Kahn has turned the 500 into a true head-turner, but this level of exclusivity doesn't come cheap

Verdict

No one approaches a company like Kahn to blend in, and for those unwilling to wait for the forthcoming Abarth 500e, this Designio version should go some way to satisfying the senses. It’s difficult to ignore quite how pricey these parts are, however, especially given the car’s powertrain is unaltered. Historically, Kahn has applied its aftermarket accessories to cars costing £100k or more; it’s a harder pill to swallow on something costing a third of that.

Only a matter of weeks ago, Abarth revealed its souped-up stance on the electric Fiat 500e. Like its petrol predecessors, the EV gets more aggressive styling, different wheels and lurid paint options, plus a power hike to give the dinky hot hatch added punch.

But even if you’re one of the first to place an order, we’ll be long into 2023 before we see customer cars arrive in showrooms. So what if you can’t wait, and want some of that scorpion-badge style right away? Kahn Design thinks it has the answer.

Self-proclaimed as the world's leading automotive fashion house, Kahn has been modifying Range Rovers, Mercedes G-Wagons and Jeep Wranglers for decades. But with one eye on the future, and a willingness to explore a potentially untapped part of the market, the designer has come up with a distinctly Abarth-like take on the latest Fiat 500.

The premise is simple: you take a 500e to Kahn – or you have the team source a model for you – and you pick the parts you want off the shelf. As with the maker’s ostentatious off-roaders, there are things like alloy wheels, bodykits, leather seats and steering wheels; full conversions start from £10,000.

Not cheap, then. Indeed, none of it is. The 18-inch wheels alone cost the best part of £2,000, while a full interior retrim will set you back £3,999. Our car also had the lowered suspension – a snip at just £899. And don’t forget the cheapest brand-new Fiat 500e donor car now costs more than £30k; a convertible like ours is another £3,000 on top. All in, that’s a pretty tough sell when you consider the 500 Designo’s powertrain is untouched.

android, new fiat 500e designio by project kahn review

And yet there are few cars that turn quite as many heads – as we discovered when driving around the swankier parts of central and west London having picked up the car from Kahn’s showroom on the Chelsea Embankment. Where Lamborghinis and Aston Martins are ten-a-penny, the modified Fiat 500 stands proud, even in our car’s relatively nondescript black and grey paint.

Initially, the 500e Designo feels much like any other electric 500. You sit high, but the new seats are comfortable and well bolstered. Quality in general is very good, though you need to remember it’s still a city car at its core and not a six-figure premium SUV; the buttons and switches don’t have the softly-damped tactility of an Audi or BMW.

The cabin feels familiar, therefore. Kahn has retrimmed the door inserts, but the dashboard is unaltered, and the infotainment system remains as easy to use and intuitive as ever. Since the cheaper variants were dropped, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on every 500e that leaves the Fiat factory in Turin.

Our car was based on the 500C convertible, so naturally we pulled back the canvas cover at the earliest opportunity. Doing so only heightens the 500e Designo’s appeal – even if sawing a hole in the roof of an electric car and cranking up the heater saps range on a cold day faster than you can say “drop the top”. We were seeing only around 100 miles on a full charge, versus an official range of almost double that.

android, new fiat 500e designio by project kahn review

Unfortunately, the larger wheels and lowered suspension (-30mm at the front, -25mm at the rear) give the car a slightly brittle ride around town, with the wider tyres more inclined to tramline than the standard rubber. The experience improves slightly at speed, but rougher roads don’t make for particularly smooth progress.

Ride aside, the rest of the driving experience is recognisable from the car on which it is based.  It’s not fast by any means – it’s a shame Kahn hasn’t tickled the powertrain in any way – but you still get decent performance off the line, and plenty of in-gear acceleration. You can dial things back and restrict power to protect range, should you so wish.

One thing we did quite like was the exposed carbon fibre steering wheel – in spite of its eye-watering £2,400 price. It gives the Fiat a pseudo-Ferrari vibe, and it feels really special to hold. It’s a shame there’s no way of weighting up the steering itself though; the 500e doesn’t get a sport mode, so the controls are all very light.

And actually, that’s a bit of a theme. We’d liken the 500e Designo to a Mercedes in AMG Line trim, or an M Sport-badged BMW – you get Abarth looks, but none of the same get-up-and-go. So, if you’re looking for your next electric hot hatch, we’d recommend searching elsewhere.

Fiat 500e Designio by Project Kahn

From £43,645 (£10k plus base car)

42kWh battery, 1x e-motor

Single-speed auto, front-wheel drive

9.0 seconds (est)

189 miles (est)/85kW, 10-80% in 35 mins

Model:
Price:
Powertrain:
Power/torque: 116bhp/210Nm
Transmission:
0-62mph:
Top speed: 93mph (est)
Range/charging:
On sale: Now

Now read our city car group test…

Keyword: New Fiat 500e Designio by Project Kahn review

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Are these the 23 ugliest cars ever made?

Cartastrophes

View more: Are these the 23 ugliest cars ever made?

The Fiat Strada is coming back to Africa – But we can’t have it

Fiat has just announced that the Strada bakkie will be relaunched in sub-Saharan Africa, but South Africa will not be one of the lucky recipients, at least not yet. The carmaker confirmed to TopAuto that the most recent Strada, which is currently exclusive to Brazil, will be launched in ...

View more: The Fiat Strada is coming back to Africa – But we can’t have it

Stellantis to Introduce Fiat Strada Bakkie into Sub-Saharan Africa

Image: Stellantis Image: Stellantis Image: Stellantis Image: Stellantis NewsBy: Ryan De Villiers Fiat’s local fleet anticipates the arrival of another member as Stellantis announces its compact double cab bakkie, the Fiat Strada, is being introduced in Sub-Saharan Africa. Image: Stellantis Debuting 25 years ago in Brazil, the Strada has ...

View more: Stellantis to Introduce Fiat Strada Bakkie into Sub-Saharan Africa

Stellantis to Introduce Fiat Strada Bakkie in Sub-Saharan Africa

Image: Stellantis Image: Stellantis Image: Stellantis Image: Stellantis NewsBy: Ryan De Villiers Fiat’s local fleet anticipates the arrival of another member as Stellantis announces its compact double cab bakkie, the Fiat Strada, is being introduced in Sub-Saharan Africa. Image: Stellantis Debuting 25 years ago in Brazil, the Strada has ...

View more: Stellantis to Introduce Fiat Strada Bakkie in Sub-Saharan Africa

1968 FIAT Dino 2.0 Spider

Debuting as a two-seater Spider with Pininfarina bodywork at the 1966 Turin Show, the FIAT Dino placed its 2.0-liter, 160bhp engine in the traditional front-engine position. This car was remarkable as the first FIAT to feature four overhead camshafts and a limited-slip differential as standard equipment. The steel-bodied newcomer incorporated ...

View more: 1968 FIAT Dino 2.0 Spider

Fiat 8V Ghia Supersonic 1952

Fiat 8V Ghia Supersonic 1952. Only eight of these sports cars were completed, after mechanical issues ended the project. Several of the cars were purchased by Americans; some were heavily customized and received engine transplants. An original un-restored car sold at a Scottsdale, Arizona Gooding and Company auction in ...

View more: Fiat 8V Ghia Supersonic 1952

Nissan NP200 on its way out – And there’s no replacement in sight

Nissan made a big announcement this year when it confirmed that the incredibly-popular NP200 will soon be retired. The NP200 has been one of South Africa’s best-selling vehicles for years, thanks in no small part to the fact that it is effectively the only model left in its segment. ...

View more: Nissan NP200 on its way out – And there’s no replacement in sight

Best-selling car from every brand in South Africa

Best-selling cars from every brand in South Africa Alfa Romeo Giulia/Stelvio – 2 units each Audi Q3 – 156 units BMW X3 – 222 units Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – 858 units Citroen C3 – 77 units Ferrari 296 GTB – 2 units Fiat 500 – 11 units Ford ...

View more: Best-selling car from every brand in South Africa

My nearly 5-year-old Fiat Abarth Punto: 46,000 km update

R200,000 hatchbacks competing against the new Hyundai Grand i10

The new bakkie that could be built in South Africa

Fiat Ducato Facelift Spy Photos Preview Possible Ram ProMaster Upgrades

South Africa receives R9.5-billion in automotive investments – What the money will be spent on

Bought a used VW Virtus GT as a replacement for my old Fiat Linea

We Drive a Fully Restored Classic Fiat 500 Cinquecento : Micro Machine

1926 Fiat 509 S Convertible

Production Of Four Maserati Models And Fiat 500 Electric Suspended

MY23 Fiat 500 Prices & Specs Confirmed, Lineup Slimmed to Single Variant

R300,000 hatchbacks taking on the updated Mazda 2 in South Africa

17-year-old Fiat Palio: 76,000 km major update including engine swap

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel