Fiat as a brand has had a lot more misses than hits! The only cars this Italian marque has managed to push into the States are the 500 line-ups and the cool top-down 124 Spider. The Fiat 500 was classic, contemporary, and most importantly, a perfect urban runabout. And when Fiat decided to pull the plug on the ICE Fiat 500, we had to take the news with a bit of salt.
Turns out, that it wasn't needed after all! The whole Fiat 500 line-up has been converted into full-fledged EVs. It all started back in 2013 when Fiat experimented with an all-electric iteration of the iconic 500, along with the humble ICE iterations. Situations were not so convincing back then, nor was it up until 2019 also. This is why Fiat discontinued the Fiat 500e in the US.
But they refined the electric 500, and made it better over the years, making it quite likable in European countries. Now, the whole 500 line-up is electric, and Fiat has gotten rid of the 'e' as it is now a common factor. The latest iteration of the Fiat 500e or simply Fiat 500 is still not offered to us but brings forth quite a few interesting changes with peppy city performance, and ample driving range. Its arch-rival currently is the equally iconic Mini Cooper SE, which has also taken the electric route. Classic cars are taking the electric route to stay relevant in this modern world, and it isn't a bad thing!
The 2021 Fiat 500e has gotten better in terms of driving dynamics, features, and breezy urban performance. Going electric has actually done a lot more good for this iconic city car.
2021 Fiat 500e Gets Two Flexible Powertrain Options
We are quite shaken by the fact that there won't be a Fiat Abarth 500 anymore. But with ICE engines out of the way, Fiat has actually opened up for more room for improvement. The standard ICE Fiat 500 was quite boring, to say the least with lackluster performance. But that has changed drastically with the new duo of electric powertrain options.
The base 24 kWh battery pack is quite humble in its performance output and is catered more towards driving range with a quoted WLTP range of 112 miles. The bigger more powerful 42 kWh pumps out 118 HP and 162 lb-ft of torque. This helps the 500e cross the 62 MPH mark in a cozy 9 seconds and has a top speed of 150 MPH.
Built From The Ground-Up On An All-New Platform
The most impressive change that the electrification of the Fiat 500 has bought, is its much-improved driving dynamics. The 2021 500e is built atop an all-new platform that provides for a much wider and more stable layout. The new chassis has also paved for improved suspension and added maneuverability. A jumpy ride was what tipped many off when it came to the old Fiat 500, and that has been addressed beautifully in the Fiat 500e.
The turning radius has also been substantially reduced, which helps driving this pretty silent Italian around the city. Furthermore, the Fiat 500e also comes with three driving modes - Normal, Range, and Sherpa, which tweaks between the performance and battery life parameters.
The 2021 Fiat 500e Interior Is Refreshingly Spacious And Up-Market
The added footprint has also translated to an airy cabin for the 2021 Fiat 500e. It is now devoid of all those cheap clumsy plastic elements, and fit-and-finish has drastically improved. The only downside here is that Fiat has gotten rid of the retro vibe that this cute city car possessed. The instrument cluster is digital and is a well-portrayed 7-inch color screen.
The dashboard has a clean layout and is garlanded well with the 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system. It comes with all of the latest connectivity goodies including Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It runs on a Uconnect 5 interface that is fairly easy to go by. The concise flat-bottom steering wheel adds a bit of sportiness to the overall plush layout.
The Timeless Design Now Gets Adorned With Modern Elements
We are glad that Fiat didn't meddle with the iconic form factor of the 500. But they have made suitable changes to the exterior design to bring it in line with the modern wave of electric city cars. While the Fiat 500e has grown in size (2.3 inches in width and length), it is not quite evident. The bulbous body helps keep that difference to the bare minimum to the eyes.
The most notable changes are on the front and rear facia which are not much smoother with little to no openings. The reworked LED lighting goes a long way in breathing freshness into this city car. There is no 'Fiat' badging in the front and is now replaced by a '500' badging, dot in between the grille. Prominent shoulder lines and muscular hood lines are reminiscent of the iconic Fiat 500 from the late 1950s.
Will We Get This Electrified Reincarnation Of An Italian Icon?
Fiat has discontinued the Fiat 500, 500e, and 500 Abarth for North America and so, chances are close to nothing, for the newest iteration of this green Fiat to reach our shores. It is quite rare for classic cars to be brought back to their classic appeal with electrification. But Fiat did it with the 500e, or must we say, just '500'. And if the road goes smooth, Fiat might bring the all-new silent icon back in the near future.
Sources: Motor1.com, Caranddrvier.com, Insideevs.com, Autoweek.com