The new generation of the Fiat 500e is coming soon, and the pre-orders are already running, so let us have a look at the (substantial) changes it brings along.
The exterior of the urban compact still stays true to its vintage predecessor from 1957, and the interior lacks the center tunnel. Changes on the outside include the rear bumper and brake lights, the DRL slits in the hood cover, and the new ‘500’ badge instead of the Fiat emblem.
The cabin has been redesigned from the ground up. Gone is the multi-level front panel with plenty of controls, and a clean 10.25-inch multimedia display occupies its place now, sitting on a stand next to the HVAC and the drive mode selector. A round seven-inch display serves as the instrument panel, and all key indicators are also displayed on the new squared-off steering wheel.
For now, the Fiat 500e will only ship with a single 120-hp (90-kW) electric motor and a 42-kWh battery on board. Despite the apparent small capacity, the WLTP-rated driving range is actually quite impressive at 320 kilometers (200 miles). Getting from zero to 50 km/h (31 mph) takes 3.1 seconds, and the upper limit is 150 km/h (93 mph).
Those willing to get their 500e ahead of the others can leave their pre-order for the First Edition now (€37,900). Later on, the entry-level spec will become available priced considerably lower at €30,000.