership with (RED), the organization founded in 2006 to fight AIDS.
Aside from its new-found interior sophistication, the New Fiat 600e also promises a decent electric proficiency. It is equipped with a rather small 54 kWh lithium-ion battery that supports 100-kW fast charging, making it an ideal choice for everyday city commuting, but less so for long-distance trips. The electric motor delivers an output of 115 kW, resulting in a rather leisurely acceleration of 9.0 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h. Fiat is more about looks than power - that department belongs to the Abarth 500e.
The New Fiat 600e manifests the Italian philosophy of Dolce Vita inside and out. Its exterior, marked by a 600-chrome signature, larger wheels, and a refreshed LED lighting identity, exudes an unmistakable Italian attitude. Inside, the multi-color lighting, and the monogrammed seats with massage functions provide a unique experience.
With Level 2 Assisted Driving technology, the Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, and a variety of sensors there is enough tech to keep a safe and comfortable journey. The car also comes equipped with Uconnect services, providing real-time navigation, voice commands, and remote access to various vehicle functions.
The Fiat 600e La Prima and the (600e)RED are all about style, with a little splash of sustainability. The La Prima version, available in four colors, inspired apparently by Italy's natural landscapes, offers a bold step into the Italian Dolce Vita. Meanwhile, the (600e)RED version, marked by a loud red color, signifies - according to Fiat - a commitment to global health. The jury is still out on this one.
Both new Fiat 600e models are set to arrive in the Italian market in September 2023, with the orders starting from July 5th. The rest of Europe will follow shortly after. Fiat is keen to push for luxury as it’s the best way to justify much higher yet-to-be-confirmed prices. Throwing bright colors and leather seats in may not be enough though, those interior plastics don’t look that luxurious - even in the photos. As soon as the official pricing is confirmed, we’ll update this article.
Update - well, if you didn’t see the photos in detail, the prices of the new 600e would try to convince you that indeed you are getting a luxury vehicle. The Fiat (600e) RED starts at a rather steep $38,580 while the La Prima takes it to a whole new level for the company - $43,940 is by far the most Fiat has ever asked for any of its new vehicles. That’s only $537 less than Tesla Model 3 is in Italy - with 305 miles of range and nearly twice as much power.
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