Fiat has unveiled the new 600e model – a fully electric SUV due in 2024
- Replaces the Fiat 500X and 500L models
- Approximate 250-mile range figure
- On sale in autumn 2023
Fiat has just unveiled its upcoming Fiat 600e model, which will be the brand’s second fully electric vehicle, and first electric SUV. The 600e gets styling that draws heavy inspiration from the latest Fiat 500 and uses the same underpinnings as found in the new Jeep Avenger.
The Italian marque revealed the new car for the first time in a video titled Open Doors, showing the 600e SUV driving through cities around the world. The footage reveals a small, 5-door SUV that looks fairly similar to the outgoing Fiat 500X in terms of size and shape. With the car set to be based on Fiat’s latest all-electric platform, however, we’d expect it to offer considerably more interior space and practicality, possibly in line with that of the old 500L MPV.
A later video showed a publicity stunt in which Fiat CEO, Olivier Francois, can be seen in a grey 600e model being lowered into a vat of bright orange paint as part of a pledge by the company to stop producing grey cars, instead offering only vibrant colours that represent the ‘landscapes of Italy.’
The Fiat 600e’s design takes cues from the smaller retro-inspired 500 model, such as the semicircle headlights and clamshell-style bonnet, but its larger size gives space for a larger battery.
Shots of the 600e’s interior reveal a round digital instrument cluster like in the 500, but with a similar central touchscreen infotainment system. As a whole, the 600e’s cabin appears more restrained and less retro-inspired than the 500 city cars. It’s a slightly more minimalist design, with just a few heating and climate control buttons sitting beneath the central screen.
The 600e will use a 54kWh battery for an official range of around 249 miles – that’s similar to the Citroen e-C4 X and Vauxhall Astra Electric with which it shares these components. A 100kW charging capability means an 80% top-up in around half an hour is possible at a public charging station. It also gets just one electric motor option: a 154bhp unit powering the front wheels and giving it a 0-62mph time of nine seconds.
The 600e is set to go on sale by autumn 2023 in the UK, with deliveries due by the end of the year. Pricing and trim levels are yet to be confirmed, but we’d expect an approximate £36,000 figure, pitting Fiat’s latest electric car up against the Hyundai Kona, Kia Niro EV and Jeep Avenger EV.
What does this mean for buyers?
The Fiat 600e is a hugely significant car for the brand, not only is it a new entry in the rapidly expanding SUV sector but it also makes use of the latest electric platform technology from Fiat’s parent company Stellantis.
As far back as 2020, Carbuyer spoke to Fiat boss Olivier Francois and he hinted at the plan to replace both the 500X and the 500L MPV with a single electric model. Now we have that car in the shape of this new Fiat 600e. Fiat will be hoping that it hits the mark with car buyers in the UK and around the world, but it’s up against some stiff competition.
Need to sell your car?Find your best offer from over 5,000+ dealers. It’s that easy.
Rated
'Excellent'
Trustpilot
Keyword: New Fiat 600e electric SUV breaks cover