Abarth has revealed details of its new all-electric sporting flagship - the 500e. The newcomer, which wears the badge of Fiat’s sporting off-shoot, will sit above the 500e in Fiat’s UK line-up and marks the first occasion that the Abarth badge has been used on an all-electric model. 

The Abarth 500e will be available in both hatch and cabrio forms with both models featuring a host of additional features. The first model to arrive will be a Limited Edition Scorpionissima, which will be followed by a standard Abarth version. Just 1,949 examples will be made – a number that pays homage to the brand’s birth year.

In terms of design, the most notable addition is a new front bumper that features a deeper honeycomb design in its lower section along with the Abarth word mark above the number plate. The rear bumper adds new diffuser elements while the sides are finished with Abarth decals the brand’s famous scorpion logo on the quarter panel. New 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels and titanium grey door mirrors complete the design makeover. Two colours will be available initially: Poison Blue and Acid Green. 

Inside, the limited edition Scorpionissima inroduces new sport seats finished in Alcantara with contrast stitching. The same material combination also features on the dashboard, steering wheel and door panels. The Scorpionissima also comes with heated front seats and windscreen, height adjustable driver seat, and 50/50 split folding rear seats. A black headlining and pillar covers further enhance the sporty feel inside.

​The Abarth 500e comes with a 42kWh battery - which is the same size as the pack fitted to the normal 500. But don’t be fooled - it’s not exactly the same battery. In order to deliver 155bhp to the wheels, Abarth had to create a new specification that allows for a bigger transfer of energy. ​

In a set of somewhat bizarre measurements, Abarth claims that the 500e is faster than the petrol-engined Abarth 695 version from 37-62mph, 25-37mph and additionally from 12-25mph and suggests that the Abarth 500e posted a quicker time around Fiat’s legendary Balocco’s test track.

Standard 42kWh battery pack can be charged to 80% in around 35 minutes, according to Abarth

Drivers can choose from three driving modes: Turismo, Scorpion Street and Scorpion Track. Turismo reduces the motor power output to 134bhp for improved efficiency, while Scorpion Street mode offers top performance while maximising regenerative braking. Scorpion Track mode is designed for those who are looking for top performance, although Abarth has yet to reveal what features or additional performance this mode unlocks.

Abarth is also yet to announce what WLTP range customers can expect from the Abarth 500e. The standard 500e manages 199 miles from a single charge, so the Abarth 500e with its increased power output is likely to be lower.

In terms of charging, the Abarth 500e mirrors the 500e with a rapid charge speed of just 85kW. A 10-80% charge will take 35 minutes according to Fiat’s internal figures. A full charge on a domestic 7kW wallbox will take around six hours. 

Fiat will equip the Abarth 500e with what is describes as the only Sound Generator in its class. Designed to appeal to buyers who like the sound of a real exhaust pipe, the 500e’s underbonnet speaker delivers the sound of an Abarth petrol engine. Thankfully, the system can be switched off by the driver and is likely to be an option when the standard models are announced. 

Interestingly, Abarth will be the first Stellantis brand to move an online sales model. Bosses have confirmed that the ‘customer experience of the New Abarth 500e will be paperless, online, and intuitive.’ The new online buying channel will start on November 22, with the Abarth 500e Scorpionissima Edition. An exclusive one-month pre-booking phase will be dedicated to the ‘Abarth community’ members only, as a special reward for their engagement in the co-creation of the New 500 through the web-based “Performance creators” project. Reservations for non-members will open shortly after.

No prices have been announced, but with the standard Fiat 500e costing from £30,645, it’s likely that the Abarth version is likely to start from around £34,000. UK deliveries are expected to start in Spring 2023.   

Abarth 500e interior features embossed Alcantara finishes along with a new three-spoke steering wheel